Classical Music / Strings

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    Southern Tasmania
    Allison Farrow
    A classically-trained vocalist, actor and presenter with special interests in music theatre, jazz and children’s entertainment.  Allison performs beautifully solo, as a duo with Andrew Short  and with trio “Swoon”.  An exceptional performer whose credits include prominent Tasmanian Festival of Voices, Community Christmas Carols and numerous lead roles in major theatre musical productions.  Allison can adapt to a number of styles (including pop, folk, country, classical and music theatre). If you want to add a touch of class to your event Island Entertainment will work with you and Allison to find the perfect show stopper. Allison Farrow Equally at home in front of an orchestra or in a country music hall, Allison is a versatile performer with almost 30 years of performing experience across a number of genres. She has performed throughout Australia, Europe and Asia and has been involved in festivals worldwide, including Edinburgh Fringe, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Ten Days on the Island, Festival of Voices, MONAFOMA and TasPride. A classically trained soprano, Allison has played roles including Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, Lily in The Secret Garden, Papagena in The Magic Flute, Cosette in Les Miserables, Johanna in Sweeney Todd, Claudia in Nine, Judy/Ginger in Ruthless! The Musical, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady and Sylvia in the world premiere of For the Term of His Natural Life. Her one-woman cabarets I’m a Stranger Here Myself: the Songs of Kurt Weill, In the Still of the Night: an evening with Cole Porter, and Dumb Blonde: the genius of Dolly Parton have played to popular and critical acclaim. In 2013 she presented Spring Fever: Allison Farrow with Kelly Ottaway and band with the Theatre Royal, Hobart. For Bel Canto Young Opera, Allison has performed the role of Serpina in Pergolesi’s The Perfect Wife and the title role in Peter Maxwell Davies’ Cinderella. She has also worked with IHOS opera, in productions including Rapture and The Divine Kiss, and recorded a solo work for soprano, Incantation Echo, which was broadcast on Classic FM. Allison performed in Dylan Sheridan’s chamber opera, starchild, as part of MONA FOMA in 2013. Allison provided the voice for ‘Betty Bug’ in Blue Rocket’s animated television series Buzz Bumble and featured numerous times with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, narrating/singing for Little Red Riding Hood in 2014, Maximus Musicus Visits the Orchestra in 2015 (and again in May 2019) and The Tale of Gibson in 2016. Her children’s shows have been a regular fixture in the Festival of Voices and include Sing a Rainbow (2016), Rhymes My Nanna Taught Me (2017), More Rhymes My Nanna Taught Me (2018) and Jazz Hands (2019). Allison performs regularly with her jazz quintet Allison Farrow & Friends for corporate and festival events, and is a member of the glamorous female harmony trio Swoon. Allison Farrow and Andrew Short Allison and Andrew have been performing together for more than 25 years, sharing the stage as the Cosette and Marius in Les Miserables (2000), Christine and Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera (2013), and Eliza and Freddy in My Fair Lady (2019). Known as the gorgeous couple behind the Festival of Voices perennial sell-out event, Afternoon at the Ritz, the duo have also featured for the Clarence Jazz Festival with their show Lullaby of Broadway, and featured in Judy Tierney’s Burning Desire Festival in 2020. Allison and Andrew are both local artists with extensive lists of individual credits.

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    Lorem Ipsum
    Amanda Hodder
    Amanda can play a huge cross section of classical piano repertoire and cocktail’ish piano pieces. Described as “magic” by esteemed pianist and accompanist Malcolm Martineau, Amanda has worked as pianist, vocal coach and music director with Opera Australia, OzOpera, Opera Queensland, VCA, Sydney Philarmonia Choirs, Gondwana Voices, University of Tasmania and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. While completing her Master of Music at the Victorian College of Arts with Dr Donna Coleman, she won the Geoffrey Parsons Award, The Mietta Song Recital Award, the Accompanist Award at Liederfest, and the Lady Hamer Scholarship at VCA. A keen collaborator, Amanda has co-created new works for Festival of Voices, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Melbourne Cabaret Festival, Melbourne Comedy Festival, St Martins Youth Arts and Junction Arts Festival. In recording, Amanda has appeared on Monique Brumby’s latest album Closer to the Truth, Hush Vol. 20, and regularly appears on Classic FM performing the music of Tasmanian composer Jabra Latham. Having recently left her role as Co-ordinator of Classical Voice at the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music, Amanda has spent the first half of 2021 performing at Mona Foma, Ten Days on the Island, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Australian Musical Theatre Festival, and Festival of Voices. A passionate advocate for community group singing, Amanda runs the Hobart Glee Club, a zero-obligation choir that meets once a week.

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    Hobart,Willing to Travel
    Cary Lewincamp
    Cary Lewincamp’s solo guitar performances are emotive and passionate, a still point of reference in a world, which is becoming an increasingly uncertain place. He is one of Australia’s best selling independent artists; yet, he remains a fresh new musical experience waiting to be discovered by a growing audience. Cary’s beautiful original solo guitar music draws on the best elements of jazz, latin, folk, finger style blues and echoes of classical technique. Cary’s music transcends barriers and is loved by people of all ages and backgrounds. Cary plays two, specially built, hand made Gary Rizzolo seven-string acoustic/electric guitars. The extra bass string gives a wider tonal range and more warmth allowing the subtle nuances of his intricate playing style to shine through. Cary was born in Tasmania in 1952. As a child he played the piano and at the age of 17 he taught himself to play the guitar. Originally a primary school teacher, Cary has also worked as an ABC scriptwriter for the program Singing and Listening, and as the Musical Director with the Salamanca Theatre Company. His music has been used widely as backing sound for programs such as the acclaimed ABC documentary series, Australian Story. He also wrote and performed the music for the ABC Tasmanian drama, The Town That Died. He has performed with Tommy Emmanuel, Olivia Newton John, David Gates (Bread), Don Burrows, Christine Sullivan and others. Currently his music is played regularly on ABC national radio and Classic FM. He composed and performed “˜A place in our hearts’ for the state funeral of our late premier, Jim Bacon. He has given a highly successful and much loved solo guitar concert for the 10 days on the island festival and has performed at the National Folk Festival. He has toured internationally with a focus in Japan. Cary’s concerts provide the audience with a delightful insight into the stories & inspiration behind his music, as well as experiencing his live interpretations of his compositions. To describe Cary’s solo guitar performances in words could only belie the depth of his talent. See him in concert and let the musical experience speak for itself.

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    Hobart, Willing to Travel
    Charlie McCarthy
    Originally from Ireland, Charlie McCarthy is an Australian based violinist/fiddle player who has performed with symphony orchestras, Celtic dance bands, chamber ensembles, jazz combos, bluegrass and Irish bands as well as being a session musician/soloist for movie soundtracks, pit orchestras, studio recordings and everything in between. Charlie began learning the violin when he was two years old and comes from a classical family background. From an early start in the Suzuki system and humble beginnings playing viola in youth orchestras, busking and string quartet gigs at weddings he has gone on to perform as a professional orchestral musician, session recording player, live looper and band leader in folk and jazz ensembles. Charlie has performed at most of the major music festivals and music venues in Australia with the bluegrass group The Seals, jazz quartet Belleville and presently with Hobart based ensembles The Harry Edwards Quartet and Django’s Tiger. As an educator he has previously held the position of Head of Strings at Perth College in Western Australia and Head of Strings at St Michael’s Collegiate in Hobart. Charlie is currently a lecturer at the University of Tasmania in contemporary violin and also offers online violin lessons for players of all ages and styles. He presents Professional Development Seminars through the Australian String Teachers Association (AUSTA) and coordinates string workshops and camps throughout Australia. As an artist constantly developing and refining his own pedagogical philosophy his students benefit from his genuine love of music and his ability to kindle artistry as well as sequencing practical technique. Current projects in include original jazz with the Harry Edwards Quartet (www.harryedwardsmusic.com), developing a new type of polyphonic violin bow (www.polycordebow.com) and also producing the Postclassical Violin method book series for the modern player. Above all, Charlie McCarthy just loves playing the fiddle and having a great time sharing the joy of music with others.

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    Hobart
    Davey String Quartet

    Formed in 1992, the Davey String Quartet features musicians who also perform with the Tasmanian Symphony, orchestras interstate and graduates from the Conservatorium. We comprise two violins, viola and cello. The Davey String Quartet is Tasmania’s busiest string quartet, performing at functions in Hobart and throughout the state. We play an enormous repertoire spanning many centuries including classical music, jazz standards, Celtic and popular music. We particularly enjoy arranging and performing music from the 1920’s and ’30’s by composers such as Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and George Gershwin. Musicians of the Davey String Quartet have provided music for * Australian of the Year Award 2005 * Henry Jones Art Hotel * “1888 Dinner”, Hobart Town Hall * Bradman Oration Dinner, Government House * Taste of Tasmania 2005 (launch and “First Bite”) * Wrest Point Corporate Tower Club * Bel Canto Australia * Law Librarians conference 2005 * Army Medical Doctors’ Annual Dinner (14 years) * Government House; Australia Day Award investitures STRING QUARTET PERSONNEL – and career highlights Tullia Ashton-Lomax (violin) |* Melbourne trained, majoring in violin and composition * enjoyed playing opera and ballet repertoire with Orchestra Victoria * member of Geminiani Chamber Orchestra (Melbourne) * has premiered many contemporary Australia Operas * a passionate performer of American Appalachian Folk Music * has written children’s books with musical accompaniment * currently conducting at Young Conservatorium, very much interested in music education Anita Schleebs (violin) * Graduate, Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music * Australian Youth Orchestra * Regular performer in Tasmania’s Theatre orchestras Nara Dennis (viola/arranger) * studied viola and piano in Adelaide, Sydney and Vienna * performed overseas with orchestras in Vienna, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Auckland * member of Queensland Symphony Orchestra 1986-1992 * worked with Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra for 10 years * a professional music arranger and copyist, working over 5 Australian states * currently now enjoying a very busy free-lance life in Hobart with Davey String Quartet, “Strings on Fire”, a large teaching practice and Music Theatre work Pam Kirkland (cello) * Tasmanian born and bred, studied with Sela Trau and Christian Wojtowicz * Post Graduate degree in Performance from the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music * Founding member of the Hobart Chamber Orchestra and Davey String Quartet * plays an English cello by Thomas Kennedy from 1838   Davey String Quartet classical repertoire–  (Opens in new tab) Davey String Quartet contemporary repertoire– – (Opens in new tab)

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    Northern, Willing to travel
    Emily Sanzaro
    Emily is a harpist, vocalist, violinist and electronic loop artist based in Launceston, Tasmania.  She is passionate about performance and the harp lends itself to this with its dramatic appearance and magical sound. Emily’s passion lies in creating contemporary arrangements, original compositions, improvisations and experimentation with percussion, electronic effects and looping.  She also plays a wide range of musical genres including folk, jazz, blues & classical. Relishing any opportunity to depart from the type of music audiences expect to hear from a  harp, with the use of her loopstation she is able to combine harp, vocals, violin, percussion and pedal effects into her solo performance creating a complex, multi-layered sound.  She is also able to present the harp as a solo acoustic instrument for a traditional sound when the occasion requires it.  Emily will work professionally with you to provide the right style of performance to suit your needs. Emily is a versatile performer, with experience in numerous solo and collaborative performance contexts.  Emily has performed multiple times at MONA FOMA, Dark Mofo, Days on the Island, FARO Music Cluster @ MONA, MOFO Sessions Music @ MONA, Beaker Street Science Festival, Taste of Tasmania, ECHO Festival, Junction Arts Festival, along with multiple live radio broadcasts with ABC radio.  Emily contributed as a sessional recording artist for Holy Holy’s ARIA nominated album ‘Hello My Beautiful World’. Her debut solo album of original contemporary music; ‘AWAKEN’ released in 2021 with the support of a grant from the Arts Tasmania ‘Contemporary Music Fund’.  This album was launched with 5 sold out live performances as part of MONA FOMA 2022 at the QVMAG Planetarium along with Emily’s original film projections. Emily attended the Australian Art Orchestra ‘Creative Music Intensive’ in 2019 as a recipient of a MONA full scholarship and is an active member of Launceston’s ‘Composers’ Cage Collective’. Emily has a close working relationship with Tasdance, has performed on multiple occasions with the Launceston Philharmonic Orchestra and has served as president of the Harp Society of Tasmania.  Emily is also a registered Occupational Therapist and works as a therapeutic harpist playing her small harp at the beside for palliative patients in the last stages of their life. An avid bushwalker Emily takes her small harp into the Tasmanian wilderness whenever possible with her bespoke Macpac backpack.

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    Hobart,Willing to Travel,
    Jamie Willson
    Jamie is a well known and sought after percussionist within the Hobart music scene. Jamie is multi-talented, playing both classical percussion, drum kit and jazz vibraphone and has received the Clarence Jazz Festival Ian Pearce Scholarship in 2018 and the Jazz Improvisation Outstanding Student award at the West Texas A&M University Band Camp in 2019. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Music majoring in Classical Percussion at Utas and was awarded the Susan Williams Prize for TCE music in 2020. He has been studying percussion and drum kit since 2011, studying under Tracey Patten, Matt Goddard and Gary Wain. Jamie was selected for, and participated in the Australian Youth Orchestra Young Symphonists program in 2016, 2017 & 2018. In 2018 he won the Hobart Eisteddfod Just Percussion Special Award ““ Most promising percussionist. He is also currently a permanent percussionist in the A Grade Glenorchy City Council Brass Band and a member of the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra Percussion Ensemble. A keen jazz player, playing vibraphone and drum kit and studying improvisation under Kelly Ottaway. He has played on stage at the Clarence Jazz Festival with George Washingmachine and Adrian Cunningham. Jamie is always interested in collaboration and can step into any percussion/drum kit opportunity. He plays across a broad range of genres and is equally comfortable as a soloist or member of an ensemble. As a solo vibraphonist, Jamie enjoys playing jazz standards, in particular works by the Modern Jazz Quartet, and easy listening songs. He is equally at home playing solo classical percussion repertoire. Jamie is based in southern Tasmania but he is happy to travel. Perfect for your event.

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    Hobart,Willing to Travel,
    Jane Morris
    Jane Morris is a freelance singer, flautist and recording artist specialising in many genres of music including Irish, Jazz and Folk and Classical music. An accomplished and versatile musician, her instruments include all members of the flute family, Irish whistles and voice. Over the last two decades,-  performance opportunities have taken her around-  the world including all over Australia, Singapore, Ireland and the US, playing with various bands, ensembles & orchestras. Jane studied flute (Bmus Performance) at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)- and the College of Music in Dublin. Whilst in Ireland, working as a freelance flautist, she travelled extensively performing at various venues- including the- Town Hall Theatre (GALWAY),- Christchurch Cathedral, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral,- RTE studios and the- National Concert Hall (DUBLIN). Moving back to WA in 2005, Jane established-  performance opportunities with resident gigs and regular touring. As a flautist highlights include performing at the American National Flute Association convention in Times Square NYC (2009), the- Bell Awards at the- Wharf Theatre in Sydney (2011), the Australian Flute Festival in Adelaide (2009) and Canberra (2011) and Mary Poppins at the Theatre Royal in Hobart (2018). Performance highlights as a vocalist include the Fly By Night Club,- WA (2014), Albany Entertainment Centre WA , (2014/2017), Fairbridge Festival WA- (2014/2017), Ellington Jazz Club WA (2010/2014) – MONA ,TAS The Void (2017) & The Nolan Gallery (2018), Devonport Jazz Festival, TAS (2017/2018), Dark Mofo Winterfeast Festival, TAS (2017/2018) , Oz Manouche Jazz Festival, QLD (2018) and the Taste of Tasmania Festival, TAS (2018/2019). Jane is available to perform as a Duo, Trio, Quartet or Quintet is more than happy to travel any road that leads to a gig. See more of Jane with Folk Yeah! (Opens in a new tab)

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    Hobart
    Just Duet
    The concept of two violins improvising and accompanying each other, while commonplace in country music, is practically unheard of in jazz with a few notable instances. “Just Duet” (Emily Sheppard and Charlie McCarthy) is a twin fiddle swing project presenting a selection of gypsy jazz violin classics to highlight the music of famed duets of the past such as the legendary Stuff Smith & Stephane Grappelli (Stuff & Steph) to more contemporary jazz violin duet partnerships, Christian Howes and Billy Contreras (Jazz Violin Revolutions). “Just Duet” combines toe-tapping swing, breakneck gypsy classics, wistful Parisian ballads and re-worked jazz standards in a vibrant and engaging mix of acoustic music, all performed with the dazzling virtuosity, fun and passion that is intrinsic to the gypsy jazz violin tradition.

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    Southern Tasmania Willing to travel
    Nebula Ensemble
    Introducing the Nebula Ensemble, Tasmania’s premier classical trio, renowned for their captivating performances at weddings, functions, and parties. With a wide-ranging repertoire, they bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to any event. Book them for an unforgettable musical experience that will elevate your special occasion to new heights.

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    North West Tasmania, willing to travel
    Riches & Wood
    Riches & Wood have been collaborating for nearly a decade, this elegant chamber music duo perform repertoire from the renaissance to the 21st century composed and arranged for violin and guitar. From Tasmania, Australia, Josie and David’s audiences have commented about their music… “I was enraptured during your recital”“it just sent tingles down our spines”“[the recital] was elegant and perfect for the event.”, and “We could have been in an Austrian concert hall and their playing was so enchanting…”.

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    Hobart, Willing to Travel
    Select Strings
    Select Strings is a string quartet of classically trained musicians based in Hobart Tasmania with a wide and diverse range of experience in chamber music. Since coming together in 2002 Select Strings has played for many celebratory occasions such as weddings, parties, award ceremonies and corporate functions. Select Strings are music graduates of the- Conservatorium of Music- who have played with professional orchestras, both in Tasmania and interstate. Our members play and perform regularly in concerts with the Hobart Chamber Orchestra. Select Strings can give your wedding or special event that extra edge that live music can add. The string quartet is made up of two violins, viola and cello. This combination offers the optimal ambience as an ensemble for a range of venues.

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    Hobart
    Strings on Fire
    Strings on Fire – is Tasmania’s leading and most versatile String Quartet! – Since forming in Hobart in 2001, the ensemble has established a reputation for excellence in presentation, performance and customer relations. The classically trained musicians of Strings on Fire have all played internationally and throughout Australia ““ but also share a passion to broaden the boundaries of standard string quartet repertoire; playing original modern arrangements of jazz and contemporary music as well as all the classical favourites. In addition to providing music for special occasions and private functions, Strings on Fire have accompanied international artists including Meow Meow, Il Divo, William Basinski, David Hobson and Colin Lane. They are in high demand playing at weddings, corporate functions and events, and in concert every year. Strings on Fire have performed at functions for HRH Prince Edward Earl of Essex, Oprah Winfrey, Crown Princess Mary, the Donald Bradman Oration dinner and World Buddhist Convention. The quartet were featured on the TV series “˜The Gourmet Farmer’, “˜Tourism Australia’ advertising campaign, ‘Australian of the Year Awards’ and have played at events from Dark MOFO concerts to a State Memorial Service and many high-profile weddings. STRING QUARTET PERSONNEL – and career highlights Chris Nicholas (violin) Honours Graduate, Sydney University Graduate Diploma Performance, Sydney Conservatorium Australian Youth Orchestra Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Tasmanian Symphony Chamber Players Virtuosi Tasmania Anita Schleebs (violin) Graduate, Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music Australian Youth Orchestra Tasmania’s Music Theatre orchestras Nara Dennis (viola/arranger) Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra (The Netherlands) Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra Queensland Symphony Orchestra Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Virtuosi Tasmania Tony Morgan (cello) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (London) Principal Cello, Sydney Symphony Orchestra Principal Cello, Australian Opera Orchestra Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Strings on Fire are also available as the Strings on Fire WOW Orchestra– for a fuller Orchestral sound and a broad range of genres.

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  • 12-20
    Hobart
    Strings on Fire WOW Orchestra
    Our string orchestra can feature 12 – 20 professional musicians with a richness and power to fill your venue and add style to your company event . A dynamic ensemble adept in many genres. Flexibility in repertoire from the great classics such as Mozart and Vivaldi to arrangements of pop, rock and jazz. Musicians from Strings on Fire have played with ensembles throughout Australia and internationally.

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    Hobart
    Sullivan Quartet
    The Sullivan Quartet is comprised of graduates from the Conservatorium of Music, University of Tasmania. They have-  performed at premiere venues around Hobart, including MONA, University of Tasmania, the Grand Chancellor, Wrest Point Casino, Government House, and many others. Alethea Coombe, violin Alethea Coombe grew up in Canberra and studied with Barbara-Jane Gilby before moving to Brisbane to complete her Bachelor of Music (Honours) with Michele Walsh at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. She moved to Hobart to undertake her Masters with Dr Susan Collins at the University of Tasmania. Alethea has performed at soundSCAPE (Italy), Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival (Finland), the International Summer Course for New Music at Darmstadt (Germany) the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (Townsville) and The Unconformity (Tasmania), and is a casual violinist with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Josh Farner, violin Joshua Farner is from Hobart, Tasmania, and began playing the violin at the age of nine. Following completion of a Bachelor of Engineering with 1st class Honours, he was awarded a University of Tasmania String Scholarship and commenced a Bachelor of Music under the tutelage of Dr. Susan Collins. Josh has performed with the Tasmanian Discovery Orchestra and the Australian International Symphony Orchestra Institute (AISOI), and regularly performs as section leader and concertino player with the Hobart Chamber Orchestra. In 2018 Josh was awarded the D & MV McDonald Scholarship in Music from the University of Tasmania, allowing him to travel to London to study under renowned pedagogues Simon Fischer and David Takeno. He looks forward to sharing his experiences back in Hobart. Madeline Nichols, viola Madeline completed her Bachelor of Music Performance at the Victorian College of the Arts, Honours in Music Performance at The University of Melbourne, and Honours Elite in Music performance at the University of Tasmania, specialising on the viola. She has studied with Amanda Fairs, Fiona Sargeant, Trevor Jones, Simon Oswell, and Jo St Leon. During her tertiary music studies, Madeline held principal viola positions in the Melbourne Youth Orchestra, The University of Melbourne Orchestra, the University of Tasmania Conservatorium Orchestra and the Australian International Symphony Orchestra Institute Orchestra. She has also played with the Australian Youth Orchestra and performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and members of the Australian Chamber Orchestra in collaborative youth music projects. Lachlan Johnson, cello Lachie is a Hobart-based cellist and teacher, performing regularly in a wide variety of local ensembles, including stints as principal cellist with the Hobart Chamber Orchestra, the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music Symphony Orchestra, and the Tasmanian Discovery Orchestra.-  He undertook a Bachelor of Music studying under Markus Stocker at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, and continued studies with Sue-Ellen Paulsen at UTas, where he received the university medal in 2016. Have a special request that’s not in our repertoire? Please ask us and we’ll see what we can do!

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    Hobart
    TYO String Quartet
    Tasmania’s brightest emerging talent! The TYO string quartet features the senior musicians of Tasmanian Youth Orchestra’s flagship ensemble the best of the best of Tasmania’s young performers. After being mentored by some of Tasmania’s foremost string players and chamber musicians, this elite quartet will add elegance and vitality to your event. Repertoire is largely classical but the quartet can work with you to ensure you get that special sparkle to match your theme.

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