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United Kingdom
I have performed and recorded as principal violist in orchestras around the world & have over 20 years teaching and performing experience
I love teaching people of all ages, but particularly enjoy teaching enthusiastic adults who want to learn the violin or viola or just to improve the skills that you already have. I use a variety of methods and music, but I think that the most important thing is to enjoy making music whilst improving your technical abilities no matter what age or stage you are at! I spent more than 12 years teaching violin, viola, chamber music and orchestral skills in the top schools in Sydney, including the Sydney Conservatorium of Music High School and I look forward to sharing my experience with you!
During this time in Australia, I had the pleasure of frequently playing as Principal violist with the Opera Australia Orchestra in the world famous Sydney Opera House as well as performing there regularly with international soloists and conductors such as Vladimir Ashkenazy with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
From 2012 onwards, I was invited by Opera Australia to lead the viola section in the inaugural seasons of the trailblazing HANDA Opera on Sydney Harbour. We performed on a specially built stage, in the water, whilst thousands of audience members enjoyed the performances each night in the beautiful outdoor setting of the Botanic Gardens overlooking the sparkling harbour. I have included a video clip of the Humming Chorus from Puccini’s Opera, Madame Butterfly, where you can hear me playing the viola solo with the chorus of Opera Australia. All five of these productions are available to purchase on DVD.
With a passion for chamber music, I am a founding member of the dynamic Sydney-based string quartet, the Enigma Quartet with whom I performed in Hawaii as part of the Honolulu Chamber Music Series in February this year. We regularly performed on ABC Classic FM, played at Music Festivals around Australia as well as internationally and have commissioned new works from Australian contemporary composers.
At home as a session musician as well as performing onstage, I have recorded many Hollywood film soundtracks and appear on multiple hit albums.
I also have an interest in Historically Informed Performance Practice and have played as a solo violist with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, who specialise in Baroque music and perform on instruments (or copies) from that era. I have also performed and recorded with the Australian Haydn Ensemble (who mostly perform Classical repertoire) as their guest principal violist and have toured Australia as part of the ensemble’s string quartet.
Currently based back in Europe, I have been on contract with the Biel/Solothurn Symphony Orchestra (Switzerland) as their principal violist, as well as with the orchestra of Musique des Lumières. I love travelling to perform with my other ensemble, the Berlin-based contemporary chamber ensemble, s t a r g a z e, with whom I recently performed with on violin as part of the Barbican's Beethoven Weekender Festival in London.
Experience & Education
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Symphony Orchestra of Biel/Solothurn 2017 – Present
Guest Principal Violist and Tutti ViolistPerforming around Switzerland and Internationally both Symphonic and Operatic repertoire -
Opera Australia Orchestra 2006 – 2017
Guest Principal, Assistant Principal and Tutti ViolistOver the ten years that I was working for this orchestra, I lead the viola section frequently including for the company's flagship productions of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour and many other Opera and Ballet performances in the Sydney Opera House. -
Sydney Symphony Orchestra 2005 – 2016
Tutti Viola - Extra playerRegular casual work with this world class orchestra in the Sydney Opera House as well as international touring. -
Enigma Quartet 2006 – 2016
Founding MemberRecitals at music festivals in Australia and around the world as well as radio broadcasts on ABC Classic FM with a special passion for Australian Contemporary Music and working with recording artists such as Mike Rosenberg AKA Passenger. -
s t a r g a z e 2016 – Present
Violinist and ViolistPlaying Violin and Viola for this versatile Berlin-based group fronted by the German Conductor André de Ridder. Collaborating with musicians such as Damon Albarn from Blur, The American Rock/Alternative group Poliça and Justin Vernon from Bon Iver. -
The University of Leeds 1997 – 2001
BMUS Degree with First Class Honours -
Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) 2001 – 2003
Masters Degree -
Franz Liszt Hochschule für Musik 1999 – 2000
Erasmus Year -
Sydney Conservatorium of Music 2004 – 2004
Graduate Diploma - Postgraduate Certificate
Reviews
Deb G.
November
Shelley is an excellent teacher!! As an adult student, I had struggled to find a teacher who worked well with adults and who could help me progress in my practice. Shelley has really helped me improve my technique and work on my musicality! She has helped me to find a mix of challenging and fun music to study. Shelley has motivated and inspired me, and and helped me to work towards my goals! I highly recommend trying a lesson with Shelley!
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