Julian Smiles has for over 30 years been a central figure in cello performance and teaching in Australia. He launched his professional career at the age of 19, when he was appointed Principal Cello with the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
In 1991 he was invited to join the UNSW based Australia Ensemble, and in 1995 formed the Goldner String Quartet with colleagues Dene Olding, Dimity Hall and Irina Morozova. With these two chamber groups he has performed to critical acclaim at major venues and festivals throughout the world, made over 30 CDs on leading labels, and premiered many works by Australian and international composers.
Julian’s performances over the years have included artistic collaborations with musicians such as Piers Lane, Tasmin Little, William Barton, Edgar Meyer, Joseph Tawadros, Alexander Sitkovetsky, Amy Dickson and James Crabb.
Active as a soloist with numerous concerto appearances, Julian has also premiered works for solo cello by eminent Australian composers such as Carl Vine, Mark Isaacs and Ross Edwards.
As 2024 marked the 30th and final year of the the Goldner String Quartet, Julian looks forward to continued opportunities to expand his profile as an individual musician.
Julian is sought after as a teacher and chamber music coach. He has held teaching positions at the Australian Institute of Music and Canberra School of Music, and is currently Senior Lecturer and Discipline Lead for Strings at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Julian plays on an 1827 Lorenzo Ventapane cello.
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