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Woodwind Area

Virginia Taylor, ACSM (NSW Con) BMus (CSM) Head of Area Convener Performance Flute T: +61 2 6125 5786 E: Virginia.Taylor@anu.edu

Virginia’s love of the flute began at the age of 10 after having spent several years learning the recorder. After gaining a scholarship to study at The Sydney Conservatorium at the age of 16, Virginia continued her studies there through the Conservatorium High School program, before moving to Canberra where she studied for 4 years with Vernon Hill.

Subsequently, Virginia went on to win The National Australian Flute Competition and then, a short while later, 1st Prize in the ABC’s “Young Performer of the Year”, -winning outright in the overall category section.

Virginia has given recitals in all Capital cities of Australia, and performed as soloist with almost all of the Symphony Australia Orchestras, as well as having been guest Principal Flute for many of these Orchestras on numerous occasions.

Along side her love of solo and orchestral repertoire, Virginia has always equally enjoyed playing chamber music with some of her long-standing friends and colleagues. Her collaboration with Australian guitarist Timothy Kain has continued for more than 15 years, and they have continued to expand the Flute and Guitar repertoire by commissioning new works for this instrumental combination. The duo has been augmented on many occasions to include cellist David Pereira. Virginia has also recorded 2 CDs with Timothy for the Tall Poppies and ABC labels. Their CD entitled “For Flute and Guitar” was listed as a best selling classical release.

Overseas concerts have taken Virginia to the USA, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, India and Saudi Arabia. In 2002, Virginia appeared as Soloist with The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, as well as conducting a series of master classes for the Shanghai Conservatorium. She also featured as soloist with The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra in their subscription series. Virginia will continue performing and touring as Principal Flute in 2004 with The Australian Chamber Orchestra, a position she has held for 10 years. In 2004 Virginia will play a recital at the opening of The Youth Festival of Music in Christchurch, New Zealand, as well as appearing as soloist with the Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra.

Complementing Virginia’s performing career is a love of teaching. She is Head of The Woodwind Area at The School of Music, Australian National University.

School of Music faculty member since 1986.