From Hobart to Berlin, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Principal shares her hopes, inspirations and passions.

Born Melbourne, VIC, 1988
Studied ANAM, Hanns Eisler Hochschule, Berlin
Likes Chamber music, touring, yoga
Dislikes Egos, small talk, anything cold

What drew you to the viola?

I grew up learning the violin but somehow I think deep down I knew it was only a matter of time before the viola and I would choose each other. I fell in love with the viola when I started listening to string quartets. To me there is nothing more sublime! The charm of the viola lies in its sound, and I believe it’s one of the most beautiful ways of expressing the human soul. It was through the viola that I was able to find my own voice.

What is the most important piece of advice you were given when you were studying?

Too many to even mention! I’ve tried to put all the wonderful ideas, observations and thoughts people have given me throughout my life so far somewhere deep into my pockets to pull out whenever I am in need of any help or inspiration. But I feel so in debt to Tabea Zimmermann for teaching me how to teach myself.

At...