Birth

:

in Auckland, New Zealand

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Gillian Ansell is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. She was born on 27th May 1961 in New Zealand and grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a violinist, and her mother was a pianist, which inspired her to pursue a career in music. Ansell started playing the violin at the age of six and showed exceptional talent from an early age. She received her formal training at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, where she studied under the guidance of Professor Jan Tawroszewicz. She later went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York, where she received a Master of Music degree. Ansell's career as a professional musician began in 1983 when she joined the New Zealand String Quartet as a violist. The quartet quickly gained recognition for their exceptional performances and became one of the most sought-after chamber ensembles in the world. Ansell remained a member of the quartet for over 30 years, during which time they performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls around the world. One of the highlights of Ansell's career with the New Zealand String Quartet was their performance at the Edinburgh International Festival in 1991. The quartet received critical acclaim for their performance of Beethoven's String Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 131. The performance was described as "a revelation" by The Scotsman, and it cemented the quartet's reputation as one of the finest chamber ensembles in the world. Ansell has also performed as a soloist with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. She has collaborated with some of the most renowned conductors, including Sir Neville Marriner, James Judd, and Edo de Waart. In addition to her performances as a violist, Ansell is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. She has taught at the University of Canterbury, the New Zealand School of Music, and the Australian National Academy of Music. She is currently a professor of viola at the University of Waikato in New Zealand. Ansell has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 1997, she was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to music. She was also awarded the prestigious Laureate Award by the Arts Foundation of New Zealand in 2008, which recognizes outstanding achievement in the arts. Ansell's contribution to the world of music extends beyond her performances as a violist. She is also a passionate advocate for the arts and has worked tirelessly to promote music education and accessibility. She has served on the board of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Chamber Music New Zealand Trust, and she is currently a trustee of the Turnovsky Endowment Trust. In conclusion, Gillian Ansell is a remarkable musician who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her exceptional talent as a violist, combined with her dedication to teaching and advocacy, has earned her a place among the most respected musicians of our time. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and music lovers alike.

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