Alexander McFarlane
Viola, Associate Principal
New Zealand violinist Alexander is a versatile and dynamic performer, excelling in a wide range of styles from Renaissance through to contemporary music.
Equally adept in solo, chamber, or orchestral settings, Alex has performed internationally in venues such as London's Wigmore Hall and Barbican Hall, Vienna's Musikverein, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.
As a chamber musician, he has collaborated with such artists as Janine Jansen, Anthony Marwood, and the Doric String Quartet. He's also performed at festivals including Yellow Barn, “At the World’s Edge” Festival, the “Mendelssohn on Mull” Festival, and “Musique à Marsac” in France.
His competition successes include winning the 2018 Lorna Viol Memorial Prize, the ROSL Trophy for the most outstanding musician from overseas, and both the First Prize and Bach Prize at the 2017 Gisborne International Music Competition.
Under the guidance of Professor David Takeno, Alex completed his Master’s degree and Artist Diploma at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He's also played in masterclasses with artists including Tabea Zimmermann, Kim Kashkashian, and Lars Anders Tomter.
In addition to playing with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Alex has performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.