Justin was born and raised in Canberra, Australia, and began playing the bassoon at age 12. 

He requested one for his birthday, mistakenly thinking the flute was called a bassoon, and was shocked to learn what a bassoon actually was. Not having the heart to tell his parents the truth, he decided to pursue the instrument professionally and has never looked back. 

Justin is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Royal College of Music in London. Throughout his education, he was mentored by Richard McIntyre, Andrew Barnes, Matthew Wilkie, Noriko Shimada, Joost Bosdijk, Julie Price, Sarah Burnett and Ole Kristian Dahl.

After completing his studies in 2018, he was appointed Principal Bassoon of the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra in Denmark, where he worked for 3 years before being appointed Associate Principal Bassoon of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in 2021. 

He has performed as guest principal with many orchestras worldwide, including Sydney Symphony, Australian Opera and Ballet, Scottish Chamber, Royal Philharmonic and BBC Symphony.

Justin's career highlights (so far):

• Recording Scheherazade in London's Abbey Road Studios 

• A Star Wars tribute concert at the Royal Albert Hall

• Sharing the stage with Broadway legend Audra McDonald at the Sydney Opera House

• Playing under the baton of Bernard Haitink and Valery Gergiev.

In addition to the bassoon, Justin also plays the theremin and was featured in a Sydney Symphony Orchestra concert celebrating Danny Elfman's soundtracks for the films of Tim Burton. 

Q&A

Hi Justin, you have recently joined the NZSO from the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra in Denmark. What did you enjoy most about living and working there?

I've always been drawn to Scandinavian culture, so I really enjoyed immersing myself in the Danish way of life. Most days involved baking bread, knitting, cycling around town, and jumping in the freezing ocean.

My favourite thing about the Danes is their concept of 'hygge', which is essentially the art of creating a cosy, intimate atmosphere. Think candles, blankets and board games with mates. As it turns out, learning to take pleasure in soothing indoor activities has been great preparation for Wellington weather!

Also, Danish audiences have a fascinating custom of clapping in unison, which I've never experienced anywhere else.

What are you looking forward to experiencing with the NZSO?

I love to travel, so I'm delighted at how much we get to tour. I've been fortunate to see a great deal of the country in my short time with the NZSO, and I'm looking forward to future trips – particularly to places near good wineries. 

I'm also very excited to settle into my new Associate role in the wind section, which involves a lot more second playing than I've done in the past. While my Principal career has been rewarding, nothing brings me more satisfaction than laying down a juicy bass line that makes my whole section feel supported.

As a bassoonist, are there any particular composers/works that you most love to perform with the orchestra?

I've always been a big fan of film music, particularly the scores of John Williams. I love the enthusiastic response his pieces get from audiences, and they often feature some great Bassoon writing. I also enjoy concerts that collaborate with artists of different genres. 

Our performances with metal band Alien Weaponry and soul singer Teeks have been highlights of my time with the NZSO so far. 

When it comes to classical repertoire, I'll always have a soft spot for Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring – the opening solo is extremely delicate and exposed, but once that's out of the way, you just get to cruise along and await the thunderous applause at the finish line.

What keeps you busy and inspires you outside of playing music?

Since moving to Wellington, I've taken keenly to playing badminton. I've never been one for sports, but I've found it surprisingly liberating to learn a new skill that I'm absolutely terrible at. It's been a great exercise in embracing failure and combatting some of the neurotic, perfectionist tendencies common in classical musicians! 

Thanks, Justin. All the best in New Zealand, and we look forward to seeing you on a concert stage soon!