Harry Bennetts

Australian Hometown: Sydney
Education: Sydney Conservatorium of Music High School; University of Melbourne; Australian National Academy of Music

Professional Biography
Harry was born in Sydney where he began violin lessons in the Suzuki method at the age of four. He attended the Conservatorium High School, studying violin with Philippa Paige whilst also participating in both the Sydney and Australian Youth Orchestra programs. He then spent several years studying in Melbourne, first with Mark Mogilevski at the University of Melbourne and then with Dr Robin Wilson at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM). During his time with Dr. Wilson, Harry won the ANAM concerto competition two years consecutively, performing in the final with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. He was also a member of the winning string quartet in the 2015 ANAM chamber music competition, and later that year won the Kendall National Violin Competition. He completed his studies with two years in Berlin at the Karajan Academy of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, mentored by First Concertmaster Noah Bendix-Balgley. 

Since his return to Australia, Harry has appeared as soloist with the Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra Symphony Orchestras. He has performed in recital in the Ukaria cultural centre, Melbourne recital centre, Sydney Opera House Utzon room, Canberra School of Music as well as a number of regional centres. His love of chamber music has seen him perform at The Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville as well as joining with Ensemble Q, a group which he now regularly collaborates with in Brisbane. Before moving to Germany, he was a member of the Affinity String Quartet with whom he toured Europe and the UK, presenting concerts and participating in the International Musicians Seminar at Prussia Cove, in the class of Thomas Adès. On this same tour the group received chamber music tutelage from members of the Doric and Belcea string quartets and performed as quintet with Australian Composer and Violist, Brett Dean.

Orchestral Music has long been a passion of Harry’s. After his two year period playing with the Berlin Philharmonic he has performed as guest concertmaster and associate concertmaster with the Queensland and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras, and has toured with the Australian Chamber Orchestra. He is currently serving as associate concertmaster of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. 

Last updated 2021