photo: Keith Saunders
JULIAN
SMILES
cello
Julian Smiles has been a central figure in cello performance and teaching in Australia for over 30 years. He launched his professional career at age 19 when appointed Principal Cello with the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
In 1991 he joined the UNSW-based Australia Ensemble, and in 1995 formed the Goldner String Quartet with colleagues Dene Olding, Dimity Hall and Irina Morozova. With these chamber groups he has performed to critical acclaim at major venues and festivals worldwide, made over 30 CDs on leading labels, and premiered many works by Australian and international composers.
Julian's collaborations include performances with musicians such as Piers Lane, Tasmin Little, William Barton, Edgar Meyer, Joseph Tawadros, Alexander Sitkovetsky, Amy Dickson and James Crabb. Active as a soloist, he has premiered works for solo cello by eminent Australian composers including Carl Vine, Mark Isaacs and Ross Edwards.
As 2024 marked the 30th and final year of the Goldner String Quartet, Julian looks forward to continued opportunities as an individual musician. He is sought after as a teacher and chamber music coach, currently serving as Senior Lecturer and Discipline Lead for Strings at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Julian plays on an 1827 Lorenzo Ventapane cello.