Rachael Kirk
Viola
Rachael joined WASO in 1993.
Rachael was born in Kaitaia, New Zealand, and began learning the violin when she was 9. At the age of 11 she finally saw the light and switched to viola. Rachael studied music at universities in Auckland and Adelaide, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Music Performance). With the assistance of a German Government Scholarship (DAAD) she continued her viola studies with Rainer Moog at the Musikhochschule Köln, Germany.
While in Köln, Rachael formed the Arioso String Quartet and with this ensemble she studied chamber music with the Amadeus Quartet.
On her return to Adelaide, Rachael continued performing with the Arioso Quartet undertaking tours of Australia and New Zealand and recording and broadcasting for the ABC. During this period, she held a position in the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
In 1990, Rachael moved to Perth and for several years, tutored viola and chamber music at The University of Western Australia and played as a casual musician with WASO. She joined WASO as a full time member in 1993.
Rachael is interested in baroque and classical performance practice and completed a Master of Music in baroque and classical viola at The University of Western Australia in 1999.
When the busy WASO schedule allows, Rachael continues to pursue her love of chamber music as a member of the Pinnacle String Quartet, and baroque music as a member of Australian Baroque.
Non-musical interests include pottering in the garden, killer sudoku puzzles and dark chocolate.