Andrea Mendham
Violin
Andrea joined WASO in 2023.
Andrea was born in Perth and began her music journey at age five with piano lessons, before commencing violin lessons soon afterwards. She studied with Graeme Wood, and has fond memories of attending WASO concerts most weekends to watch her teacher perform.
Andrea participated in numerous youth competitions in Perth and won in several categories for both violin and piano.
At the age of 14, Andrea successfully auditioned to be a part of the Australian Youth Orchestras Young Symphonist program. Over her senior schooling years, Andrea lead her school ensemble, school orchestra, a combined schools orchestra and travelled around Australia to participate in various orchestral programs.
Andrea moved to Canberra to complete her Bachelor of Music at the Canberra School of Music (Australian National University). She studied with Barbara Gilby, and also Eugenia Choi for one year in Canada.
Andrea has performed with the Adelaide Symphony, Canberra Symphony and Malaysian Philharmonic orchestras. Since returning to Western Australia, and following her joint passions of music and education, Andrea has completed a Graduate Diploma in Education, teaching both classroom music and violin lessons at various schools in Perth.
In addition to her orchestral playing, Andrea enjoys chamber music and regularly performs with the Chimera Ensemble. In her spare time, Andrea likes to bake and decorate cakes, and spend time with her two boys AJ and Harry.
Andrea's Chair supported by Dale & Michael Kitney through the Duet program.