Who is Madeleine Easton?
Madeleine Easton is an Australian violinist. She has a degree in music from Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music. In addition to performing, she has taken the lead in a number of initiatives, including her own Bach Akademie Australia. Now in its fourth year, the organisation has become an institution in Australia’s baroque music community. Its remit includes research, the study of the classical period, and the training of young musicians. The organisation’s mission is to bring the best of classical and Baroque music to the widest possible audience.
Having been in the game since the age of fifteen, Madeleine has amassed an impressive array of accolades. Among them is the honor of being a member of the prestigious Hanover Band. As well as being the group’s concertmaster, she has appeared as a soloist with numerous symphony orchestras across the country and abroad.
Madeleine is also an enthusiastic teacher. She has been involved with the Young Artists Program at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and she has mentored many of the country’s next generation of string players. Her own passion for teaching and learning has borne fruit in a number of notable student achievements, including the winning of the String Prize for the most outstanding performer at the Royal College of Music. After a stint as concertmaster in London, she returned to Australia in 2019, where she will be focusing on her upcoming marriage and family.
Madeleine’s musical achievements are matched only by her dedication to the arts. This is reflected in her role as the executive director of the Australian World Orchestra. With a background in music, theatre and the visual arts, she has helped the group hone its craft and become a leading force in the world of orchestral performances. Indeed, her enthusiasm for the art form has led to her being tasked with directing several ensembles in the UK and Europe, while putting her own stamp on the symphony scene in her native Australia.
The most important part of her career has been her involvement with the Bach Akademie. From the foundation’s humble beginnings, the group has expanded its reach to encompass several of Australia’s leading musical organisations. Most notably, in recent years the organisation has been responsible for producing some of the most laudable recordings in the history of the medium. Some of the most noteworthy titles include Mendelssohn’s Elijah and Haydn’s Creation, as well as several Alexis de Castillon piano trios. Other highlights include the aforementioned b-minor Mass. Currently the organisation is at work on a series of new music recordings that should delight fans of both classical and Baroque music.