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On 24 September, Australian violinist and educator Graham Wood OAM died at age 95. Throughout his career, he was a highly influential and dedicated member of the Australian musical community, not only as a violinist but also as a passionate educator who shaped the development of string playing and teaching in Western Australia (WA).
Born in 1930, Wood participated in the Australian Youth Orchestra’s (AYO) original National Music Camps from 1949 to 1954. He later served as National Music Camp Director in 1979 and 1980 and was a tutor at many other National Music Camps. He was conferred as an AYO Life Member in 2006 in recognition of his dedication to music education. The CEO of the AYO said of Wood: ‘His impact on music and music education will continue to inspire and benefit future generations.’
In the 1950s Wood performed with London’s Royal Opera House orchestra, followed by three years at the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He then settled in Perth, WA, where he joined the West Australian Symphony Orchestra during its early development. He spent 24 years as the orchestra’s associate concertmaster. The orchestra said of his passing:
’Graham will be remembered for his extraordinary artistry, beautiful tone, and wonderful sense of humour. Beyond the stage, Graham helped to shape WA’s music community through his dedication to teaching and mentoring, inspiring generations of violinists, including members of our Orchestra today.’
In 1974, Wood co-founded the Western Australian Youth Orchestra, for which he was most recently vice patron. The orchestra wrote on the social media: ’His enduring legacy has profoundly influenced the orchestral and artistic communities of Western Australia across multiple generations.’
His pivotal role as an educator also included his work as an examiner for the Australian Music Examinations Board, where he continued to work until 2022. He also adjudicated many of WA’s string competitions for young players.
Graham continued tutoring, composing, and studying music well into his eighties.
The Strad extends its condolences to his wife Tricia and extended family.