Highly accomplished Australian violinist Dale Barltrop has recently concluded a 10 year tenure as Concertmaster with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, having previously held that position with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. He’s also appeared as Concertmaster with the Australian World Orchestra, and guest directed the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Camerata. Since 2016, he’s been first violin of the Australian String Quartet.

Dale reflects on a remarkable musical journey that has taken him from Queensland state school music programs and youth orchestras to leading major orchestras in Australia and North America, before ultimately finding a new artistic home with the Australian String Quartet. He discusses the formative influence of inspirational teachers and mentors, the experience of moving alone to the United States as a teenager, and the unexpected path that led him to become concertmaster of both the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Along the way, he shares memories of childhood obsessions with Vivaldi and Rossini, the collaborative thrill of orchestral leadership, and the realities of balancing two highly sought after roles before deciding to devote himself fully to the Australian String Quartet.

This conversation was recorded at the 2025 Australian Festival of Chamber Music. The 2026 festival is in Cairns and runs from July 24 to August 1.