William Hennessy is a virtuoso violinist and has been artistic director of the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra since 2006.
He has long been acknowledged as one of Australia’s foremost violinists and music educators, making over 300 concerto appearances with Australian orchestras having appeared on numerous occasions as soloist with each of the major Australian symphony and chamber orchestras. He has performed in 38 countries in a career spanning nearly four decades.
Hennessy was Head of Strings and Chamber Music at the University of Melbourne from 1997 – 2006 during which time he played an important role in assisting the developments of the TinAlley Quartet, the Flinders Quartet, The Tailem Quartet, the Hamer Quartet and the Seraphim Trio.
Many of his former students hold significant professional performing positions. His students have also enjoyed many successes in important music competitions.
In this Inspire60 video, Hennessy discusses some of the words that have influenced him, both professionally and musically.
More in the Inspire60 series:
Penny Arcade, performance artist
Lisa Dempster, Director, Melbourne Writers’ Centre
Elizabeth Ann Macgregor, Director, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
Wesley Enoch, Festival Director, Sydney Festival
Emily Sexton, Head of Programming, The Wheeler Centre
Jonathan Holloway, Artistic Director, Melbourne Festival
Max Delany, Artistic Director and CEO, ACCA
Ghenoa Gela, winner of the 2016 Keir Choreographic Award
Simon Abrahams, Director Melbourne Fringe Festival
Kim McKay, Director & CEO of the Australian Museum
Gerard Vaughan, Director National Gallery of Australia
Ian Pidd, freelance director of theatre and festivals
