Artistic Director

Peter Clark

Violinist Peter Clark is Artistic Director of Western Sydney Philharmonic, bringing to the role a career that spans orchestral leadership, chamber music, and a deep commitment to music’s role as a force for good in society.

Peter has held principal and leadership positions with ensembles across Australasia and internationally. He was Principal Violin of Omega Ensemble, hailed by Limelight Magazine as “Australia’s most exciting and forward-thinking chamber music ensemble,” and served as first violinist of the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s Inspire Quartet, as well as a core member of Melbourne’s Inventi Ensemble. In 2024, he was invited to join the New Zealand String Quartet, adding to a distinguished portfolio of appointments.

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As concertmaster, Peter has performed with New Zealand Opera, Sydney Chamber Opera, Victorian Opera, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Darwin Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestra Wellington. He has also appeared as Associate Concertmaster of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and as Principal Second of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in Dublin. He has toured with the Australian World Orchestra, and made his Carnegie Hall debut at the age of twenty with the Australian Chamber Orchestra. He has appeared as Associate Principal Second and Assistant Concertmaster of the Australian World Orchestra.

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A passionate advocate for access to the arts, Peter has performed in more than 130 regional towns and cities across Australia. As leader of the ACO Inspire Quartet, he also developed a cherished music program at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital, demonstrating how music can enrich and transform communities.

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Peter is also recognised as one of Australia’s most engaging speakers on the power of music, addressing audiences from school classrooms to Australian Prime Ministers, and presenting for major ensembles worldwide. In 2023 he delivered Richard Gill’s Voyage of Musical Discovery series in concerts across the country.

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His research into social innovation and cohesion through music is generously supported by Judith Neilson AM and the General Sir John Monash Foundation. He also holds an MBA in Arts Innovation, supported by the American Australian Association.

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Peter performs on a 1784 Lorenzo Storioni violin, kindly loaned by Mr David Duncan Craig, as trustee of the Lily Duncan Trust.