Geoff Collinson
Head of Brass
Geoff Collinson began his studies on the horn in Melbourne in 1979. In 1993 he moved to Canberra to study with Hector McDonald, one of Australia’s finest brass musicians who is currently principal horn of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. From 1983-1988 Geoff was a member of the Canberra Horn Consort and performed as a guest with many of Australia’s premier orchestras.
In 1990, Geoff was awarded the position of Principal horn with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, a position he held until 2000. During this time he was also guest principal horn of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
In 2000 Geoff left orchestral life and Sydney to pursue his two great loves, teaching and chamber music. He now holds a position as Head of Brass at the Faculty of Music, University of Melbourne.
Geoff was invited to be a resident at the Banff Centre for Performing Arts in Alberta, Canada for the Winter Program in 2003.
He is Co-Director and founder of the Melbourne International Festival of Brass with Michael Bertoncello.