John Willison (musician)

John Willison was born in England in 1937. He was the youngest winner of an Associated Board of Royal School of Music Scholarship in 1952 at the age of fifteen years. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music. A member of the English Chamber Orchestra from 1960 until 1968, he was then invited to be Principal Second Violin in the London Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he held for five years. During that time he also served as a Director of the Orchestra.

John was leader of several orchestras and ensembles while living in London, notably the New Symphony Orchestra (founded by Sir Thomas Beecham), the London Sinfonietta, the English Opera Group and was guest leader of the English Chamber Orchestra.

John taught for a while at the Royal Academy of Music Junior School and also played for many baroque ensembles, including the Academy of Ancient Music.

Since living in Australia, John has been teaching at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, and has adjudicated at many eisteddfods and national music competitions.

John currently lives in Murwillumbah, Australia with his wife Carmel Kaine. He has 3 children and 2 grandchildren.