Susan Collins
conductor
Susan Collins is a dynamic conductor with a distinguished career encompassing performance, leadership, and education. A student of John Hopkins, she has built upon her extensive experience as a Concertmaster and Soloist alongside world-class conductors and orchestras.
A musical highlight of 2024 was her leadership of Victorian Opera’s production of Malcolm Williamson’s English Eccentrics alongside director Stuart Maunder. Paul Selar (Australian Arts Review) said: "Musically, conductor Susan Collins brings energetic first-class form to Williamson’s lovable meandering score." She has also conducted the Queensland Youth Orchestra, the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra and, since 2018, has served as Music Director of the Riverina Summer School for Strings - where she directs the Sounds of Summer Camerata. In 2021, she founded the Nova Muse Festival in Tasmania as Artistic Director and Conductor. Earlier in her conducting career, she directed the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games in 2013.
From 1992 to 2001, Susan was Deputy Concertmaster of the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra (AOBO), regularly acting as Concertmaster. Her leadership extended to guest concertmaster roles with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, State Orchestra of Victoria, and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Her work in Europe included performances with the Berlin Chamber Orchestra.
As a violin soloist, Susan has appeared with leading orchestras such as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria, and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Her extensive recital career has taken her across Australia, the USA, and Europe. She has recorded prolifically, including critically acclaimed releases of the complete violin works of Raymond Hanson (Tall Poppies) and the Schumann Piano Trios (ABC Classics).
Susan’s academic achievements include a Doctor of Creative Arts from the University of Wollongong and a Master of Music from Indiana University Bloomington.
Representation: World