Simon Oswell

Simon Oswell was one of the most distinguished violists of his generation — a musician whose extraordinary career spanned continents, concert halls, and the silver screen. Born in Australia, he trained at the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music and later at the University of California, San Diego, earning early recognition through awards in the National Concerto Competition. He was also selected as a member of the Australian World Orchestra, a mark of the highest distinction among Australian musicians.

In Australia, Simon co-founded the Petra String Quartet, establishing himself early as a refined and deeply committed chamber musician. Moving to California, he became a central figure in the Los Angeles musical world, performing with American chamber groups including the Capitol Ensemble and Pacific Serenades. He held the position of Principal Viola with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra — and also the Carmel Bach Festival for nine years. It was during these years that he stepped into the recording studios of Hollywood, contributing to more than 800 film soundtracks as a session musician and principal player.

His viola — a 1740 Gaspare Lorenzini, crafted in Piacenza, Italy — sang across scores by some of cinema's greatest composers. His name appears in the credits of beloved films spanning every genre and era of modern Hollywood.

Returning to Australia in 2006, Simon's artistry found new expression in the country's finest ensembles. He appeared as Guest Principal Viola with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Melbourne, Adelaide, Tasmanian, and Queensland Symphony Orchestras, and performed regularly with the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra from 2016. He also tutored the Young Mannheim Symphonists education programmes, sharing his gifts with the next generation of musicians.

As a chamber musician, Simon was a treasured collaborator in some of Australia's most beloved ensembles — among them the Firebird Trio, Wilma and Friends, the Ironwood Ensemble, and the Ormond Quartet. His playing in these intimate settings was widely regarded as some of his most expressive and personal work.

Simon taught at the University of Melbourne, nurturing generations of young string players, and served as Artistic Director of Clunes Music in Victoria — a role that reflected his deep belief in the power of music to build community.

He remained an active and beloved chamber musician until the end of his life, performing at major festivals including the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, the Oxford May Music Festival, and the North York Moors Festival.