Bonita Williams

Double Bass

After completing her undergraduate studies at University of Melbourne, Victorian College of the Arts under the tutelage of Sylvia Hosking (Melbourne Symphony Orchestra), Bonita relocated to the United States to undertake her Master of Music degree at Boston University, College of Fine Arts. There she was fortunate to study orchestral repertoire under Boston Symphony Orchestra bassists Todd Seeber and Principal Ed Barker. She also participated in master classes and lessons with other renowned bassists such as Hal Robinson (The Philadelphia Orchestra), Ben Levy (Boston Symphony Orchestra), and Donald Palma (Orpheus Chamber Orchestra).

Whilst in the USA Bonita enjoyed working with several orchestral ensembles such as the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra, and as Principal Bass of the Cantata Singers Orchestra, a prestigious early music ensemble. Travelling outside of Boston, she also worked with other prominent orchestras such as the Hawaii Symphony and New Haven Symphony.

In Australia, Bonita performed regularly with Orchestra Victoria and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra before joining the Opera Australia Orchestra in 2016. Since moving to Sydney she has also performed with Pinchgut, Orchestra of the Antipodes, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and participated in several recording sessions for various film scores.

She loves teaching the double bass to students of all ages and levels, and has been involved in educational organisations such as State Music Camp, Melbourne Youth Orchestra, and Sydney Youth Orchestra programs.

Fun fact: Bonita believes that the most important things in life are health, friends & family, and good chocolate.