Jacob Fenchel

Associate Principal French Horn

Jacob Fenchel began playing the French Horn at Rossmoyne Senior High School in Western Australia at the age of 13 under the guidance of Helen Garrett. In 2018, he commenced his undergraduate studies at the University of Western Australia, completing a Bachelor of Music with Honours. Whilst at UWA, Jacob studied under the West Australian Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Third Horn Rob Gladstones and Tutti Horn Frankie Lo Surdo. In 2024, Jacob relocated to Melbourne to undertake a Master of Music (Orchestral Performance) at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, studying under the tutelage of Carla Blackwood. In 2026, Jacob became a member of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Academy program where he received guidance from Principal Horn, Nico Fleury.

Jacob has performed professionally with a wide range of leading ensembles, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria, WA Ballet, WA Opera and the WA Philharmonic Orchestra. Alongside his professional engagements, he was a long-standing member of the WA Youth Orchestra and has also performed with the Australian Youth Orchestra.

In recognition of his musical achievements, Jacob has received numerous awards and scholarships, including the Christine Morhall Prize in Music, the Peter Moore OAM Scholarship, the Donald William Thornton Bequest Scholarship, the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Entrance Grant, and the June Frances Ball Award.