Virginia Comerford

Principal Viola

Virginia Comerford’s engagement with the Opera Australia Orchestra spans 37 years. After studying violin and piano from age 6, and then later flute and cello, Virginia began viola studies at age 14 under the tutelage of Janet Davies and Peter Pfühl. She first joined the OAO in 1989 as Associate Principal Viola, the youngest player ever to be appointed to a principal role. During this time she performed with names such as Sutherland and Bonynge, and credits her knowledge of the Italian repertoire to working with the legendary Maestro Carlo Cillario. Virginia later spent seven years living and working in Europe, first in Italy and then the Netherlands, performing and touring extensively, including notably to South Africa with her chamber orchestra ‘the Nieuw Sinfonietta’, which accompanied the Dutch Queen Beatrix on a state visit and concert for Nelson Mandela. Virginia also pursued a love of singing and was awarded a Queen Elizabeth scholarship in 1997 to study singing in London. She returned to the OAO in 2001 and has held the position of Principal Viola since 2010.

Virginia also regularly performs with the Australian World Orchestra, and cites the 2015 tour to India with Maestro Zubin Mehta as a highlight. She plays on a viola crafted by local Sydney luthier Harry Vatiliotis, made especially for her in 2024, his last ever instrument.

Fun fact: Virginia is one of three viola-playing sisters. They claim to have the viola chromosome! Singing is a (not so) secret passion – Virginia has been known to join in the louder chorus numbers from the orchestra pit…