NIGEL MACLEAN

As an established, “all terrain” violinist Nigel has played a variety of roles including Orchestral Leader, Solo Artist, Producer, Director (Filmharmonix) and Composer. From classical beginnings he “left the page” and went on to receive a scholarship to study jazz at Berklee College of Music in Boston and is a two-time National Bluegrass Champion. As a Solo Artist his performance and recording credits include Black Arm Band, Paul Kelly, Renee Geyer, John Denver, Joe Chindamo, Dan Hicks, Joe Camilleri. He spent six years working for Academy nominee David Hirschfelder and worked on soundtracks for the films Elizabeth, Sliding Doors, Better Than Sex, and What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted. In addition Nigel has contributed improvisations on soundtracks for Underbelly, Angel Baby, Rage In Placid Lake, After the Deluge, One Perfect Day and many others. Nigel orchestrated and conducted the music for Geoffrey Wright’s production of Macbeth (2006), and composed music for short film titled Forged, which won Gold Medal for Excellence and Best Music in a Short Film at the Park City Film Music Festival (Utah, USA) in 2008. Recently Nigel composed music for Jack Charles vs The Crown (produced by Ilbijerri Theatre and premiered Melbourne International Arts Festival 2010) This production received a Helpmann Award for Best Regional Tour of 2013 and performed seasons at the Barbican Centre in London and the Dublin Theatre Festival 2014 as well as New York Live Arts and Canadian Stage in Toronto. As an educator Nigel has conducted string improvisation workshops nationally and internationally for festivals and schools. His list of clients include Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), Monash University, AUSTA (Australian String Teachers Association), Syllabus Consultant for AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) Pan Pacific Fiddlers Festival (Japan). He currently runs a string programme at Gleneagles Secondary College.