Harry Ward & Noora Ylönen with Ben Ward

Raw expression, playful elegance, and new sonic ground.

Acclaimed Australian violinist Harry Ward is known for his moving performances and luxurious tone. Making waves on the international stage, he was recently appointed to the first violin section of the renowned Berliner Philharmoniker.

Joined by Finnish pianist Noora Ylönen and double bassist Ben Ward, this program shifts between raw expression, playful elegance, and new sonic ground. From Shostakovich’s sharp-edged miniatures to the fragrant detail of Liza Lim’s Cardamom, the evening moves through Baroque dance, an energetic new work by the Ward brothers, and Beethoven’s luminous Spring Sonata. Intimate and wide-ranging, this concert draws unexpected lines between centuries – and between collaborators.

Praise for Harry Ward

‘Harry Ward gave an exceptionally moving performance with luxuriant tone.’ – ClassikON

Tickets

Standard $55 ($45 Concession)

A Transaction Fee between $4 and $8.50 applies to orders made online and by phone. Delivery Fees may also apply. A ticket limit of six is in place online to ensure fair ticket access for all. Want to bring a bigger party? Call our Box Office during business hours on (03) 9699 3333 to book.

Artists

Harry Ward violin
Noora Ylönen piano
Ben Ward double bass

Program

Dmitri Shostakovich
Selection of 10 Preludes Op.34 arr. Violin and Piano

Liza Lim
Cardamom

Johann Joseph Vilsmayr
Partita No.5 in G minor for Solo Violin

Benjamin Ward
New Work

Ludwig van Beethoven
Spring

About the Artists

Australian violinist Harry Ward leads a vibrant and multifaceted career as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer. Based in Berlin, he is a member of the first violin section of the renowned Berliner Philharmoniker, a position he earned following his studies at the prestigious Karajan-Akademie under the mentorship of Noah Bendix-Balgley.

Harry has appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras across the globe, including das Symphonieorchester Berlin, Elision Ensemble, Xiamen Philharmonic, Hangzhou Philharmonic, Orquesta Sinfónica de Michoacán, and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. An avid chamber musician, he has collaborated with members of celebrated ensembles such as the Emerson, Michelangelo, Ehnes, and Australian String Quartets. He has also performed alongside the late Joseph Silverstein and participated in the Rome Chamber Music Festival, where he shared the stage with Edgar Meyer and members of the Venice Baroque Orchestra.

In 2019, Harry was named an Emerging Artist of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, working closely with Helena Rathbone. He is deeply passionate about contemporary music and is a core member of ELISION Ensemble, one of Australia’s leading new music groups. With them, he has given Australian premieres of major works by Liza Lim, including the violin concerto Speak, Be Silent and Extinction Events and Dawn Chorus.

Outside classical circles, Harry is also active in the recording industry, with credits on pop and hip-hop projects, including a feature on Lil Nas X’s Montero album. From 2020–21, he was selected as a Futuremaker Artist with Musica Viva Australia, receiving mentorship from acclaimed international artists.

Harry studied at the Australian National Academy of Music, Kunstuniversität Graz, Robert McDuffie Center for Strings, and Sydney Conservatorium. He currently performs on a 1780 Pietro Landolfi violin, generously loaned by private benefactors.