Gemma Kneale
Cellist Gemma Kneale is a musician, educator and sound artist based in Naarm (Melbourne), Victoria. Her passion lies in the collaborative process of music making, forming unique bonds with artists, creators and students in the pursuit of meaningful artistic experiences.
Described as "impressively versatile" (classikON - 2023), Gemma has developed a wide variety of close relationships with leading ensembles and arts organisations in Australia and internationally. She has performed chamber music as co-founding member of Rubiks Collective and alongside Inventi Ensemble, Southern Cross Soloists and Dots + Loops ensembles, whilst also enjoying performances with Orchestra Victoria, the Australian World Orchestra, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra and Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra. Gemma has featured in various arts festivals, including; the Bendigo International Festival of Exploratory Music, Port Fairy Spring Music Festival, Metropolis New Music Festival, Melbourne Festival, Darmstadt International Festival for New Music and the St. Lawrence String Quartet Seminar in Stanford, California
In 2017, Gemma was a Fellow of the Australian National Academy of Music, performing in her own curated series 'She Speaks'. The series highlighted and celebrated the music of female composers from the Medieval Era right through to the present day. The project culminated in three concerts of solo and chamber repertoire, featuring the world premiere of Christine McCoombe's "Ebb Tide", collaboration with accordion virtuoso James Crabb and a special presentation of works performed live to air for the ABC Classic FM celebration of International Women's Day.
At the core of her practice, Gemma believes that building strong relationships with collaborators produces the most powerful results, and as such has dedicated much of her time to support the development of newly composed works. In 2016, Gemma worked closely with Lisa Cheney on her work for solo cello and electroacoustic track "When We Speak", which was nominated for the Art Music Awards - Instrumental Work of the Year and has since received numerous performances by cellists in Australia and abroad. Her work with Rubiks has culminated in countless world premieres and award winning compositions through their commissioning of the Pythia Prize and close composer-performer relationships.
As an educator, Gemma has offered her knowledge to individuals, groups and classes of all ages, including work in schools, music programs, camps and university classes. Her work with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's Pizzicato Effect program included director/conductor of the Chamber Ensemble, guiding the students toward various performances with musicians of the MSO.
Gemma completed her studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, the Australian National Academy of Music and the Victorian College of the Arts under tutelage of Howard Penny and Molly Kadarauch and received various awards during her studies, including: the Corinna D'Hage String Scholarship, Lady Tumor Exhibition, John and Rosemary Travelling Scholarship and first place in the 4mbs (QLD), Melbourne University and ANAM Chamber Music Competitions.
Photography Credit - Cameron Jamieson
Described as "impressively versatile" (classikON - 2023), Gemma has developed a wide variety of close relationships with leading ensembles and arts organisations in Australia and internationally. She has performed chamber music as co-founding member of Rubiks Collective and alongside Inventi Ensemble, Southern Cross Soloists and Dots + Loops ensembles, whilst also enjoying performances with Orchestra Victoria, the Australian World Orchestra, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra and Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra. Gemma has featured in various arts festivals, including; the Bendigo International Festival of Exploratory Music, Port Fairy Spring Music Festival, Metropolis New Music Festival, Melbourne Festival, Darmstadt International Festival for New Music and the St. Lawrence String Quartet Seminar in Stanford, California
In 2017, Gemma was a Fellow of the Australian National Academy of Music, performing in her own curated series 'She Speaks'. The series highlighted and celebrated the music of female composers from the Medieval Era right through to the present day. The project culminated in three concerts of solo and chamber repertoire, featuring the world premiere of Christine McCoombe's "Ebb Tide", collaboration with accordion virtuoso James Crabb and a special presentation of works performed live to air for the ABC Classic FM celebration of International Women's Day.
At the core of her practice, Gemma believes that building strong relationships with collaborators produces the most powerful results, and as such has dedicated much of her time to support the development of newly composed works. In 2016, Gemma worked closely with Lisa Cheney on her work for solo cello and electroacoustic track "When We Speak", which was nominated for the Art Music Awards - Instrumental Work of the Year and has since received numerous performances by cellists in Australia and abroad. Her work with Rubiks has culminated in countless world premieres and award winning compositions through their commissioning of the Pythia Prize and close composer-performer relationships.
As an educator, Gemma has offered her knowledge to individuals, groups and classes of all ages, including work in schools, music programs, camps and university classes. Her work with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's Pizzicato Effect program included director/conductor of the Chamber Ensemble, guiding the students toward various performances with musicians of the MSO.
Gemma completed her studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, the Australian National Academy of Music and the Victorian College of the Arts under tutelage of Howard Penny and Molly Kadarauch and received various awards during her studies, including: the Corinna D'Hage String Scholarship, Lady Tumor Exhibition, John and Rosemary Travelling Scholarship and first place in the 4mbs (QLD), Melbourne University and ANAM Chamber Music Competitions.
Photography Credit - Cameron Jamieson
