Australian cellist John Barry is an active performer both in Australia and overseas. In addition to playing with orchestras and various chamber music groups, he regularly gives solo recitals.
Born in North Queensland, John Barry became inspired to play the cello after commencing lessons with Tess Remy-Schumacher. At seventeen,
he commenced study with David Pereira at the Canberra School of Music, Australian National University. He graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Music (First Class Honours), having received numerous prizes and awards.
In 2004, he relocated to Germany, where he undertook 3 years of post-graduate performance studies at the Bremen Hochschule fur Kunste. In this time overseas, John was able to perform throughout Europe. Highlights included solo performances at Dartington International Festival (England), Openstrings Cello Festival (Denmark), Vaduz Music Festival (Liechenstein), Savonlinna Music Academy (Finland), and a live broadcast for German Radio. Playing in masterclasses conducted by renowned cellists, including Franz Helmerson, Ralph Kirschbaum, and Wolfgang Bottcher provided John with invaluable mentoring.
John Barry was principal cellist with the Australian Youth Orchestra on their 2004 European tour. He has also toured throughout Europe with the New York-based chamber group, Absolute Ensemble, and with the German youth orchestra, Die Junge Deutsche Philharmonic. In 2008, John went to Zagreb for an intensive period of study with Croation pedagogue, Valter Despalj. Throughout his studies, John Barry has received generous sponsorship from both Fr Arthur Bridge and a private benefactor.
John is currently based in Sydney, and has recently expressed his belief that music and contemporary political issues are compatible by joining The Australian Greens Party and the Australian Institute.
