A remarkable violinist who has had an extraordinary career across three continents, Charmian Gadd started in humble beginnings on a farm on the Central Coast in the 1940s. She exploded onto the music scene as a teenager, and went on to play with such luminaries as Yehudi Menuhin and Neville Marriner, living in the UK and the USA before coming back to Australia in the late 80s. Her contribution to music has not just been as a performer, having also held positions at the Canberra School of Music and the Sydney Conservatorium. She turned 80 in January this year, which ended up being an extra special birthday as she was awarded a Medal in the Order of Australia for services to music in this year’s Australia Day Honours.

Charmian tells some wonderful stories from her long and remarkable career, and provides some lovely choices of music including from performers who were key inspirations in her professional development.