Born and bred in New Zealand, Blair began his Cello studies under the guidance of Gary Wilby and Dr Rolf Gjelsten. Blair’s passion for music quickly took hold and led him to win the Top Scholar Award for Music in the 1999 National Qualifications Examinations of New Zealand.
In 2001, Blair was accepted into the class of Markus Stocker at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University. Blair won numerous awards during this time including the Basil Jones Sonata Prize, the Paganini/Piatti Prize and the Bach Prize. Blair was also inducted into the Golden Key Club for excellence for graduating amongst the top 5% of his cohort at Griffith University.
Deciding to further his studies, Blair took up a position at the Australian National Academy of Music where he was offered a full scholarship. These next three years would prove decisive for Blair. His extensive studies with Alexander Baillie, Janis Laurs, Steven Isserlis, Mats Lidstrom and David Strange helped shape his technique and musicianship, moulding him into a true artist. Blair has attended the Mozarteum Salzburg, studying under Tsyoshi Tsutsumi, and the International Music Seminars Prussia Cove under chamber music guru Valeria Szervanszky.
Since then, Blair has had numerous soloist engagements with the Melbourne
Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria and the Preston Symphony. His solo and chamber music repertoires have been recorded extensively for ABC Classic FM and 3MBS Melbourne.
In 2010, Blair was awarded 1st prize at the Australian Concerto and Vocal Competition, and the John Hopkins Performance Fellowship.
Since 2008 Blair has held the Principal Cello position of Opera Australia’s touring company OzOpera, and is a regular guest member of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
Blair is also a member of the contemporary music group Syzygy Ensemble, which won 1st prize in the chamber music section of the 2010 Australian Concerto and Vocal Competition. In 2011 Syzygy Ensemble will enjoy a residency at the Melbourne Recital Centre. |
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