The members of the Bacchanalia String Quartet are all professional musicians, and full-time members of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. We have the depth of musical knowledge and performance experience to make your event personal and memorable.
In addition to the four regular members of the Quartet, the BSQ often perform with other musicians such as singers, trumpeters or pianists. We are able to book these other musicians on your behalf should you require.
Michael Milton - violin
Michael commenced his formal studies at the NSW State Conservatorium of Music, receiving both the ASCM and DSCM diplomas and the Frank Hutchens Prize. A recipient of the prestigious Scarf Foundation award, he furthered his studies at the Royal College of Music in London, before commencing an appointment at Michigan State University as Visiting Scholar in Music and Co-Leader of the University's String-Quartet-in-Residence.
Awarded a Bachelor of Music degree with the highest honours at Michigan, Michael subsequently completed a Master's degree in Violin and Conducting at Indiana University, before undertaking doctoral studies in Violin Literature and Performance as the winner of the Indiana University Camerata Scholarship.
Michael has worked extensively as a violinist in the United States and Europe. He performed in France as a member of the Lyon Chamber Orchestra before taking up his current appointment as Principal 2nd Violin of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in 1996.
Hilary Bruer - violin
Hilary grew up in Adelaide and completed her music performance degree in 1984, studying with the Swedish violinist Gunnar Crantz. She also studied singing and worked chorally and as a soloist, in “classical” and popular idioms.
In 1987 she moved to Sydney and played with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for 2 years. Following that, she spent 4 years with the WA Symphony Orchestra before returning to Adelaide in 1992, bringing with her, 6 month old twin daughters!!
She has played with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra since then and continues to work as a freelance lounge singer, violin teacher, and chamber musician.
Her busy and much loved role as a mother ensures she is always occupied!
Rosi McGowran - viola
Rosi began playing the violin at age three and changed to viola while attending Marryatville High School. Although predominantly a pianist, Rosi was accepted into the Elder Conservatorium on viola and studied under teachers Keith Crellin and Beryl Kimber. She was awarded a Bachelor of Music (Performance) in 1995. DUring her tertiary studies Rosi played as a casual with the ASO, touring with them to China in 1996 and becoming a fulltime member in 1998.
David Sharp - cello
David's first cello at the age of four was actually a viola with a spike. At 13, David became the youngest member of the New Zealand National Youth Orchestra and also played Principal Bassoon in the New Zealand National Youth Concert Band. At 16 he became the youngest ever member of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra before relocating to Adelaide in 1991 to study 'cello with Janis Laurs at the Elder Conservatorium. During this time he performed as a casual with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and the Adelaide Chamber Orchestra. He has completed a Bacherlor of Music (Hons) in Conducting, and won a tutti 'cello position with the ASO in 1997.
David is an active participant in Symphony Australia's Conductor Development programme, and has worked with internationally renowned conductors Jorma Panola, Janos Furst, and Gustav Meier. He has conducted the Adelaide, Melbourne and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras, and is now looking to spend more time in front of the orchestra than in it!