Kia ora,

A little about me… I started playing the violin as a child, but started dabbling on the viola when I was still in high school. It wasn't until well into my professional playing career that I properly made the switch to viola. In fact, some of my earliest professional performances were as a casual violinist with CSO, way back in the early 2000s.

I was a student up in Wellington at the time, studying violin at Victoria University, and I was very fortunate to be called down to play with CSO for a number of engagements. I moved overseas in 2007 to continue my violin studies, but the more side projects I did on the viola the more I grew to love it. By the time I made the move to Christchurch in 2016 I was very firmly planted in the viola section, and never looked back!

My favourite thing about playing for CSO is the range of concerts we get to play. I love working in depth on chamber-orchestra works, because there is always so much detail in the playing of the amazing string principals around me. The Lamb & Hayward Curators Series concerts are a great showcase of this - they're challenging, but they really allow talented individuals to shine in quite an intimate setting. And of course, you can't go past the full-scale Lamb & Hayward Masterworks programme in the Town Hall. There's nothing like being surrounded by that full symphonic sound. Plus, I have the best seat in the house - front and centre of the string section, and right under the conductor's nose!

In addition to my work with CSO, I juggle a side-job at a local music shop and a little bit of private teaching. When I'm not busy practicing or working, I spend a lot of time out walking my gorgeous dog along Christchurch's hills, riverbanks and beaches (hopefully you saw the orchestra's "Dogs of CSO” feature last year!), and pottering around my little vege garden at home.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We would not be the orchestra we are today without you, and we appreciate everything you do for us.

Ngā mihi, Sharon Baylis - CSO Associate Principal Viola