Ainsley Murray

Ainsley Murray joined the Auckland Philharmonia in in 1990 after studying with Mary O'Brien at the University of Auckland in her home town. She has played in the first violin section for most of that time and has experienced many different conductors and several different concertmasters and music directors.

The orchestra has evolved a lot over her tenure and Ainsley has enjoyed her playing role as well as involvement behind the scenes of the orchestra. When she first joined the Auckland Philharmoni, it was run by the musicians themselves and now it is run by the management and Board, with healthy input from the players.

Like many of her colleagues, Ainsley has always taught, played chamber music and been involved in other interesting opportunities that have come her way.

These days her Mt Eden home (which she has lived in for over 30 years!) is full of the sounds of her family: husband Simon and two teenage boys and lots of music making - Bagpipes, flute and guitars now join the violin!

When not busy working, Ainsley and her family relax at their little blue cottage on the Waikato River in Port Waikato. Her son Wolfe is a lifeguard on the wild beach and both boys enjoy boating, surfing and diving for kaimoana.