Old Scotch Collegians would like to join in congratulating the wonderful Ashley Arbuckle (OSC '59) on the award of an Order of Australia recently. Ashley's OAM citation simply reads "For service to the performing arts as an artistic director and classical musician".But in truth, his life's work in music is so much more. Ashley is a relentless and dedicated musician, and has performed, taught, inspired and entertained for his whole musical career.
Ashley was born & educated in Perth. He left Scotch in 1959, and studied music at UWA. He joined the WA Symphony Orchestra soon after & in 1972 was appointed Associate Concertmaster. He left Australia to study in Europe, and by 1974 he was of co-leader of the world famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Not being busy enough with that, he also founded the Australian Sinfonia of London. In 1981 Ashley was appointed co-leader of the London Symphony Orchestra and held the position for ten years.
In 1990, Ashley returned to Perth, and to the position of WASO Concertmaster. Sadly, in 1998, he had to stop performing due to a rare neurological condition affecting his coordination. After five years and 26 specialists, an operation was performed by renowned brain surgeon Dr Charles Teo in 2002, which saw his bowing arm return to normal. In 2006 he was able to play again - the classical music world was thrilled to see him return to the international stage.
These days, Ashley is busy as Artistic Director of The String Co-op, a collection of Perth's finest jazz and classical string musicians, as well as Artistic Director of the Western Arts Orchestra, a Chamber Ensemble of 16 players which performs at private and corporate events.
Ash is also Concertmaster and Artistic Director of the WA Philharmonic, renowned for specialising in Film-Score Recording over the past 15 years. Ashley cites the highlight of his career as meeting Lady Di in 1995 after leading the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican, & playing with the World Orchestra for Peace in Geneva. His musical influences include Stefan Grappelli and Leonard Bernstein.
All the above, however, are merely words. Click on this link to enjoy some of Ashley's beautiful music. Congratulations, Ashley Arbuckle OAM from OSC and the Scorch College Community.
Michael Silbert
President Old Scotch Collegians
