Ariel Postmus is a West Australian violist, who loves exploring exciting new musical vistas, and strives to develop her performance skills and experience as a professional violist through her involvement in orchestras and chamber groups.
She is undertaking her third year at the Australian National Academy of Music, training with Caroline Henbest. She previously undertook her Bachelor of Music at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) under the tutelage of violinist Emeritus Professor Paul Wright.
Ariel has received training in solo, chamber, and orchestral performance. She held the position of Principal Viola for both the WAAPA Chamber and Symphony Orchestras. She was awarded the Royal Over-Seas League’s Bach Prize in 2018 and 2020, and held a joint First Prize in the 2019 ROSL Chamber Competition. She was a finalist in WAAPA’s Warana Concerto Competition in 2020, and was a soloist with the Australian Doctors Orchestra in 2015.
In 2017, she received a scholarship to take part in the Orchestre de L’Francophonie’s Summer Music Festival in Montreal, Canada. She was a core member of the St Georges String Quartet (2016-19) that participated in masterclasses with the Borodin String Quartet and the Australian String Quartet. It was a real turning point in her musical education, provoking an intense love for chamber music.
Over the last few years, Ariel has worked extensively within the freelance scene. She has performed with the Perth Symphony Orchestra, Perth Chamber Orchestra, WA Philharmonic Orchestra, Australian Doctors Orchestra, Fremantle Chamber Orchestra, and the Orchestra Project. She works with the Australian Session Orchestra, String Source, Dolcé Ensembles, Aquila Strings, Cygnus Arioso, Varley Strings, String Space, Vivid Strings and Luxe Strings. She is a regular session and pit musician for ballets, musicals, opera productions, and contemporary artists.
She has been a member of the Australian Youth Orchestra (2018-20), which included their international tour to Europe in 2019, and participated in many National Music Camps (2014-17). The AYO has held huge musical influence over Ariel, for it was what initially inspired her to pursue a career in music, alongside her dear friends.
Ariel is very excited to be based in Melbourne, as it is arguably the Australian epicentre for valuable opportunities, collaborations, and masterclasses with local and international musicians and ensembles.
FROM: Perth, WA. Lands of the Noongar people.
Ariel’s training at ANAM is supported by ANAM Syndicate donors Vicki & Lawrence Jacks, Jan Williams, Merilyn & David Howorth, Jerry Koliha & Marlene Krelle, George Deutsch OAM and Kathy Deutsch, Andrea Goldsmith
Photo by Pia Johnson.