Born and raised in Newcastle, Liam Pilgrim made the move to Adelaide in 2017 to commence studies with Elizabeth Layton at the Elder Conservatorium, and has since found a great passion for orchestral and chamber playing. Having completed his Bachelor of Music (Performance) in 2020 with first-class honours, Liam undertook an inspiring year of learning with both Evgeny Sorkin and Elizabeth Layton, and commenced study with Zoë Black at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) in 2022.
During his time at the Conservatorium, he was Concertmaster of the Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, and participated in masterclasses with the likes of James Ehnes, Grace Clifford and Dale Barltrop. Other highlights include performing the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra in 2018, and forming the Lark String Quartet with his friends. The Quartet were coached by the Australian String Quartet, Pei-Sian Ng and Trish Dean, and were featured in the Top Class Concert in the Elder Hall Concert Series. Liam has also participated in many Australian Youth Orchestra programs, including as Principal Second Violin in the Curro Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Natsuko Yoshimoto at National Music Camp in 2020.
During his studies, Liam was awarded the Kamala Khurana Scholarship, the Marnie Cowan Scholarship, the Gladys Lloyd Thomas Prize, and was the recipient of the John Robert Mitchell Prize and the Eugene Alderman Prize twice.
Liam has enjoyed being a casual violinist with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra since 2019, with a recent highlight being performing the Australian premiere of Anna Karenina with the Australian Ballet. After completing his studies at ANAM, Liam hopes to hold a full-time position with one of the major orchestras in Australia.
FROM: Newcastle, NSW. Lands of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples.
Liam’s training at ANAM is supported by ANAM Syndicate donors Jannie Brown, Peter and Annie Duncan, Victor Goldsztein and Chris Perks, Richard O'Dwyer
Liam plays a Chipot Vuillaume violin, generously on loan to ANAM from Jannie Brown
Photo credit Pia Johnson