Belinda McFarlane

Second Violin

Member since 1991

‘At primary school it was announced that if anyone would like to learn an instrument they should go to the library at lunchtime – so I did. I was asked if I would like to play a cello or a violin. I walked half a mile to school, so lazily chose the violin. I loved it from the very first lesson.’

From Adelaide, South Australia, Belinda McFarlane came to London as Leader of the Australian Youth Orchestra for the BBC Proms. She liked it so much, she stayed – and continued further studies with Emanuel Hurwitz and Carmel Kaine. After a period of freelancing and busking, Belinda joined the Second Violin section of the LSO.

A passionate advocate of the power of communication through music, Belinda has led workshops for LSO Discovery and with her piano trio fiorini (named after her Fiorini violin) around the world, and returns frequently to Australia to direct orchestras and training workshops for the Australian Youth Orchestra and the Australian World Orchestra. Belinda was a member of the Board at one time in the position of Vice-Chair. She now serves on the LSO Discovery Advisory Committee. For many years Belinda was married to LSO Trumpet, the late Nigel Gomm.