Elizabeth Patchett

Elizabeth was born in Auckland and raised in Hamilton, beginning piano lessons at age seven, violin at nine and oboe at thirteen.

If I played a different instrument to the violin it would be the triangle!

Throughout her college years, Elizabeth attended National Secondary School and National Youth Orchestra holiday programs.

Upon earning her Bachelor of Music degree in performance violin from Auckland University, she embarked on a full-time career as an orchestral musician with the Auckland Philharmonia. In 1993, she joined the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra second violin section, following six years with the Philharmonia.

In 1997, Elizabeth was awarded the Montana Study Award, which allowed her to study violin with Maciej Rokowski in London for four months. In 2001, as a member of the Nevine String Quartet, she traveled to Boston for chamber music instruction with the Lydian String Quartet at Brandeis University.

Elizabeth has toured and recorded as a member of the NZSO, and with the Nevine String Quartet she has recorded for Concert FM and toured for Chamber Music New Zealand.

Throughout her career, Elizabeth has been dedicated to music education, working with primary, secondary, and tertiary students through the NZSO education program and as a private tutor.

Before going on stage I go through my check-list: concert shoes, glasses, instrument, tune-up, rosin bow = good to go.