David Saffir

Violin

​​Violinist David Saffir was born into a musical family in Melbourne, Australia. After studies with Nathan Gutman in Melbourne, he went to the Tasmanian Conservatorium where he studied with Professor Jan Sedivka. In 1978, he won the State Final of the ABC Instrumental and Vocal Competition and shortly after was appointed as Deputy Principal Violin in the State Orchestra of Victoria.

 

From 1980 – 1983, he studied at the Koelner Musikhochschule with Professor Igor Ozim and members of the Amadeus Quartet. In 1983, he returned to Australia to lead the New England String Quartet, resident ensemble at the University of New England in Armidale, a position he held for three years.

 

From 1986 – 89, he freelanced in Sydney, working with all the major orchestras, until taking a position of Director of Strings at Newington College.

 

In 2000, David was appointed Director of Strings at Barker College where he works with students throughout the school as an instrumental teacher and conductor. Throughout this time he has continued to perform professionally as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral leader, particularly as Concertmaster of the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra.