Cellist Tim South will retire from the West Australian Symphony Orchestra in December 2024 after 36 years with the Orchestra. On his retirement, Tim will become WASO’s longest-serving emeritus cellist.

Tim joined WASO in 1988, the same year that he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in music from the Victorian College of the Arts and toured Europe with the Australian Youth Orchestra. For more than three decades, Tim’s dedication has helped WASO bring outstanding musical experiences to audiences across the state.

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On left: Tim South on 2003. On right: Tim South at the Royal Aero Club WA with a Cessna 152 aircraft in 1998

Tim might be best known with audiences for his distinctive carbon fibre cello. The instrument is crafted from carbon fibre which has a black woven texture that is polished (but not painted), which ensures it retains maximum sound potential along with its unique look.

Since joining WASO, Tim has taught cello at Churchlands Senior High School and Perth Modern School, and continued to be active as a chamber musician. Off-stage Tim has pursued interests in web development and photography, and he’s even been known to take to the sky with his pilot’s license!

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Of his passion for aviation and career in music, Tim said “Both involve learning on an ongoing basis, memorising complex tasks, plus a great sense of satisfaction over what you've accomplished.”

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Tim for his contribution to WASO and congratulate him on an exceptional career.

Tim South’s final WASO performance is The Cat Empire with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, 5-7 December at Perth Concert Hall.