Meet the Musician | Alexandra Isted

When did you realise you wanted to become a professional musician?

There actually wasn’t a lightbulb moment for me. Ever since I was a teenager it has always felt like I’ve been chasing my goal to be the best violinist I can possibly be. That has really been what has brought me from one thing to the next. 

What has been your most memorable moment with WASO to date?

Hard to pick one, but probably when we did Tristan und Isolde in 2018

You’re passionate about chamber music. What is it that draws you to this type of music?

At its peak, playing chamber music is like having a really great conversation with your friends. Everyone has their individual voice and the freedom to choose how to interact with each other, with their own nuances in phrasing and tone. There’s a spontaneity to each performance that makes it engaging for both players and audience.

You’ve recorded soundtracks for major franchises such as Star Wars and Harry Potter. How does the recording experience differ from performing live on stage?

When I lived in London, I was lucky to freelance with the London Symphony Orchestra and do some recording sessions at Abbey Road Studios. Of course, it’s really exciting, but you get booked for a session and go in there not knowing what you’re about to record and you have to sight-read it, so it can be pretty terrifying to open up the folder and see some John Williams on the stand because his music is often fiendishly difficult to play (even if you’ve practiced it).

The recording process is done in small patches, which is very much a stop and start process, so much so that people will often bring a book to read during the gaps between checking patches. It’s very different from when we perform soundtracks live with the movie which requires lots of stamina and constant focus. 

Is there a special story behind your violin?

My violin actually turned 100 years old in 2024! It’s an Australian instrument by Charles Clarke that was made in Sydney in 1924. 

Tell us about one of your non-musical hobbies.

I’ve always enjoyed drawing and painting. Over the last few years I’ve done a few oil paintings and one large drawing, but this year I haven’t had much time, so I’ve kept a small sketchbook instead.