Janet Rutherford
Viola
Janet Rutherford (nee Gilby), originally from Canberra, completed her Bachelor of Music degree at the Elder Conservatorium of Music at the University of Adelaide in 1980 and an Honours year in 1981 studying with Simon Rowland-Jones. She was then appointed to the viola section of the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra (AOBO) in Sydney. After another year of study with Rowland-Jones, this time in London, she was appointed Associate Principal Viola of the AOBO.
In 1987 Janet was appointed Principal Viola of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO). She has appeared as soloist with the orchestra, including on CD - Richard Mills Concerto for Violin and Viola, and Waltz for Betz, and is also a member of the Tasmanian Symphony Chamber Players and the Trigon Ensemble (string trio).
Janet's husband, Brett, is a cellist in the TSO, and they have 3 daughters and a grandson. Janet loves quilting and reading.
The instrument Janet plays is a Pellegrina viola made by David Rivinus in Oregon USA. It was made in 2003. More information about the design can be found at www.rivinus-instruments.com
