Laura Barton

Laura Barton is a violinist and conductor based in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she is a permanent member of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Laura holds a Master of Music (Research) from Griffith University, but first studied at the New Zealand School of Music under CSO concertmaster Martin Riseley. She then attended the Australian National Academy of Music, studying under Melbourne Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Sophie Rowell. A highlight from this time was being selected for the Mahler Chamber Orchestra Academy in Germany in 2019. Laura also held numerous conducting positions in Australia including Conductor in Residence at the Six Piano Project (2017) and Assistant Conductor for both The Metropolitan Orchestra and River City Voices Choir (both 2020).

Since returning to New Zealand, Laura has enjoyed performing regularly with the CSO and also the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra as their 2020-21 Orchestral Fellow. Her favourite thing about being a member of the CSO is their innovative approach to both concert programming through the commission of new works, and the extensive Community Engagement program which is unique among Australasian orchestras.

In her free time, Laura enjoys teaching, playing chamber music, taking on too many knitting projects, and daydreaming about all the dogs she will one day adopt.