Mark Bennett

Mark was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. He combines his love of performing with a passion for guiding young violinists and violists to realise their potential. Mark studied violin at University of Auckland with David Nalden before gaining a Royal Schools Scholarship to study for three years at the Royal Academy of Music in London where he was under the guidance of Emanuel Hurwitz and Carmel Kaine. Following his study he worked for several years working in the vibrant London freelance scene. During this period he travelled and performed extensively through Europe with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra and The Philharmonia. Highlights of this was working with renowned conductors Andre Previn, Yuri Temirkanov, Yehudi Menuhin and Vladimir Ashkenazy. Mark also enjoyed performing and recording work with artists such as The Rolling Stones , Barry White, M People and Rod Stewart. Mark  returned to Auckland where he took up a position with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra during which time he was also active as a chamber musician, freelance orchestral leader and director of youth string ensembles. Following on from many years of teaching both violin and viola and coaching at summer schools across New Zealand he has now taken the role as Teaching Fellow on Violin and Viola and Head of Strings at The School of Music, University of Auckland.