Friends of the APO Inc - Meet The Artist

We will have a programme of music and conversation from APO musicians Helen Bevin (Viola) and Milena Parobczy (violin). Originally from Dunedin, Helen Bevin gained a Masters of Music with Distinction from Guildhall School of Music & Drama in 2011, studying under Rachel Roberts. She then spent two years in London freelancing with such orchestras as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra and Britten Sinfonia, touring extensively throughout Europe and China. Helen also lived in Finland after being appointed Solo Viola with the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, enjoying a year learning about snow, Sibelius, and ice swimming.

Closer to home Helen has played with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Wellington and Southern Sinfonia. While studying with Gillian Ansell at the New Zealand School of Music she was Principal Viola with the NZSO National Youth Orchestra, performed concertos with the NZSM University and Dunedin Youth Orchestras, and won a number of awards including the Pettman/ROSL Arts International Scholarship. She has played solo recitals throughout New Zealand and the UK and has attended International Musicians Seminar Prussia Cove, Thy Masterclass and Moritzburg Festival Academy.

Milena Parobczy is a Polish violinist with degrees from the Zurich University of Arts where she studied under Rudolf Koelman, Ulrich Gröner and Andreas Janke. As a soloist, chamber musician and orchestra member she has performed extensively throughout Europe, in Russia, the United States and in New Zealand. Her teaching experience includes many years of working with private students as well as collaborating with Swiss music schools and the El Sistema programme there. Since 2014 Milena is a member of the Auckland Philharmonia. Apart from classical violin, she enjoys playing jazz and folk music.

The morning will conclude with a light finger-food lunch.