David Schilling

David Schilling has had the great pleasure to lead the Double Bass section of the Adelaide Symphony since 1995.

Born in Melbourne to a family where music played a central role, David followed a number of his siblings in pursuing a career in music, studying with Davin Holt, then Michael Morgan at the Victorian College of Arts. Shortly after graduating, he obtained a tutti position with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, a position he held for four years while studying with the noted violinist and pedagogue Jan Sedivka. The excellent grounding in orchestral performance and repertoire provided a basis when auditioning for the position of Principal with the ASO.

David has also played with the Melbourne Symphony, Orchestra Victoria, Adelaide Chamber Orchestra, Australian Pops Orchestra and various chamber groups.

Teaching has become a vital part of David’s career. He has a busy schedule of teaching privately and in schools and he regularly tutors for the Adelaide and Australian Youth Orchestras, as well as previously being on staff at the Elder Conservatorium.

His most memorable moments in music have been recording the full set of Sibelius symphonies with the ASO and Arvo Volmer, playing at Carnegie Hall and a recent trip to China and Korea.

In his spare time, he tries to take care of his six (almost adult) kids and enjoys growing his own fruit and vegetables, training for half marathons and cultivating his Japanese garden.