A much-loved member of our ARCO family since 2016, Simon Oswell left us far too soon, passing away in May 2026. He will be remembered not only for his extraordinary viola playing, but also for his warmth, humour, loyalty, and wonderful conversations.

Simon brought enormous musicianship, generosity, and spirit to ARCO performances over many years, and his presence within the ensemble and wider ARCO community will be deeply missed. Vale, Simon.

During his career, Simon performed and recorded as a soloist and chamber musician in Australia, Europe, South East Asia and the United States.

In California he occupied several principal viola positions, including the Carmel Bach Festival, Mozart Classical Orchestra and Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and recorded for the motion picture industry. On returning to Australia in 2006, Simon appeared as principal viola with the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Tasmanian, Queensland Symphony Orchestras, Australian World Orchestra, and as chamber musician with Ensemble Liaison, Firebird Trio, Wilma and Friends, Quartz, Trio Dali, Ironwood, and the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, as well as directing an annual chamber music school, in Clunes, Victoria.

Simon Oswell performed regularly with the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra since 2016 and tutored at many Young Mannheim Symphonists education programs.