Born in England, Caroline Henbest studied at the Yehudi Menuhin School and the Guildhall School of Music with Robert Masters and David Takeno. Initially based in the UK she was violist of the Mistry string quartet, which had residencies at the University of York and Brunel, and performed throughout Europe. The quartet gave many world premieres, performed regularly on the BBC and made several CDs. During her years in the UK she was principal viola with the Scottish Ensemble and performed with the Guildhall String Ensemble.
Caroline moved to Australia to take up the position of principal viola with the Australian Chamber Orchestra. She performed concertos and other solo works with the ACO in Australia, USA, Malaysia, China, Singapore, Spain and the UK. Other solo work performances include Australian premieres of ‘Under the Wing of the Rock’ by Sally Beamish and ‘The Myrrh Bearer’ by John Tavener.
Based in Melbourne, she leads a busy life teaching the viola at ANAM as well as holding a part time position with the ACO. She enjoys being part of chamber music festivals and was very proud to be a part of the IMS Prussia Cove Autumn tour, recipient of the Royal Philharmonic Chamber Music Society award. Caroline has performed in Townsville at AFCM, the Four Winds Festival, the Stradbroke Island Chamber Music Festival and Huntington.
Past orchestral work include guest principal viola with the Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmanian orchestras as well as the Hong Kong Philharmonic, Philharmonia Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia, Glyndebourne on Tour, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.
Performances in 2017 with ACO include tours of Victoria, NSW, Queensland and WA. In October Caroline will tour New Zealand with Wilma & Friends.