ENSEMBLES 2026

Caulfield Grammar School - Combined Corelli and Sutherland Strings

Corelli & Sutherland Strings is a combined string orchestra from Caulfield Grammar School, bringing together students from Years 7–12 across the Caulfield and Wheelers Hill campuses. Formed especially for the 2026 Europe tour, this intermediate-level ensemble is conducted by Oscar Woinarski and David Summerton. In preparation for the tour, the ensemble has worked with energy, commitment and imagination to develop a touring programme of more than 10 works. Having rehearsed together only six times before departing, the students are especially proud of what they have achieved together in such a short time. They look forward to performing for new audiences and learning about the rich musical traditions of the places they visit, deepening their understanding of ensemble playing and growing as thoughtful, responsive young musicians.

Oscar Woinarski

Conductor

Oscar Woinarski is a music educator, cellist, and conductor based in Naarm / Melbourne. He works across Caulfield Grammar School and Our Lady of Sion College, where he directs string and chamber ensembles, teaches private and group lessons, and oversees a Year 7 strings program. Oscar studied at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, completing a Bachelor of Music (Honours) and Master of Music under the guidance of Alvin Wong and Edith Salzmann. During his studies he participated in masterclasses with internationally recognised cellists including Li-Wei Qin, Peter Wispelwey, Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi, Ramon Jaffé, and Brant Taylor. While initially intending to pursue a freelance performance career, Oscar’s professional focus gradually shifted toward music education. He now balances teaching, performing, and conducting, drawing on musical experiences across Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the United States. His international engagements have included performing at the MIMIR Chamber Music Festival in the United States and tutoring at the Akaroa Music Festival. Oscar has also developed an active conducting profile. In 2023 he toured Europe with CGS Kreisler Strings, conducting at the SCL Youth Festival in Vienna and the IYM Festival Bratislava. More recently he conducted the Scott and Thomson String Ensemble at State Music Camp in 2024/2025 and the Woinarski String Orchestra at the MYO Summer Music Camp in 2025. Oscar is looking forward to leading students on to Europe on the CGS Strings Tour in 2026. Oscar continues to hone and pursue his passion for teaching and is currently completing a Master of Teaching at Deakin University, due to finish in 2026. In 2024 he was awarded the VMTA Graduate Award. Alongside his work in education, he remains an active freelance cellist, performing regularly in concert series across Melbourne.

David Summerton

Conductor

David commenced his musical career as a member of the Royal Australian Air Force Central Band. While serving with the band, he undertook a Bachelor of Education (Music) at the University of Melbourne, completing his degree in 1984. Throughout the 1980’s David worked as a freelance bassoonist, performing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Victorian State Opera, the Australian Pops Orchestra, and professional orchestras engaged for major stage productions. In 1985 David joined the music staff at Ruyton Girls’ School and was appointed Director of Music in 1991. Under his leadership the Music Department flourished, with Ruyton ensembles consistently receiving superior ratings at competitions and eisteddfods, including the Waverley Eisteddfod, Boroondara Eisteddfod, Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod, and the prestigious South Street Competition. David studied conducting at Monash University with Robert Rosen, and later with Tom Dvorak, Director of Bands at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He has conducted a wide range of school and community ensembles, including choirs, orchestras, and bands, and has worked with ensembles associated with Melbourne Youth Music Summer Schools and State Music Camp Victoria. In 2008, David completed a Master of Music degree at the University of Melbourne, achieving first-class honours in all subjects. During this program, he studied orchestral conducting with John Hopkins, choral conducting with Richard Gill, and band conducting with Dr Rob McWilliams. In 2009, David was appointed Campus Head of Music at the Caulfield Campus of Caulfield Grammar School. He transferred to the Wheelers Hill Campus in 2012, where he currently serves as Campus Head of Music. In this role, David conducts the Symphony Orchestra, Senior School Choir, and Chamber Music ensembles. This is the fifth time David has participated in the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival.