Australian Violist John Dean has Died, Aged 90

Dean was principal violist of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra for over 30 years

The Australian violist John Dean has passed away at the age of 90.

Hailing from Perth, Dean first began to learn the violin from his father, at the age of six. He also took early lessons from the Australian conductor and violinist Vaughan Hanly, who at the time was leader of the ABC's Perth Orchestra.

After sitting just one playing exam, Dean was awarded a medal by Sir Bernard Heinze, who later recommended him for a scholarship. This took Dean to Melbourne, where his teacher was Boris Stupel — and during this time, he played in the Victorian Chamber Orchestra and the orchestra of the Melbourne Conservatorium.

In 1956, a viola position became available in WASO, and Dean returned home to Perth to audition for it. He was new to viola playing and had to learn to read the alto clef in time for the audition.

During his time with WASO, Dean appeared as concerto soloist on several occasions, gave recitals for the Australian Broadcasting Company, and played chamber music. After serving the orchestra for 33 years, Dean was honored with the title of Principal Emeritus.

A lifelong pedagogue, Dean was an early member of the Australian Strings Association (AUSTA) and taught the violin in local schools. He also taught theory and served as an examiner for both theory and practical music exams run by the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB).

"When I first arrived in WASO in the early 1980s, John was the Principal Viola, a position he held while also taking over from Graham Wood as Chairman of AUSTA WA," said past AUSTA WA President Helen Tuckey. "AUSTA meant a lot to him, and one of our AUSTA AMEB awards has his name on it, as he was also an examiner for the AMEB in both strings and theory."

Our condolences to Dean's family, friends, and colleagues.