Lecturer

One of Ireland's most accomplished violinists, Dublin-born Gillian Williams studied at the Guildhall School of Music and  Drama, London under Professor David Takeno. In 1991 she successfully completed her postgraduate studies. As a student,she won all major competitions in Ireland, as well as the Louis Pesckai Memorial Prize at Guildhall for virtuoso playing. 

Commanding a wide-ranging repertoire, her characteristic warmth,intensity and clarity of tone have won her praise from  audiences and critics alike.She has performed extensively throughout Ireland,as well as Britain,America and Italy while her numerous solo performances at the NCH,Dublin,St James'Piccadilly etc, have included concerti by Mozart,Vivaldi, Bruch, Tchaikovsky with conductors Colman Pearce,Gerhardt Markson and David Seaman. 
         
In her many recitals and broadcasts she has collaborated with renowned pianists Roger Vignoles, Philippe Cassard, Bernard Lansky (complete Brahms Sonatas at  the National Gallery of Ireland-2005) and singers Regina Nathan and Mary Sheridan de Bruin.         

She regularly appears with  her husband, cellist Arun Rao as  the DUO CHAGALL. The duo gave World Premieres of works by Raymond Deane and Rhona Clarke (2000,2001) and is one of Ireland's longest running chamber group, also performing concerto repertoire (Brahms, Delius, Mozart) with the NSOI and other Irish orchestras.           

Ms Williams was leader and co-leader of the NSOI, RTE CO and ICO as well as festival and sessions orchestras. She is permanent leader of the Orlando Chamber Orchestra with whom she also featured as soloist in the 2006 MOZART Celebrations at the NCH and National Gallery of Ireland under its director Ite O'Donovan.