Dr Susan Collins
Board Member

Dr Susan Collins made her solo debut at 14 with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House, launching a dynamic career as violinist, conductor, chamber musician, and educator across Australia, Europe, the USA, and Mexico. A former Concertmaster of the
Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, she has served as Guest Concertmaster with the Tasmanian, Queensland and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras, and Orchestra Victoria. A passionate chamber musician, Susan has performed with major festivals such as MONA’s Dark Mofo and Synesthesia, Ten Days on the Island, Newcastle Music Festival, and Southern
Cross Soloists, with acclaimed recordings on ABC Classics, Tall Poppies, and Toccata Classics.

In 2024, she was praised for her “energetic first-class form” conducting Victorian Opera’s English Eccentrics. As founder of Tasmania’s Nova Muse Festival, she fosters creative collaborations and community engagement. In 2025, she co-curates Encuentros: Música Australis in Mexico City — an international celebration of Australian and Mexican music. Susan brings to the Southern Cross Soloists board her hallmark artistry, leadership,
and collaborative spirit.