Melbourne based contemporary violinist, Zachary Johnston has been actively involved in string music and education for over 20 years, fostering curiosity and a love of playing in audience and students alike. Zac has incorporated this ‘curiosity philosophy’ into conducting State Music Camp, Bendigo Instrumental Music Program, MSO Pizzicato Effect, New Music workshops for schools ensembles, and is the central tenant of the work he does in performance spaces, including improvisation and electronics amidst the traditional repertoire of violin and strings.

Zac has performed in many diverse and dynamics spaces, from folk sessions at the back of the New Sydney Hotel (Hobart), chamber music for The Australian Ballet, to experimental music in America and Germany. He has been involved in a variety of festivals, notably Band on a Can Summer Festival (Massachusetts), Internationales Musikinstitut Darmstadt, Midsumma Festival with Homophonic, Bendigo International Festival of Music (BIFEM), MSO Metropolis Series, and MONA FOMA. Most recently, Zac performed at the Sydney Opera House with Bolt ensemble and Bobby Singh, and ‘While You Sleep’, an innovative stage production for choreographed string quartet, synchronised visuals, and was nominated for APRA Art Music Awards Performance of the Year 2023.