Sisters in Sync: 3-2-1 with Sharon Grigoryan

3 Questions - 2 Insights - 1 unique photo with remarkable women musicians

We shine a light on the extraordinary cellist Sharon Grigoryan in this month's Sisters in Sync. Sharon's passion for chamber music is evident in her remarkable seven-year tenure as the cellist with the Australian String Quartet, and her ongoing collaboration with her husband, the acclaimed guitarist Slava Grigoryan. Their duo performances are a testament to the deep connection they share, both personally and musically, resulting in profoundly moving experiences.

In our upcoming concert, Luminous, we will be performing Grounded for Cello and Guitar by Australian composer Anne Cawrse, a piece composed in 2021 specifically for Sharon and Slava Grigoryan. Grounded is a celebration of finding solace and joy in simplicity during the challenging times of COVID-19 lockdowns. Its lightness of spirit and infectious joy capture the essence of rediscovering ourselves and the things we cherish most.

Sharon shares her insights, inspirations, and valuable lessons learned throughout her formidable career. Get ready to be inspired by her story!

Who is a female musician that has been a source of inspiration in your musical journey?

Wilma Smith, violinist. She was the concertmaster of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra whilst I was a university student in Melbourne, and whilst I was a young casual player (and then permanent) player of the MSO. I always admired how she handled all situations with a smile on her face, no matter what was thrown at her from all directions. She was also always so supportive of the students in Melbourne, coming to so many of our concerts, and giving so many masterclasses. She treated everyone around her with equal respect and warmth, from fellow Principal players in the orchestra to young freelancers and students. She was a real ambassador for music in Melbourne. She also had a young family at the time - so she was a busy woman, but had time for everyone.

What's one piece of advice from a woman in music that has stuck with you?

Just be who you are, and that’s enough.

What moment in your career made you feel most empowered as a woman in the music industry?

Leaving my job with the Australian String Quartet. It felt like the majority of our audience base assumed that it was because I was a mother that I needed to leave my job. I enjoyed explaining that this wasn’t solely the case, and that there were many reasons, like wanting to explore other avenues in music, having more variety in what I play, as well as spending more time with my family. Many were surprised to hear that I was leaving to explore other avenues of work, to take risks, despite the fact that I was a mother. It felt wonderful to take matters into my own hands and have full control over my life after a wonderful but extremely demanding period with the quartet. Since then, it’s been wonderful to be able to balance my work and motherhood in a way that is happy and healthy for my family.

What's a valuable lesson you've learned throughout your career?

You can’t change other people, you can only change yourself. 

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to build a career in music?

What some people see as female passiveness is actually our great strength. We may not argue a point until we’re blue in the face, we may indeed sacrifice what we really want in order to keep the peace with a colleague who just “must” have it their way. We may “lose” an argument, because we are actually full of self-doubt in that moment and questioning if we really are right or wrong. This self-questioning, this willingness to sacrifice what we want in order to keep the peace, is, what I’ve realised, our greatest strength. “Being right” isn’t strong. Being flexible is. Women, in general, are great diplomats and listeners.