Zoe Knighton

Zoe is at the fore of a new generation of performer intent on forging an innovative path for the enjoyment of 'classical' music. She is a founding member of Flinders Quartet

In 2008, Zoe founded the Melbourne Chamber Feast, a biannual festival celebrating the wealth of chamber music talent in Melbourne and in 2009 was the Artistic Director of the Montsalvat 20 concert series. She is currently a board member of 3MBS FM and on the Musica Viva review panel.

A passionate pedagogue, Zoe and the Flinders Quartet are regular tutors for the Australian Youth Orchestra and the Mount Buller Chamber Music Summer School. Zoe coaches chamber music and cello studies at the Victorian College of the Arts and the University of Melbourne where in 2008, she was Acting Co-ordinator of Strings. She has been guest lecturer at the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music and guest principal cellist with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Zoe plays with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and is a core member of the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra. The Flinders Quartet has toured internationally through Sweden, Canada and the UK and appears regularly at Australian festivals as well as its own celebrated subscription series.

With pianist Amir Farid, the duo made an impressive debut at the Melbourne Recital Centre to great critical acclaim. Their partnership continues with recordings for the ABC and concerts throughout Australia.

Artist's website: www.flindersquartet.com

Press quote

“Zoe Knighton’s Bach Suites recording is wonderfully insightful and of assured musicianship ... Knighton has produced a reading of great artistic integrity.”

— Gordon Kerry, Loudmouth, The Music Trust

Zoe Knighton is featured on the following titles

Schumann Cello

The collaboration between cellist Zoe Knighton and pianist Amir Farid continues with a collection of short works by Clara and Robert Schumann

Performer: Cello

Life Cycle

Life Cycle traces the emotional journey of impending motherhood through the music of highly regarded composer Emily Hall and the words of acclaimed poet Toby Litt. It's presented by Gian Slater (vocals), Sonya Lifschitz (piano), Zoe Knighton (cello)

Performer: Cello

Bach Cello

The debate still rages about the origins and intention behind these suites. Were they written for the cellist of the court (Christian Ferdinand Abel and Christian Bernhard Linke) where Bach was employed at the time? Were they written for a strange instrument called a violoncello de spalla?

Performer: Cello

Northern Cello

Music for cello from composers who lived and live in northern Europe. Zoe Knighton is joined by pianist Ian Munro on piano to present gorgeous gems from Edvard Grieg, Jean Sibelius, Peteris Vasks and Arvo Pärt.

Performer: Cello

Russian Cello

Enter the world of Russia. Zoe Knighton and Amir Farid present a mix of unknown works alongside much loved classics. The recording celebrates a romanticism in composition inspired by the combination of cello and piano.

Performer: Cello

A Little French Cello

A charming collection of music from the rich French school of the late 19th century. The sonority of the cello and the beautiful clarity of the piano make this CD both easy to listen to, and moving. The two performers, Zoe Knighton (Cello) and Amir Farid (Piano) are masters of their art.

Performer: Cello

Beethoven Cello

Cellists often bemoan the lack of a cello concerto by Beethoven – and rightly so, but these eight works for cello and piano are the envy of many other instruments. The complete cello sonatas and variations of Beethoven are here on this two CD set.

Performer: Cello

Argentine Cello

More than just Piazzolla, hear the tango as presented by 7 fantastic composers and performed by two of Australia's finest young musicians, Zoe Knighton (cello) and Amir Farid (piano).

Performer: Cello

Mendelssohn Cello

Mendelssohn is often regarded as a composer who lived a charmed life and therefore whose compositions lack a certain integrity or depth of expression. The gloriousness of his music, its likeability and his creativity in celebrating humanity are certainly primary reasons for his music's longevity.

Performer: Cello

Lachlan Brown Chamber Works

Lachlan Brown’s Chamber Works contains an hour of beautiful and relaxing music for his favourite instruments and chamber ensembles: piano, harp, organ, violin, cello and string quartet.

Performer: cello

Zoe Knighton also appears on

Moonlight Reflections

A recital album full to the brim with exquisite art song, this recording is a compilation of hidden treasures and classic favourites performed by Opera Australia star, Stacey Alleaume.

Performer: Cello