Born in Coonamble, NSW, and now residing in Sydney, Christina is a Saxophonist whom is committed to expanding the repertoire of Australian music, and is very involved in the arrangement, commissioning and concert promotion of music in new and exciting frameworks.
Christina has directed and performed in many solo and ensemble recitals and made many recordings and live broadcasts for both 2MBSfm and ABC Classic FM. She is the Soprano Saxophonist with Continuum Sax, Australia’s leading Classical Saxophone Quartet as well as co-artistic director of the Saxophone Quartet ‘Compass’ who have released a CD of original Tango music to critical acclaim on the Tall Poppies label. Christina has arranged and recorded a CD of Baroque repertoire with Marshall McGuire (Harp) and Danny Yeadon (‘cello), the scores of which have been published by CLPublications, many of which are included on the current AMEB Syllabus. Christina has also arranged and recorded a CD of music by Piazzolla, Ginastera and Guastavino with jazz pianist Matt McMahon that has recently been released by Move Records.
Christina has preformed and recorded with the Sonic Art Ensemble and the Alpha Ensemble. For many years she has been a permanent casual with both the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Opera Ballet and performed last year in both the Melbourne and Sydney seasons of the new Australian premiere ‘Edge of Night’ by Gerard Brophy, and was Soprano Saxophonist on the 2008 SSO tour of Italy. Christina has also toured with the ACO and Barry Humphries.
In 1995, Christina was awarded a Queens Trust Scholarship to complete a postgraduate degree in Advanced Instrumental Studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. On her return to Sydney Christina completed her Masters of Music (Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. From 1997 Christina has taught Saxophone at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and in 2008 was awarded the permanent position of Lecturer in Saxophone.
Christina is the founder and artistic director of the chamber ensemble ‘The Collective’ (Sophie Cole, Daniel Yeadon, Bernadette Balkus) and received an Australia Council grant to commission two new works for the ensemble which were recorded by ABC Classic FM in 2008.
Christina is a core member and co-director of the Sydney Soloists and was artistic director of the 2009 Campbelltown Arts Centre ‘Composer in Residence’ series. Engagements in 2010 included touring as a soloist with the Song Company and Synergy Percussion premiering ‘Gethsemane’ by Gerard Brophy; two concerts in the prestigious international new music forum ISCM; recording an album of contemporary Australian music with Continuum Saxophone Quartet, as well as recording the music of Mary Finsterer for the award-winning Australian film ‘South Solitary and concert engagements with Musica Viva. Christina has also be involved in various engagements with other ensembles including the Sydney Soloists; has performed the solo Saxophone part in Milhaud’s ‘Creation of the World’ with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and was a Soloist with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra in their sold out ‘Noel Noel’ concert series.