Graham Wood, a violinist, conductor and educator whose career spanned more than six decades and shaped generations of Australian string players, has died. An associate concertmaster of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) for 24 years, a co-founder of the West Australian Youth Orchestra, and a long-time examiner and committee member for the Australian Music Examinations Board (WA), Wood is being remembered for his artistry, humour and dedication as a musician and as a colleague. Born in Western Australia, Wood studied at the University of Western Australia Conservatorium of Music, where he later completed a master’s degree in music performance. In the 1950s he moved to Britain, performing in the Covent Garden/Royal Opera House orchestra and spending three years with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. On returning to Perth with his young family, Wood joined WASO in its formative years, eventually becoming associate concertmaster.  “We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Associate Concertmaster Graham Wood,” a WASO spokesperson wrote in tribute. “Graham will be remembered for his extraordinary artistry, beautiful tone, and wonderful sense of humour. Beyond the stage, Graham helped to shape WA’s music community through his dedication to teaching and mentoring, inspiring generations of violinists, including members … Continue reading Vale Graham Wood, violinist and educator