If you’ve been to a WASO concert before, you might recognise Assistant Concertmaster Semra Lee-Smith, but did you know that Semra is also a highly sought-after chamber musician?

Malaysian-born Semra first began playing violin at age three, then pursued her university studies in music right here in Perth. In addition to her impressive role in WASO, she is a founding member and Artistic Director of the Darlington Ensemble, comprising the Darlington Piano Trio and Darlington String Quartet. The Darlington Ensemble regularly performs at the beautiful, heritage-listed Darlington Hall, known for its intimate atmosphere. 

Semra Lee-Smith | Nik Babic Photography

Next month, Semra, along with the rest of the Darlington Quartet and pianist Graeme Gilling (who shares with Semra the title of Darlington Ensemble’s Artistic Director), will gather on the Perth Concert Hall stage for a special one-off chamber music concert presented by Musica Viva Australia. 

The concert will feature Mozart’s spirited String Quartet No. 14, Amy Beach’s gripping Piano Quintet, and the third movement of Perth composer Emma Jayakumar’s Bell Birds. 

We caught up with Semra to chat about Darlington Quartet’s upcoming concert, her love of chamber music, and more. 

There are three beautiful works featured in this concert program! Which one are you the most excited to perform?

We are playing a movement of Emma Jayakumar’s Bell Birds Suite which she wrote for the Darlington Quartet last year as part of an ABC Fresh Start Commission. We’ve only recorded it so this is the first performance for us - we are so excited to bring Emma’s gorgeous music to a live audience! 

For those who’ve never listened to Darlington Quartet before, can you describe your sound in three words?

Warm, thrilling and joyful!

Darlington Quartet | Nik Babic Photography

How does the experience of playing chamber music compare with playing in a full orchestra? 

While I enjoy playing in an orchestra, I must admit that chamber music is my first love as I love the intimacy of working in a small group and finding our way through a piece together. 

If you hadn’t pursued a career in music, what do you think you would be doing instead?

I might combine two of my other great loves and be a food writer! 

When you’re not playing music, how do you like to spend your time? Do you have any hobbies or special interests?

I discovered escape rooms last year and am totally addicted now!

Don’t miss Musica Viva Australia’s Darlington Quartet and Graeme Gilling concert at Perth Concert Hall on Sunday 3 October, 6:30pm. Find tickets and more information.