Peter Weir, director of Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
(2003) is a patron of the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
Russell Crowe described him as "the most magnificent violinist
Australia has produced".
Richard Tognetti claimed that Russell Crowe had great concentration and
made fast progress on the violin. Russell disagreed, saying he was
still having trouble playing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"!
Performs on a 1759 JB Guadagnini violin. The violin was purchased by
the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for its Fine Art collection and has
been lent to Richard Tognetti on a semi-permanent basis.
Was made an Australian "National Living Treasure" in 1999.
Is a professional violin player.
Studied at the Berne Conservatory where he was awarded the Tschumi
prize in 1989.
Was violin tutor to Russell Crowe for Master and Commander: The Far
Side of the World (2003).
Is the artistic director and lead violin with the Australian Chamber
Orchestra. Has held these positions since 1989.
Studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Continuing position as part of the Australian Chamber
Orchestra. (March 2005)