Artist Spotlight – Heath Parkinson

Meet Heath Parkinson, one of the four French horn soloists featured in Island Signal, Island Song. 

With a career spanning over two decades at the pinnacle of the Australian orchestral scene, Heath Parkinson has established himself as one of the country’s most versatile and commanding brass soloists. His artistry is defined by a “high level of discipline and a commitment to excellence” that has seen him occupy principal chairs in the nation’s most prestigious ensembles. 
 

Heath’s distinguished orchestral career includes permanent tenures as Associate Principal Horn with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Principal 3rd Horn with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. His expertise is frequently sought after on the international stage, having served as Guest Principal Horn for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, among others. 
 

Beyond the symphonic stage, Heath is a celebrated figure in the world of musical theatre. In 2026, he served as Principal Horn for the international tour of Les Misérables, performing to acclaimed audiences in Manila and Singapore. His extensive theatrical credits include leading the pit for iconic productions such as The Phantom of the Opera, Billy Elliot, Miss Saigon, and Beauty and the Beast. 
 

A dedicated pedagogue, Heath is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of Australian musicians. He has held faculty and lecturer positions at the Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Tasmanian Conservatoriums of Music, as well as the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM). In 2025, he continued this mission as a tutor for the Australian Youth Orchestra. 
 

Heath is an alumnus of the Australian National Academy of Music and holds a Graduate Diploma of Performance from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. He currently resides in Adelaide, where he continues to perform, teach, and advocate for the growth of brass music programs. 

See Heath and the other four French horn soloists play in Island Signal, Island Song. Tickets on sale now.
 
Event Details 
Date: Saturday, 9 May 
Time: 7:30pm 
Location: The Playhouse, AANT Centre 
Tickets: https://dso.org.au/island-signal-island-song/