About Us
Experience the beauty of music with Riverbend Ensemble’s inspiring performances. Elevate your spirit and join us in our musical journey.
Feel the Soul of Chamber Music
Riverbend Ensemble was founded in 2022 by Helen Carvolth in Brisbane, Australia. We have a mission to provide concerts with unique programming which appeal both to regular concert goers and those unfamiliar with the intimate genre.
We offer dynamic performances and quality collaborations, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Since July 2022 we have performed in Brisbane, Toowoomba, and Maleny. In 2024 we received a Brisbane City Council Creative Sparks Grant for “Brush and Bow”. This project involved two performances of an entirely Australian program, with two newly commissioned works by Dr Thomas Green and Rachel Merton. “Music and Live Painting” involved nine artists painting live in response to this music, whilst “Music and Art Projections” paired music with a screen projection of the works of artist Kate Marek.
Inspired Chamber Music Excellence
Meet Our Remarkable Ensemble
Helen Carvolth
Founder & Violinist
Helen graduated from University of Queensland, School of Music with a Master of Music (performance) degree in 1999. She won the University string prize in 1996 and has performed with The Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Pops Orchestra and Ady Ensemble. Helen was Concert Master of Ipswich City Symphony from 2014 to 2022. In 2020 She led the Ipswich City String Quartet in its tour of regional south east queensland, (Taking Flight) Funded by a regional arts development grant.
Alys Rayner
Violinist, composer
Alys Rayner is a native of Albury, And studied Violin, Viola and Composition in Canberra and the Queensland Conservatorium Of Music. She was the 2020 Composer-In-Residence for the Australian Voices and is now Composer-In-Residence for Riverbend Ensemble. Alys is a sought after teacher and freelance musician, and currently teaches at St Margarets Anglican Girl’s School.
Shannon Luk
Violist, viola da gamba
Shannon Luk is a diverse instrumentalist, specialising in early instruments including Baroque violin, viola, cello, viola da gamba and theorbo. He studied at the University of Qld with Patricia Pollett (viola) and Michael O’Loghlin (viola da gamba) and has extensively through Australia, Europe and Asia with many different ensembles. Shannon is also a trained luthier.
Alex McPherson
Cellist
Alex studied Cello at the University of Queensland with Gwyn Roberts, and continued his studies in Tasmania. He has played in the Hobart Baroque Ensemble, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Pops Orchestra, The Australian Session Orchestra and Ady Ensemble. In 2014 He played in Azerbaijan with the Australian String Virtuosi.