Who is Marianne Rothschild?
Marianne Rothschild is a freelance violinist, having started The Crossing Machine string quartet in 2018. She is also a passionate teacher, teaching in Bairnsdale and at her home studio in Melbourne. She also started as an NDIS support worker during lockdown.
She finds this work immensely satisfying as it gets her out of the music world, which even though it is deep and exciting can be stifling at the best of times with many egos to manage. She started a counselling diploma during lockdown also to fill in the time.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Well if the universe agrees I will continue go full steam ahead with violin and The Crossing Machine because I see that it works. But if that wasn’t an option I always need to work with people. So continuing NDIS support work and the counselling course is definitely an option .
Who inspires you and why?
So many people inspire me. Every great violinist or musician who has given it a go in any way, there are so many avenues to make a career. My teachers Tania Casey who came into my life when I was 15 and inspired me to practise.
Julian Quirit who was my teacher after Tania was immensely inspiring. My husband inspires me and it is likely that that is why I love playing works by living composers and like to work in depth on their pieces to help develop them. Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms don’t need this anymore.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
To make a difference in the world I think is easy for anyone. Help people around you to the best of your abilities. To get outside of yourself is enlightening and uplifting when you see it can make a difference to someone else. The world can only be a better place if you lift someone up to make them a better version of themselves.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Norway. Most of my extended family is here so there is a real connection. Also the country, the people and the language is beautiful.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
If they love the city then the arcades as well as The National Gallery. If they like the coast, definitely The Great Ocean Road. If they are into the bush, then walking in the Dandenongs.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Butter by Asako Yuzuki, as well as Music, Business and the Law by Shane Simpson and Greg Stevens.
What are you currently listening to?
I am currently listening to The Juliet Letters by Elvis Costello and The Brodsky Quartet – recorded by The Crossing Machine (to be released in the next few weeks).
Happiness is?
Happiness is family, friends, music and having good health.
What does the future hold for you?
I have learnt not to pre-empt what the future holds, because the universe more often than not has other ideas.
Marianne is a violinist in The Crossing Machine – who will present The The Juliet Letters (a genre-defying song cycle created by Elvis Costello in collaboration with The Brodsky Quartet) at fortyfivedownstairs on Friday 1 May 2026. For more information, visit: www.thecrossingmachine.com.au for details.
Image: Marianne Rothschild (supplied)