Gilby, who has been the CSO's acting concertmaster for the past year, was appointed for two years after a nationwide search. The concertmaster makes decisions regarding bowing and technical details for violin players and is in charge of leading the orchestra in tuning before concerts and rehearsals and other aspects of orchestra management. The previous concertmaster from 1996 to 2008 was Tor Fromyhr.

CSO chief executive Henry Laska said, ''It will be wonderful to have Barbara on board as concertmaster for the next two years, but it is particularly special that she will be with us to fill this role next year. ''Barbara and her family have made such a big contribution to the orchestra's history, so it will be wonderful to have her as concertmaster for our 2010 season, which includes a wonderful series of concerts to celebrate the orchestra's 60th birthday.''

Ticket sales for the 2010 season open on Monday.

Gilby, a former ANU School of Music teacher, is passionate about music education. ''One of the things spoken to management about is education. The CSO does have a school program, but I thought we could become a bit more active and make it more interesting for the students.''

Now a freelance teacher and musician who performs throughout the country, Gilby is keen to share her formidable talent and experience.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times