On 27 March 2025, Irena Morozov was presented the highest university honour, a Doctor of Music (Hon). Irena was celebrated in a moving ceremony, for her longstanding contribution to the University’s cultural life and community, as well as her achievements at an international scale.

Irena was a founding member of the UNSW Australia Ensemble, the only female identifying member for the first 10 years, and continued on to become an integral member of the Ensemble for 45 years. Not only sharing her musical talent, but also supporting operational and organisational roles, Irena enabled the Ensemble to flourish throughout its history. 

Beyond her involvement with UNSW, Irena’s talent has taken her to perform in over 30 countries, frequently perform as a quest principal for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the founding of the critically acclaimed Goldner String Quartet.

Irena’s contribution to her craft spans beyond her own practice, and into supporting the next generation of Australian chamber musicians. She not only leads by example but is actively involved in the nurturing of new talent through organisations such as; the Australian Youth Orchestra, Musica Viva Australia, the Australian National Academy of Music and the Huntington Ensemble Challenge.

The team at the Music Performance Unit would like to offer our warmest congratulations to Irena and acknowledge that the Australia Ensemble would not be what it is today without her talent and dedication over the years.