John Alan William Mowson married Jill Harrison

1931 – 2021

John Mowson was an esteemed Australian classical and jazz musician, best known for his long and distinguished tenure as the Principal Double Bass player for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO).

Hailing originally from Melbourne, Mowson’s early musical footprint spanned both the classical and jazz idioms. Before establishing his career as a leading orchestral musician, he spent time in Sydney playing with the Australian Jazz Quartet. This diverse background gave him a unique versatility and deep command over the double bass, balancing the improvisational rhythm of jazz with the technical precision required for major symphonic works.

John became a member of the West Australian symphony Orchestra and was a tutor at the first Music Camp ever to be held in Western Australia from November 14 – 17 1952 at Point Peron. 

Jill Harrison and John Mowson got engaged late in 1952 and were married 2^nd April 1953. 

In the 1960s, Mowson became an integral part of Australia’s premier classical ensembles. In 1965, he and his wife Jill, an accomplished musician herself, were invited to travel to London with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to perform at the Commonwealth Festival of Arts.

A few years later, in 1967, Mowson performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the prestigious Montreal Expo 67. His exceptional talent and leadership within the bass section culminated in 1969, when he was officially appointed Principal Double Bass of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. He remained a prominent fixture of the orchestra for decades, regularly featured as a soloist in major subscription concert series, working under world-renowned guest conductors such as Franz-Paul Decker.

Recognized as one of the finest double bassists in the country, Mowson recorded a rare, self-titled solo EP, “John Mowson – Double Bass,” released in Australia in 1966. The vinyl release highlighted the instrument in a classical solo capacity, a testament to his individual virtuosity at a time when solo double bass recordings were uncommon.

Beyond his performances on stage, Mowson was a passionate and influential educator. As a teacher, he offered enthusiastic guidance and mentored the next generation of Australian string players, helping many transition into successful orchestral careers.

Mowson shared his life and musical journey with his wife, Jill Mowson (née Harrison), a casual classical player with the MSO and later a long-serving member of the Victorian State Orchestra. Together they raised three children (Penny, Peter, and Paul) while simultaneously balancing demanding international touring schedules and local performance careers.

John and Jill retired as music professionals in 1991 and returned across the Nullarbor to settle back into Perth after an absence of 23 years.