Alison Smith O’Connell is a cellist, permaculture enthusiast and mother of 3 daughters.  

Alison studied cello in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Germany, before moving to Kuala Lumpur to become a member of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. 8 years (and 2 babies) later, Alison returned to Brisbane, where she now performs regularly with Camerata, becoming an Artistic Associate in 2023.  

In 2022, Alison completed the full Educators Program at the Permaculture Education Institute. Now she and her brother write silly songs together about backyard farming, bringing permaculture education to children through music. When not playing cello, or writing songs about butterflies and vegetables, Alison enjoys hanging out with her family and transforming her suburban backyard into an edible oasis.