His grandfather handed him his first violin at the age of five and now he plays fulltime for the Mozartoreum Orchestra in Salzburg.

“I come from a family of musicians, so I really didn’t have a choice,” Stiles said.

“Even before I started high school I knew I’d be a violinist. It’s not like there was ever a point where I made the decision to do it, that’s just always how it was going to be.

“I love it. It’s such a rewarding job.”

Stiles got his first taste of the Highlands at the age of 10, when he visited Burrawang with the Australian Youth Orchestra. His parents were so taken by the region they decided to leave their city life behind them and have lived in Robertson ever since.

But for Stiles the travelling had just begun.

For his career to succeed, and succeed it must, he had a tough time ahead of him.

“It took a lot of hard work and a lot of persistence,” Stiles said.

“I went to audition after audition trying to make the most of the three minutes I was given to prove myself - although they usually make up their minds after the first 20 seconds.”

But the persistence paid off and Stiles landed himself the position of first violin for the Mozartoreum Orchestra.

Now he’s sitting on the other side of the judges’ table listening to up and coming musicians try to win him over with their three minutes.

Working for the orchestra has taken him all over the world, to all number of festivals, operas and recitals.

The strict schedules don’t always allow for a lot of time to see the sites but Stiles said he considers himself lucky to able to experience a little slice of so many different cultures.

And during his holidays, Stiles returns home to visit his family in Robertson.

This year’s trip is particularly special as he has flew in on Wednesday with his partner Elisabetta Calzavara, an accomplished Italian pianist who will be joining him in concert for the Robertson Village Music Society.

Together they will perform sonatas by Beethoven, Brahms and Alfred Hill.

And while an intimate concert at the Christian Education Centre in Meryla Street may not seem much in comparison to likes of the Salzburg festival, Stiles said he’s really looking forward to the concert.

“The Highlands has a very strong musical background and it will be a delight to perform in Robertson again,” he said.