Michael Ullmer AO, Chair of the MSO International Advisory Board, has announced the appointment of Trent Smyth AM as the Advisory Board’s newest member.
“We are delighted to welcome Trent Smyth to the Advisory Board as the MSO continues to develop its presence and partnership activities in the UK,” Ullmer said.
“Trent has been a long-standing ambassador and advocate for the MSO, and most recently has been instrumental in promoting the MSO to UK business leaders and organisations. He facilitated our delivery of a highly successful event for the QUAD Fellowship Summit held in Melbourne in June and forged connections for the Orchestra across leading educational institutions, commercial sectors and government networks. Building on this solid foundation, we look forward to working with Trent to further expand our international engagement across the UK, Asia and USA.”
Now based in London, Melbourne-born Smyth is an internationally respected executive and director who served on the Board of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and as Honorary Consul for Malawi. He is currently a Board Member for OPUS (London), Chair of the Australian Football League (Europe) and CEO of The Chief of Staff Association.
Trent said he is thrilled to formalise his commitment to Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and its international goals.
"I am thrilled to join the International Advisory Board of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. This MSO is not just a beacon of artistic excellence but also an 'Ambassador for Australia', showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of our nation. I look forward to continuing to support the Orchestra internationally, particularly its meaningful work with indigenous Australians. Contributing to an organisation that so beautifully intertwines the universal language of music with a deep respect for cultural diversity is an honour."
Trent joins Indonesia’s Crown Princess Mangkubumi on the International Advisory Board, which also works with Countess Zofia Krasicki von Siecin who acts as an important Ambassador for the MSO’s UK Activities.
The MSO recently formed a partnership with the Royal Academy of Music, which builds on the legacy of the UK/Australia Season of Culture 2021/2022 jointly led by DFAT and the British Council. In 2022, the MSO also signed a multi-year collaboration agreement with the London Symphony Orchestra and its recording label LSO.Live.
Over the coming years, the MSO is planning a tour to Indonesia and Singapore with Chief Conductor Jaime Martín in 2024, and a full Orchestra tour to the UK in 2025.
The MSO was the first professional Australian orchestra to tour internationally (New Zealand, 1965) and is one of Australia’s leading cultural ambassadors, taking a long-term strategic approach to international engagement and the export and promotion of Australian arts and artists.
