New artistic director at Sinfonia Smith Square

TOBY CHADD is the new artistic director of London-based concert hall Sinfonia Smith Square.

An artistic curator, director and programmer, Chadd previously worked as opera and music advisor to Adelaide Festival, as director of artistic planning at the Australian Chamber Orchestra and as a consultant to organisations including the BBC Philharmonic orchestra.

He spent several years working on the live music program at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and has also worked with international organisations, including UNESCO and Leipzig Bach Festival.

Now based in the UK after a decade in Australia, Chadd’s new role will involve overseeing the annual programme of concerts and festivals at the venue, while also leading on the artistic direction.

Sinfonia Smith Square, which also delivers an orchestral training programme for emerging musicians, was formed through the combination of Southbank Sinfonia and St John’s Smith Square.

Its chair, TRACY LONG, said Chadd’s appointment comes at a critical and dynamic time for the charity. “Toby is celebrated around the world and brings a wealth of experience to the table,” she added.

Chadd’s new role will also encompass work on the Doors Open project, which is aiming to save and restore Westminster’s Smith Square Hall after it was added to Heritage England’s risk register last year.

“Sinfonia Smith Square is a beacon of innovation and hope for the future generations of musicians, and I am excited to take the reins,” Chadd said.

“Transforming lives through music is a shared vision by all involved in the organisation, and I look forward to helping deliver this through an ambitious and unique artistic programme.”