TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA FOUNDER JOHN PAINTER AM, 92, AFTER SHOCKING DEATH
- Painter, a renowned cellist and music educator, founded the ACO in 1975 and led it to international acclaim
- Richard Tognetti, ACO’s artistic director, paid a heartfelt tribute to Painter, recalling his teacher’s humility, sense of humor, and dedication to his craft
- The music world mourns the loss of a trailblazer who defied norms and inspired generations of musicians
The Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) is in mourning following the sudden passing of its founder, John Painter AM, at the age of 92. Painter, a celebrated cellist, music educator, and visionary, left an indelible mark on the music world.
Painter’s remarkable journey began in Adelaide in 1932. He studied at the Elder Conservatorium of Music and the New South Wales State Conservatorium of Music, later renamed the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. At just 18, he became principal cellist of the South Australian Symphony Orchestra, and in 1954, he joined the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, becoming its principal cellist in 1960.
In 1966, Painter formed the Sydney Quartet, and nine years later, he founded the ACO, performing in its inaugural concert. His dedication to the ensemble earned him a Member of the Order of Australia in 1981 for his services to music.
Throughout his illustrious career, Painter held various directorships, including at the New South Wales State Conservatorium of Music, the Canberra School of Music, and the Australian Institute of Music. In 2002, he received the Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award, and from 2013 to 2014, he served as jury chair of the inaugural Australian Cello Awards.
In a heartfelt tribute, ACO’s artistic director Richard Tognetti recalled Painter’s immense impact on his life and the music world. “My own love of being in a chamber orchestra was born out of my time in the Sydney Youth Chamber Orchestra… John Painter was part of an era of trailblazers who defied norms to create new paths. He inspired me to be resilient, and imbued us with a well-placed and deserved sense of sarcasm and irony; using humour to express disdain or scepticism towards pomposity, self-hubris, or lax behaviour.”
“Mr. Painter never proclaimed his achievements, so this is our opportunity to declare the importance of his legacy in the history of Australia,” Tognetti added. “While he might be somewhat horrified by the unconventional musical directions we’ve taken, he encouraged the free thinking that characterises the ACO and its audiences. For this, we thank you, Mr. Painter.”
The ACO also paid tribute to its founder on social media, saying: “John was a modest man, however his impact on the ACO, and the broader cultural community of this country, cannot be overstated… From all of us here, at your ACO, thank you, John. We will continue to do our very best to honour your legacy.”