Australia’s Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Appoints New CEO

Seasoned arts administrator Colin Cornish will assume the orchestra’s chief executive role as of March 2023

Colin Cornish AM succeeds long-time Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO) CEO, Vincent Ciccarello. Since 2005, Cornish has been CEO of the Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO), and will now relocate from Melbourne to Adelaide to begin his new role with the ASO. 

Cornish also served in senior positions at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and worked as a recording producer and musician with several major orchestras including the Australian Chamber Orchestra. 

In 2021, Cornish was awarded a Member in the Order of Australia for his contribution to performing arts, music, and youth in the Queen’s Birthday Honors. The ASO deemed Cornish “a standout in a world-class field of candidates,” following a global search for its new CEO.

“In Colin, we have secured someone who is completely in tune with the ASO’s future direction,” said ASO Chair Andrew Daniels. “He brings with him outstanding experience, both in terms of his strategic approach and his musical understanding. We are absolutely delighted to have secured a CEO of Colin’s caliber to lead our organization.”

Cornish grew up in Adelaide and attended its Elder Conservatorium of Music. Following his studies, he played violin with the ASO as a casual musician. “ASO has always held a special place in my heart,” Cornish explained.

“The high respect in which the ASO is held is obvious every time I talk to artists and conductors anywhere around Australia and the world,” he added. “The special place it has in the community in [South Australia] has been evident to me for many years, and I am delighted to be joining such a creative and successful organization.”

Founded in 1936, the ASO is South Australia’s largest performing arts organization. Its newly announced 2023 season can be viewed here.