The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra has announced the appointment of a new chief executive, with Caroline Sharpen to commence a five-year contract from January, 2019.
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She will succeed managing director Nicholas Heyward, who will step down in December after a 17-year tenure.
Originally from Tasmania, Sharpen joins the TSO following senior positions with Musica Viva Australia, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Her most recent role was operating her own consultancy, Sharpen Creative Industries Consulting, which has worked with Tasmanian organisations including the University of Tasmania, TMAG and the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra, as well as high profile arts organisations including the Australian World Orchestra and Australian Brandenburg Orchestra.
Ms Sharpen said she was “honoured” to be chosen for the position.
“This appointment is a lifelong dream,” she said.
“My first orchestral experience with the TSO when I was seven fuelled my passion for music and shaped my life and career in orchestras and chamber music organisations in Australia and the United States.
“I’m thrilled to return home to Tasmania and contribute to the artistic growth of the TSO for future generations.”
Ms Sharpen was the first Australian to be awarded a prestigious Kennedy Center Fellowship in Arts Management, a year-long management program for aspiring performing arts leaders resulting in a placement with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington D.C.
TSO board chairman Dr David Rich believed she would be able to continue the work of her predecessor.
“I am delighted that we have attracted an outstanding appointee as our new chief executive,” he said.
“I am confident that, working with our newly-appointed chief conductor, Eivind Aadland, and building on the strong foundations built by Nicholas Heyward and his colleagues, Caroline will lead the TSO into a new era of exciting innovations and extraordinary artistic achievements.”
The TSO recently announced major appointments in its artistic leadership, with new chief conductor and artistic director Eivind Aadland to commence in 2020, and Swiss-Australian conductor Elena Schwarz announced as the orchestra’s inaugural associate conductor from 2019.
Sean Slatter
Journalist at Fairfax Media based at Launceston.
Journalist at Fairfax Media based at Launceston.
