Ed Smith

I had the luck to work closely with Ed for 28 years - the most harmonious professional relationship I have ever had, or could ever imagine. Under a quiet exterior lurks a raving visionary, someone who is always asking questions, always searching for the next step forward. Ed is a resource which should be exploited and plundered (maybe gold mined would be a better term!). There are not many people like him around in our profession or any other, as far as I can see. I hope many other artists and institutions have the benefit of his knowledge, care and wisdom.

Sir Simon Rattle CBE

Ed is a wonderful colleague who gave me my first job as Music Director of a professional orchestra - the Gothenburg Symphony. His huge knowledge and experience and his contacts throughout the orchestral world has been of immense value to me in my early years. Anyone seeking his advice about any aspect of our "business" will be very fortunate.

Gustavo Dudamel

 Camerata Nordica - Sweden’s international ensemble - continues to develop in an ever more interesting way-ecently being the recipient of a major EC awatd for collaborative projects in Sweden, Estionia and the UK. (www.camerata.se)

The 2013 project celebrating major anniversaries of Britten and Wagner ( including a newly commissioned treatment of the Wesendonk Lieder from Robin Holloway) is generating interest from a number of sources and will be ready for touring from the summer of 2013. Anyone interested in exploring further for inclusion in concert series should contact me.

Last year I spent a very happy 6 months  back working on a part-time  basis in Liverpool with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonicin the role of Interim Executive Director-Orchestra and Ensembles. It was just 2-3 days a week, but fascinating to be back in the organisation where I first started my career 42 years ago. And where I first met the fifteen year old, Simon Rattle!

  Consultancy work for the Scottish Government as an external assessor for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra included a remarkable project the orchestra undertook in the Shetlands producing a wonderfulo series iof events for the Islanders - and introducing many newcomers to the thrills of live music making from a full symphony orchestra. The Shetland fiddle players also shared their expertise with the orchestral players - a mutually stimulating experience.

I returned to  Mumbai for a week in February for the Symphony of India festival which this year included some opera productions. I was able to help them find a General Manager from the UK who will start with them this summer. This should enable them to progress their development on managerial, financial and artistic matters.

“Jury Service” on the Royal Philharmonic Society’s panel for the best large scale enemble award proved to be fasacinating - and actually very exhausting!

Gustavo comes to the end of his tenure as Music Director in Gothenburg - I found the attached video of the announcement of his appointment in 2006.

There’s a note at the bottom of this page referring to the company that designed this site for me - Made Media. This Birmingham based company was recommended to me by Sarah Gee (Founding Partner of Indigo and a colleague from CBSO days) and its Managing Director is Jake Grimley. His father is Terry, who was the long serving Arts Editor of the Birmingham Post when it was a daily. I’m very pleased with what Jake has done for me - his clients include:

Glyndebourne,Sadlers Wells,Town Hall/Symphony Hall Birmingham,Nottingham Playhouse,Royal Court Theatre,English Touring Opera and BCMG…..

it’s good to be in their company!