He will succeed Prof Kevin Thompson, who will step down at the end of August after eight years. Prof Walter is expected to assume the directorship in September.

In making the announcement, the academy notes that Prof Walter “has been Head of School of Music of Australian National University, consistently ranked Australia’s number one university, from 2008. In this position, he established educational partnerships with world-class international tertiary music institutions…Using innovative, cutting-edge audio-visual conference facilities, ANU School of Music staff and students showcase their talents throughout Australia and the world via live-streaming concerts and masterclassses.”

The academy further notes that Prof Walter “seeks to enhance the standing and recognition of the Academy locally and internationally”, an assertion that some staff at the ANU School of Music view with scepticism.

It is also believed that the revelation shows that the professor has been planning this move for some time.

Pianist Dr Geoffrey Lancaster, an open critic of Prof Walter’s role in aiding and accepting the ANU’s restructuring, commented tonight, “I tried to warn colleagues. We are all doomed and he has his life raft. He has been recklessly indifferent to the consequences for our community and is no longer going to be part of it”.

Other staffers at the School have described the appointment as “amazing”.