Vale John Galloway Painter AM, born Adelaide, 1932–died Canberra, September 13, 2025.

One of Australia’s most significant musicians, John Painter, cellist, founder of the Australian Chamber Orchestra and former head of the then Canberra School of Music, died in Canberra on Saturday. He was 92.

Born in 1932 in Adelaide and known for his perfect pitch, Painter was first educated at the Elder Conservatorium of Music in Adelaide, then at the NSW State Conservatorium of Music (later the Sydney Con) during which time he supported himself by playing with the ABC Dance Band and the Colgate-Palmolive Orchestra.

He moved back home to become the principal cellist for the SA Symphony at the age of 18.

Returning to Sydney, he played with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra from 1954-66, where he toured internationally as principal cellist from 1960.

In 1966 Painter formed the full-time Sydney String Quartet and in 1974 the Australian Chamber Orchestra, with which he played for 10 years.

After serving with the Australia Council’s Music and Community Art Boards, the Sydney International Piano competition and national music camps, he became director of the NSW Conservatorium,1982-85; the Canberra School of Music, 1985-95; then the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney, 1997-2003.

He eventually retired in Canberra where he continued to play a role in music, serving on the board of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.

In a tribute to him, present-day ACO director Richard Tognetti says: “Fifty years ago, this extraordinary Australian, John Painter, formed the Australian Chamber Orchestra. He also played a crucial role in the evolution of our Australian National Academy of Music and served as the director of both the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Canberra School of Music.”

Tognetti describes Painter as “part of an era of trailblazers who defied norms to create new paths.”

Music scholar Robyn Holmes, who conducted an oral history interview with Painter, on open access at the NLA, says his contribution as performer, educator, advocate and visionary gave him  him “rare insight and unparalleled influence over the development of music-making and musicians in Australia.”

Flautist Sally Walker, now a faculty member at the ANU, praises the Painter as “an exceptionally bright, passionate and visionary man… a testament to the difference one person can make.”

Walker first met him when as a child she was auditioning for a scholarship and found him a formidable authority figure, but one “with a sparkle in his eyes”.

I can vouch for that, having enjoyed many a concert in company with Painter, who maintained a keen interest in  the Canberra music scene’s emerging ensembles.

There is to be no funeral, he will be privately cremated. He is survived by his partner of 15 years Renée Goossens, his sons Ashley and Jamie and stepsons Greg and Martin Pikler.

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