Company director and investment manager Edgar Myer is the new Chair of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Board, following the retirement of David Li after a 12-year tenure. Myer joined the MSO Board in March 2023, so he will be well aware of the challenges ahead, given the fallout after the MSO cancelled a performance by pianist Jayson Gillham, when he made comments the orchestra considered too political for the concert stage (see page 16).

“The MSO is an iconic organisation brimming with talented musicians and artistic teams, led by a professional management team under new CEO Richard Wigley,” said Myer.

“I am humbled by the privilege of leading the MSO Board and am committed to working with them to strengthen the MSO, grow audiences and achieve the organisation’s strategic vision.”

Professor Ruth Rentschler has completed her eight-year tenure on the Board of Australian Dance Theatre (including two years as Chair) by committing a $500,000 bequest to the company. The award-winning academic said it had been “an honour” to serve on the ADT Board. “The company is important to Australia’s dance ecology, and I’m thrilled to have played a part in its success.”

A portrait of...