John Painter, cellist, educator and founder of the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO), has died in Canberra. He was 92.

His passing marks the end of an era for Australian classical music, where his vision helped shape the nation’s orchestral identity. 

John Painter. Image courtesy of ACO

Painter was born in Adelaide in 1932. Although he trained initially on piano, he ultimately found his lifelong voice through the cello, first at the Elder Conservatorium of Music in Adelaide, then at the NSW State Conservatorium of Music.

After supporting himself through his studies playing with the ABC Dance Band, the 18-year-old Painter returned to Adelaide to become Principal Cellist for the South Australian Symphony Orchestra. In 1952, he joined the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and served as Principal Cello from 1960.

In 1966, Painter founded the Sydney String Quartet. Then, in 1974 – determined to create a small, flexible ensemble with the highest standards – he formed the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Its first performance was on 21 November, 1975, in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House and featured 12 young players. Painter played with the ensemble for a decade and was instrumental in establishing its reputation.

Beyond founding the ACO, Painter occupied several major positions in the Australian musical establishment. He was Director of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music from 1982–1985. He also played significant roles with the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), the Canberra School of Music, the Music Board and Community Arts Committee of the Australia Council for the Arts, the board of Musica Viva Australia, the Victorian Institute of Colleges and the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). 

His honours reflect his influence. In 1981, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for service to music. He was a recipient of the Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award in 2002. 

John Painter. Photo © Bob Cooper, courtesy of Australian National University Archives

Colleagues, students and successors remember Painter for his musical insight, leadership and sense of humour. In a social media statement, the Australian Chamber Orchestra said it was “deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our founder”.

“John was a modest man, however his impact on the ACO, and the broader cultural community of this country, cannot be overstated.”

Writing on the orchestra’s website, current ACO Artistic Director, Richard Tognetti, describes Painter as “part of an era of trailblazers who defied norms to create new paths. He inspired me to be resilient and imbued us with a well-placed and deserved sense of sarcasm and irony, using humour to express disdain or scepticism towards pomposity, self-hubris or lax behaviour.”

“[He] never proclaimed his achievements, so this is our opportunity to declare the importance of his legacy in the history of Australia. While he might be somewhat horrified by the unconventional musical directions we’ve taken, he encouraged the free thinking that characterises the ACO and its audiences.”