Ronald Smart, the musician, conductor, educator and former principal of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, has died.

He will be remembered for a wide-ranging career spanned performance, education and musical leadership in Australia and internationally.

Smart began as a trombonist, playing in the Australian Youth Orchestra before becoming principal trombone of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra under its chief conductor Eugene Goossens in the 1950s.

In the early 1960s, he undertook further study in the United States, eventually earning a doctorate in music education from the University of Southern California. It was during those years in America that he developed a particular interest in choral music, directing choirs alongside orchestras, brass ensembles, stage bands, wind orchestras and marching bands.

He spent seven years as director of music at Beverly Hills High School in Los Angeles and subsequently worked as a guest conductor and educator across North America, Australia and Europe.

Smart returned to Sydney in 1975 to join the staff of the Sydney Conservatorium, where he held senior positions including head of Performance Studies and deputy director before becoming director and principal.

Left to right: Margaret Powell, Ronald Smart, Mardi McSullea and Jimmy Lin. Photo courtesy Sydney Conservastorium of Music, University of Sydney

He led the Conservatorium from 1992 to 1994, a period of significant institutional change following its amalgamation with the University of Sydney.

Musicologist and Honorary Associate Professor at the Conservatorium Peter McCallum said one of Smart’s principal legacies was overseeing the development of the institution’s first degree course in performance.

“From the point of view of musical leadership, overseeing the development of the Con’s first degree course in performance is one of his main legacies,” McCallum said.

Smart was also active in outreach, establishing the Pan Pacific Music Camps and promoting the Conservatorium internationally through tours by its Chamber Choir.

“Many students will cherish the experiences he created,” McCallum said.

After leaving the Conservatorium, Smart maintained an active international career as a conductor, adjudicator, lecturer and music educator. He conducted professional ensembles and choirs at major venues including Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, the Kennedy Center, Teatro Colón and the Sydney Opera House.

He remained closely involved in the international choral movement, serving as an adjudicator at the World Choir Games and Asia-Pacific Choir Games, and as artistic director of the Hong Kong International Youth Music Festival.

Smart returned to the Conservatorium in 2015 to conduct its Chamber Choir as part of the institution’s centenary celebrations.

Smart’s influence was remembered by former students not only for his musical achievements but for his generosity and mentorship.

Rev Dr Amelia Koh-Butler, who sang with the Conservatorium Chorale as a student, recalled Smart as “a true gentleman”, particularly remembering his warmth while hosting the World Choral Symposium and his work with international musicians.

“He was in his element – welcoming, hosting, with genuine warmth and enthusiasm to encourage people from countless countries,” she said.

Former Chorale member Vesna Hatezic described Smart as an “extraordinarily dedicated musician and conductor”.

“He challenged us, inspired us and gave us opportunities that have stayed with me throughout my life,” she said.

Smart was awarded the Public Service Medal in the 1990 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his service to music and appointed a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2019.