Farewell To Alan Smith
Blog ·
In November we said farewell to one of the longest-standing members of Queensland Symphony Orchestra, violinist Alan Smith. Alan commenced his career with the QSO in 1995, and his titled positions include Concertmaster, which he held between 1995-2010, and Associate Concertmaster from 2011-2025. Current QSO Concertmaster Natsuko Yoshimoto and former Section Principal 2nd Violin Wayne Brennan share some kind words and fond memories of Alan over the years.
When Alan returned to Brisbane in 1995 to become Concertmaster of Queensland Symphony Orchestra, he began a tenure that would set a standard and leave a lasting legacy. Both QSO and Brisbane’s music community have long valued his exquisite violin playing and leadership.
I have worked closely with Alan for all those years as Principal 2nd Violin and my experiences can be summed up: “His orchestral solos are always impeccable from the very first rehearsal. He listens and doesn’t make a fuss. When something needs doing—bowings, balance, and the rest—he just does it, clearly and without drama.” This kind of leadership and reliability has set a standard for my career and I am certain for many others as well.
I have come to know both Alan and his wife Jane (Violin 2) as colleagues and friends throughout those years. Their friendship and guidance has been invaluable to me both personally and professionally. I have always appreciated how authentic and genuine Alan is both on and off stage and how that reflects in his leadership – he keeps things simple: his cues are clean, his advice is practical, and he always puts the music first. He is generous with his time to younger players and old hands alike. No big speeches; just small, useful conversations at the right moment.
He also keeps perspective! Side-stage before one concert, with perfect timing, he said to me: “I used to believe as a young boy that my grandmother invented the Granny Smith apple.” It broke the tension and made us all smile. That’s very Alan—dry, light, and human.
As Alan moves on from QSO, the main thing I want to say is simple: thank you. Thank you for the consistency, the clear example, and the good humour. You’ve helped raise the floor for all of us, which is the best kind of legacy in an orchestra.
Alan, thank you— for the clarity you bring, the patience you’ve shown, and the years of music you have poured into this orchestra and this city.
Wayne Brennan (retired Section Principal 2nd Violin, QSO)
Alan— it has been such pleasure and honour to have been able to share the front desk with you over the last few years!
There are not enough adjectives to describe what an amazing person you are! I was already aware of this “Alan” in my previous life whilst I was the Concertmaster with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. My colleagues there had always spoken so fondly and so highly of you that I was very curious to meet and work with you. And you sure didn’t disappoint, The Legend of Alan was true!
To me you are like a big beautiful tree with wealth of experience and strong professionalism at your roots, always there with your calming and grounding presence like the trunk, providing steady and reliable support and guidance to people around you with such warmth, graciousness and kindness like the canopy. It was humbling for me to sit next to you and be able to observe and learn from you!
I also discovered that you have a very cheeky side and love that you always have a twinkle in your eye and enjoyed sharing many laughs together!
So here’s to you, Alan— a true legend, a gentleman, a consummate professional, and the most wonderful colleague and friend. Thank you and we wish you the absolute best for your exciting next chapter!
With deep love, respect, and gratitude— huge congratulations on your most remarkable career and an even more so, a remarkable person!
Natsuko Yoshimoto (Concertmaster, QSO)
