Queensland Symphony Orchestra's CEO - David Pratt on Music, Community & Being an Aussie in LA

David Pratt — Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Newly Appointed CEO — Talks his Passion for Music, Engaging the Community, Spotting Opportunity & Being an Aussie in LA

David Pratt’s passion for music, entertainment and the outdoors have seen him forge a dynamic career across three distinctly different industries: recreation management, music and film. A highly experienced arts leader, David specialises in music organisations, orchestras and festivals and points to his ability to build large networks as pivotal to his professional success. Appointed CEO of Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) in September 2016, David has returned to Australia after many years in the United States where he was Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Symphony and previously, the Executive Director of the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and Orchestra. During his illustrious career, David has held roles with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music and the G’Day USA Festival. He has also worked extensively in the film industry in Los Angeles, including as the General Manager of Ausfilm and the President and Co-founder of Australians in Film.

David is a global traveller but a country boy at heart. He was born along with his twin sister in Bendigo, Victoria, to an elder sister. His mother, a teacher, and his father, an army officer, both instilled in their children an interest in the arts and in academia. David’s mother always advised him to pursue his passion. Throughout his secondary education in Canberra, he studied music and played the piano and the clarinet. Upon graduation, David headed south to Melbourne with his twin sister, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation Management from the Victoria University of Technology. He later completed a postgraduate degree in Business Administration at Swinburne University.

After kick starting his career with the Melbourne City Council in the Department of Recreation, David’s life took a fortuitous turn when he was approached to undertake a role working for the then Victorian Premier, Jeff Kennett, in the public service. While there, the then Head of Film Victoria recognised David’s vision and passion and offered him a role, which saw him venture into the film industry. David has long aspired to work with QSO and has a vision to see the orchestra reach its full potential on the international stage.

Quicklinks:

• David on LinkedIn
• QSO Media Release: Queensland Symphony Orchestra Appoints David Pratt as Chief Executive
• Queensland Symphony Orchestra
• G’Day USA Festival
• Sydney Symphony Orchestra
• Australian Festival of Chamber Music
• Victoria University of Technology

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Richard Triggs is an Executive Search specialist, Executive Career Coach and Managing Partner of Arete Executive.

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