Executive Director, Performing Arts, Academy of Performing Arts appointed
Paul Grabowsky. Image courtesy of Martin Philbey at the National Portrait Gallery.
Esteemed Australian pianist, jazz musician, conductor and composer Paul Grabowsky has been appointed to the position of Executive Director, Performing Arts, Academy of Performing Arts at Monash University.
Mr Grabowsky, who joined Monash last month accepting a Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellowship in the Monash University School of Music – Conservatorium, now moves to his new role with the wider Academy of Performing Arts, replacing outgoing Executive Director Peter Tregear.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ed Byrne said Mr Grabowsky’s reputation throughout Australia and internationally as one of the world’s most versatile performers is well-recognised.
“Paul is well known throughout the performing arts both locally and overseas and it is this international experience and perspective that will enhance and broaden the horizons of the Monash Performing Arts community,” Professor Byrne said.
“His business and development skills are also extensive, having directed many festivals including just having finished a term with the Adelaide Festival as well as held senior roles at many organisations including the ABC where he held the title of Commissioning Editor, Arts and Entertainment.”
“Paul’s acceptance of this role begins an incredibly exciting phase for Monash Performing Arts and we look forward to it being developed and enhanced even further,” Professor Byrne said.
"I would like to thank Dr Peter Tregear for his support of the Performing Arts and his commitment to many projects during his time here and wish him well.”
Mr Grabowsky was musical director for ‘Tonight Live with Steve Vizard’ and produced and commissioned programs for ABC television between 1996 and 1998, while Commissioning Editor, Arts and Entertainment.
He is the founder and Artistic Director of the Australian Art Orchestra, with which he tours both nationally and internationally. He has won four ARIA awards, numerous other distinguished awards (including the Melbourne Prize for Music in 2007) and was the Artistic Director of the 2007 Queensland Music Festival and the 2010 and 2012 Adelaide Festivals.
Mr Grabowsky said he was pleased to be able to accept such an opportunity and looks forward to working with the many dedicated staff and students within Performing Arts.
“I am pleased to be in a position where I can accept such a wonderful offer and to be able to dedicate myself to the role. I am most excited about working in a university setting, particularly one which actively encourages staff and students to engage with the Performing Arts in all its forms.”
“To know we have the support of the Vice-Chancellor, his senior team and the wider University is a wonderful platform from which to grow, ” Mr Grabowsky said.
An evening with Paul Grabowsky
Paul Grabowsky will speak about his life and his new role at Monash University’s third Alumni Speaker Series event for 2012 and will also treat the audience to an exclusive live piano performance.
Mr Grabowsky will be interviewed by Monash alumnus and accomplished jazz musician Victor Finkel. Mr Finkel, a management consultant, has degrees in both Music and Aerospace Engineering, majoring in aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics.
As a student, Mr Finkel was a key member of the Monash Association of Debaters. He recently received the prestigious Victorian Rhodes Scholarship.
Director, Alumni Relations, Ms Louise McCarthy said they were delighted that Paul will take their audience on a journey through his remarkably successful and exciting career.
“The live performance will be a particular highlight. It’s one not to be missed!”
‘An Evening with Paul Grabowsky’ will be held from 6pm for 6.30 to 8pm, Thursday, 9 August 2012 at BMW Edge, Federation Square. To register, visit the Alumni Community events website.