In the role, he will oversee the annual programme of concerts and festivals at London’s Smith Square Hall; and lead the artistic direction of Sinfonia Smith Square, the leading orchestral training programme for emerging musicians.  

Chadd led the artistic programme for the Australian Chamber Orchestra and spent several years at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, revitalising their live music program. Chadd has advised the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra and the Academy of Ancient Music. 

A specialist in creating unique artistic experiences, Toby has worked alongside several leading international organisations including the Adelaide Festival, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the Leipzig Bach Festival. 

As well as driving forward Sinfonia Smith Square’s artistic program, Chadd will help deliver the charity’s ‘Doors Open’ project, a transformational programme to save and restore Westminster’s iconic Smith Square Hall (formerly St John’s Smith Square) after it was added to England Heritage Risk Register last year. 

Sinfonia Smith Square Chair Dr Tracy Long CBE also brings unparalleled experience to the organisation. A founding director of Classic FM, Long serves on the Board of New York’s Carnegie Hall, and has previously served on the boards of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Academy of Music. 

Sinfonia Smith Square’s mission is to restore the Hall, creating a permanent home for the future generations of musicians — including their own Sinfonia— and establishing a cultural magnet of national significance in the heart of Westminster. 

‘Doors Open’ will see Smith Square Hall undergo extensive repair and renovation to equip the 18th century building with 21st century accessibility and technology. This will include the creation of a new Learning Studio, the installation of state-of-the-art performance equipment, and vastly improved audience experiences.  

Sinfonia Smith Square was recently awarded a development-phase grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support this work, ensuring that the Hall can be transformed into a dynamic centre for culture and classical music.   

Toby Chadd said: “Sinfonia Smith Square is a beacon of innovation and hope for the future generations of musicians, and I am excited to take the reins. Transforming lives through music is a shared vision by all involved in the organisation, and I look forward to helping deliver this through an ambitious and unique artistic programme.” 

Tracy Long, Chair of Sinfonia Smith Square, said: “This appointment comes at a critical and dynamic time for Sinfonia Smith Square. Toby is celebrated around the world and brings a wealth of experience to the table. His artistic vision will complement our bold ambitions for the organisation, especially our ‘Doors Open’ project which will restore our historic home in Sinfonia Smith Square into a place for generations of musicians to come”. 

Duncan Wilson, CEO of Heritage England, said: “Sinfonia Smith Square’s ‘Doors Open’ project will create sustainable change which will impact the lives of our young people, communities, and artists. The Hall was placed on Historic England’s Risk Register last year, and we are working closely with Sinfonia Smith Square to ensure that this iconic London venue continues to inspire and serve as a beacon for music and the community.”