Remembering John Painter AM

A tribute from Kirsten Williams OAM

Some figures arrive at the beginning of your story and are still quietly standing there at the turning points, decades later. John Painter was that for me.

I first encountered John in the 1980s, when I was just 14 or 15 — a young violinist studying with Alice Waten at the Sydney Conservatorium. John was Director at the time, and it was he, alongside Alice, who advocated for me to leave high school early and begin the Performers Diploma. I was given intense training - solo, chamber music, and orchestral playing - woven around my own many daily hours of personal practice. John also trained me as a young leader of the Sydney Youth Chamber Orchestra and I was given the privilege of also performing as soloist with the orchestra under John's direction numerous . One of the most memorable was Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen which I performed on tour in the United States. John had arranged for the accompaniment to be adapted for strings especially for that tour.

Even at that age, I felt something extraordinary in John’s presence in SYCO. He led without ego, guided without force, and created space for our artistry to grow whilst instilling the discipline of preparation and ensemble awareness.

Years later, he phoned me directly - out of the blue - to ask if I would consider joining the violin teaching staff at the Conservatorium. It was a moment of unexpected recognition I’ve never forgotten. And then, decades on, it was again John who quietly advocated for me to be appointed Concertmaster of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. He had held me in his mind across all that time — not with fanfare, but with the kind of enduring belief that marks a true mentor.

John’s legacy in Canberra is monumental - not only through the CSO, but through his visionary leadership of the ANU School of Music in its golden years. At a time when that institution is now under such threat, his passing feels especially poignant.

As I reflect on my own path - including the unexpected honour of receiving the Order of Australia Medal next week - I find myself thinking of John more than ever. His quiet belief in me, from such a young age, has given me the courage to accept this moment with grace. His presence still steadies me.

In a profession where power is not always used kindly, John’s mentorship stood apart. He offered guidance without entitlement, belief without agenda. His respect was unwavering, and I will always be grateful for the way he saw me: as a musician, a leader, and never anything less.

I now have the privilege of leading the Canberra Symphony Youth Chamber Orchestra and co-directing Kingsland Strings, guiding young musicians from the violin. John's values - of musical integrity, generosity, and leadership through listening live on in every rehearsal I lead.

I hold a great love for teaching - not only the violin, but the ensemble skills that John passed on to me so early. It brings me immense joy to share those same principles with our student groups today: how to listen across the ensemble, how to lead from within, and how to shape music with care and respect.

John Painter was not just a conductor or a director. He was, in the deepest sense, a steward of Australian musical life. His absence will be felt — but his legacy, if we choose to carry it forward, will remain profoundly alive.

Kirsten Williams OAM
Concertmaster
Canberra Symphony Orchestra