The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is pleased to announce the appointment of five new Non-Executive Directors to its Board: Chris Howlett, Joel McGuinness, Lisa Mitchell, Meredith Schilling SC, and Tony Grybowski.

These appointments mark a significant milestone in the MSO’s Board renewal and reflect the organisation’s commitment to sector-leading governance, strategic leadership, artistic innovation, and cultural excellence.

MSO Chair Edgar Myer said: “We are delighted to welcome these five exceptional individuals to the MSO Board. Together, they bring deep experience and innovation across the arts, philanthropy, governance, and major public institutions - skills that are central to the Orchestra’s continued evolution and ambition.”

Notably, all five new directors have held professional or leadership roles within orchestras or performing arts institutions in Australia and overseas, offering the MSO a wealth of lived experience in orchestral culture, artistic development, and sector advocacy.

• Tony Grybowski is the former CEO of the Australia Council for the Arts, with over 35 years of senior leadership in the cultural sector, including prior roles with Musica Viva and the Australian Youth Orchestra. He brings unmatched strategic insight, governance experience, and sector influence.
• Chris Howlett is a professional cellist and award-winning arts leader, currently Executive Director of the Bendigo Chamber Music Festival and Co-Founder of the Australian Digital Concert Hall. A former Chair of 3MBS Fine Music Melbourne, Chris combines artistic depth with entrepreneurial and governance experience.
• Joel McGuinness, Director, Experience at the State Library of Victoria and former CEO and Creative Director of Geelong Arts Centre, brings leadership across major cultural organisations, capital project delivery, and community engagement.
• Lisa Mitchell, Director Development – University Fundraising at Monash University and formerly Director of Marketing and Development at the MSO, brings deep expertise in fundraising, brand strategy, marketing, digital communications, and donor engagement, including leadership roles in multi-million-dollar campaigns.
• Meredith Schilling SC is a Senior Counsel at the Victorian Bar and a former professional classical singer who held senior fundraising and management roles with leading UK orchestras. Her dual expertise in music and law makes her uniquely positioned to contribute across the MSO’s philanthropic and governance activities.

“These new directors reflect the MSO’s dedication to artistic excellence, community connection, and long-term sustainability,” CEO Richard Wigley said.

“We are excited to collaborate with them as we deliver our ambitious vision for the future.”

The new appointments follow a national search and were endorsed by the Board following a rigorous and inclusive process.

These appointments follow the retirement of Co-Deputy Chair Margaret Jackson AC from the MSO Board last month, after serving as a Director for 11 years (commencing May 2015). During her remarkable tenure on the board, Ms Jackson chaired the Governance and Music Hub Committees and was a member of the Foundation Committee.

As one of the first women in Australia to hold multiple board positions with major companies - including Chair positions at QANTAS, the Defence Employer Partnering Network, Spotlight Group Holdings and Victorian Transport Accident Commission - Ms Jackson brought a tremendous wealth of executive management and governance expertise to the Board.

Ms Jackson has been an enthusiastic attendee of the MSO for over 50 years and longstanding chair sponsor of Principal Horn Nico Fleury, whom she will continue to support. She will also remain a member of the MSO Music Hub Committee.

“After 11 years of tireless service, we pay tribute to Margaret Jackson AC for her immense leadership and commitment to the success of the company,” Mr Myer said.

“Margaret brought clear-eyed guidance through some of our most challenging periods. Her support and wisdom have been invaluable throughout her tenure, and we’re delighted that the MSO will continue to benefit from her energy and strategic acumen through her ongoing membership of the MSO Music Hub Committee.”