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The Herald Scotland
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Orchestra statement after jazz star sacked from Conservatoire role
RCS confirmed that the 58-year-old was dismissed following a disciplinary investigation and hearing. A spokesperson for RCS added: "RCS has robust policies in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff.' Read more: One of the world's leading saxophonists and artistic director and founder of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Smith was awarded an OBE for services to jazz in the 2019 New Year honours list. A presence on the global jazz scene since his teenage years, Edinburgh-born Smith has recorded with definitive jazz label Blue Note and worked with a myriad of jazz greats, including Chick Corea and Dame Cleo Laine. In a statement, the board of the SNJO said: "Tommy Smith OBE is the founder of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and a board member of the organisation. "While the board is aware of the Mail on Sunday report surrounding his removal from post by the Royal Conservatoire for Scotland (RCS), we wish it to be understood that his work with the SNJO and the TSYJO is, as Artistic Director, significantly different from his teaching position at the RCS. The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland "Moreover, as with such cases, Mr Smith is within his rights to appeal his dismissal, therefore, we will be making no further comment until any due process is completed." The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra - the youth wing of the SNJO - is scheduled to perform on Friday as part of the Glasgow Jazz Festival. The Herald understands that Mr Smith was never going to be part of, or present, at the concert. A spokesperson for Glasgow Jazz Festival said: 'The jazz orchestra show will go ahead as planned, conducted by Pete Johnstone, giving 26 young musicians a platform to showcase their musical talents as part of the festival.'
The Herald Scotland
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
SNJO issues statement after jazz star sacked from Conservatoire role
RCS confirmed that the 58-year-old was dismissed following a disciplinary investigation and hearing. A spokesperson for RCS added: "RCS has robust policies in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff.' One of the world's leading saxophonists and artistic director and founder of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Smith was awarded an OBE for services to jazz in the 2019 New Year honours list. READ MORE: Leading jazz musician sacked by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year announced A presence on the global jazz scene since his teenage years, Edinburgh-born Smith has recorded with definitive jazz label Blue Note and worked with a myriad of jazz greats, including Chick Corea and Dame Cleo Laine. In a statement, the board of the SNJO said: "Tommy Smith OBE is the founder of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and a board member of the organisation. "While the board is aware of the Mail on Sunday report surrounding his removal from post by the Royal Conservatoire for Scotland (RCS), we wish it to be understood that his work with the SNJO and the TSYJO is, as Artistic Director, significantly different from his teaching position at the RCS. "Moreover, as with such cases, Mr Smith is within his rights to appeal his dismissal, therefore, we will be making no further comment until any due process is completed."
Edinburgh Reporter
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
SNJO piano man brings all-star quartet to Edinburgh Jazzfest5
Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO) pianist Peter Johnstone launches his International Organ Quartet's debut album, Resistance Is Futile, at Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival on Friday 11 July. Featuring New York-based vibes virtuoso Joe Locke, saxophonist Tommy Smith and Johnstone's SNJO colleague, Alyn Cosker on drums, the quartet will play the opening concert in the EJ&BF's St Bride's Centre series from 6pm. A former Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year, Johnstone has toured internationally with vocalist Kurt Elling and Vienna-based American saxophonist Andy Middleton and worked with guitarists Jim Mullen, Rob Luft and Nigel Price as well as appearing extensively as pianist with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. He is also Tommy Smith's partner in a duo that plays Meadowbank Church on Wednesday 16th July and is the first graduate of the jazz course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow to return in a teaching capacity. The quartet, in which Johnstone plays Hammond organ, features music exclusively written by Johnstone. It recorded Resistance is Futile at Castlesound Studios in Pencaitland during its first set of concerts in October 2023. The St Bride's concert is part of a tour that includes the 606 Club in London. 'It's fantastic to hear such accomplished musicians as Joe, Tommy and Alyn bringing my music off the page,' says Johnstone. 'Our first tour included sell-out concerts in Glasgow and at Ronnie Scott's in London and attracted some great press comments. I can't wait to get everyone back together again for these dates in July.' Pete Johnstone Like this: Like Related
