To coincide with the launch of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s 90th anniversary season, ASO chief executive officer Colin Cornish talks about his passion for leading the orchestra – and his belief that everything is possible.
Give us a brief insight into what you do? I’m lucky enough to lead the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra – a group of extraordinary musicians and staff who create inspiring musical experiences for all South Australians. My job is to make sure the orchestra has the vision, resources, and support it needs to thrive. As anyone who works in the arts knows, it’s a constant balancing act and no two days are ever the same.
What brings you joy in life? I love animals of all types but especially dogs, and get great joy seeing their connection with humans. I love cooking complex foods such as curry pastes and achieving the perfect balance of spice and flavour. On recordings, live on stage or in the sporting arena, I get a thrill out of experiencing great performances. It is incredible what humans can achieve.
What is your most treasured photograph? I have plenty of my three children as they grew up that are treasured but one photo I have framed in two places in my house is this one from 2001. My two dogs Molly (westie) and Kai (kelpie) were enjoying the afternoon sun at my place I had just finished building, in what was then farmland. It was a time of calm and happiness.
What is the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn? I believe anything and everything is possible, however sometimes that outlook can make it very hard to accept taking things slowly or putting a stop to a plan. Other times it may require taking plenty of risk to achieve a goal and accepting the risk is part of the deal. When I was faced with having to give up my career as a professional musician I had no choice but to eventually accept the situation and see it as an opportunity.
Best advice you’ve been given? Don’t judge a book by its cover, or don’t judge the potential outcome of a project by the challenges and work required to deliver it. Some of the very best creative experiences I have been part of have been the ones that require the navigation of huge challenges and faith in achieving the impossible.
Best meal you’ve ever eaten? One of the best in recent times was a long Sunday lunch at the beautiful restaurant at Hentley Farm in the Barossa Valley. Over a few hours we had numerous courses, each perfectly matched with wines. My favourite dish was the char grilled Murray cod with crisp skin and jus, which was matched with cabernet – an unusual and stunning pairing! This was an unforgettable food and wine experience in a magical setting.
Best purchase? When I was performing regularly, it was my viola made by AE Smith in 1939 that changed my musical life. Unfortunately, I no longer own this but get to see and hear it played by a friend in another orchestra. These days my best purchase is a 750ml bottle of Joseph First Run Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a simply beautiful experience every time.
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Top five songs on your play list?
Holst – Jupiter from The Planets (featured in the ASO’s 2026 season)
Arooj Aftab and Anoushka Shankar – Udhero Na (I love the sounds of the sitar)
The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition
Mahler Symphony no.10 (featured in the ASO’s 2026 season)
Keith Jarrett – Sun Bear Concerts – Encore from Tokyo
My life philosophy is ….Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s words: “There is no passion to be found playing small- in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living”.
Single tickets for the ASO’s 2026 season are now on sale. Visit the ASO’s 2026 Season www.aso.com.au
