KBRS is pleased to have assisted in the appointment of Scott Tresham as Symphony Nova Scotia’s new Chief Executive Officer. The following is an excerpt from their recent announcement.
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Halifax/Kjipuktuk, NS – After an extensive nationwide search, Symphony Nova Scotia, one of the province’s leading arts organizations, is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Tresham as Chief Executive Officer, effective October 6, 2025. He succeeds Chris Wilkinson, who retired from the position at the end of June.
Scott Tresham is a seasoned arts administrator with over three decades of professional experience in the classical music sector. He has guided purpose-led change at some of Canada’s foremost cultural institutions – including the creative reimagining of flagship events and legacy partnerships at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and the strategic transformation of several editions of the Concours musical international de Montréal (CMIM), resulting in unprecedented growth and a Prix Opus for Musical Event of the Year. Most recently, Tresham worked closely with Music Director Rafael Payare at the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM), contributing to the conductor’s programming vision for three seasons while building and leading the team responsible for its successful realization.
Tresham will be in Halifax/Kjipuktuk next week for the opening of the 2025/26 season. “I am honoured to be joining Symphony Nova Scotia as your next CEO, and deeply moved to be so warmly welcomed into the community,” he says. “This orchestra belongs to all Nova Scotians, and I look forward to collaborating with the orchestra’s musicians, staff, board, and supporters to share inspiring, creative, and impactful live performances that reflect and connect the many different voices of this province.”
Symphony Nova Scotia’s Principal Second Violin Isabelle Fournier was a member of the search committee, and she says she is delighted to have Tresham in the leadership role. “I am very excited that Scott will be joining us. This moment marks the start of a new era for Symphony Nova Scotia, and I’m confident that his vast breadth of experience and expertise will prove invaluable as we go forward and face this brave new world.”
ABOUT SCOTT TRESHAM
Scott Tresham is the Chief Executive Officer of Symphony Nova Scotia. He previously served as Associate Director of Music Programming at the OSM, Director of Artistic Operations and Strategy at the CMIM, and as a producer at CBC/Radio-Canada in Montreal.
His career also includes more than 30 years as a freelance musician and composer, 10 years teaching at McGill University’s Conservatory of Music, and leading the Government of Canada’s activation for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Community Celebrations – an initiative that mobilized over 15,000 volunteers to deliver 181 performances across every province and territory in 106 days.
An avid rower, he is a former director and past president of the Montreal Rowing Club.
Originally from Ottawa, Tresham studied music at the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia, and holds a Master of Music degree in composition from King’s College London (University of London).
He is married to piano instructor and Royal Conservatory examiner Alexandra Townsend, and they are both excited about moving to Halifax/Kjipuktuk and making it their new home.
ABOUT SYMPHONY NOVA SCOTIA
Symphony Nova Scotia is Nova Scotia’s orchestra, championing symphonic music in the province for over 40 years. With a home base in Halifax/Kjipuktuk and performances across the province, Symphony Nova Scotia is proud to be a vibrant, vital part of Nova Scotia’s rich cultural community. From sold-out orchestral concerts to free family events, youth and seniors’ activities, and educational partnerships, Symphony Nova Scotia creates unforgettable experiences with truly great music. Visit symphonynovascotia.ca to learn more.
For more information, please contact:
Emily Richards
Director of Marketing and Communications
Symphony Nova Scotia
902.421.5264
symphonynovascotia.ca
