MusicSA Appoints Adrian Tisato as New Board Chair

There are changes afoot at MusicSA, with Adrian Tisato announced as the new Chair of MusicSA Ltd, succeeding John Glenn, who has retired from the Board after almost six years as Chair.

Tisato works as a lawyer and director at Adelaide law firm WRP Legal, but is also a songwriter and longtime music fan and supporter of the Adelaide scene.

He joins MusicSA ahead of a packed couple of months that include the Regional and Remote Music Summit, Good Music Month and the SA Music Awards and will lead MusicSA's Board into a new era.

Tisato's passion for music goes right back to his teens, when he began writing songs and performed in several bands throughout the '90s. Tisato went on to run his own label and music publishing company in the 2000s and remains active in music publishing and licensing. 

He also has plenty of board experience and is currently the Chair of the Art Gallery of South Australia Foundation and an Art Gallery Board member; he is a former Deputy Chair of the Adelaide Fringe, former Chair of the People’s Republic of Animation, and has served on numerous SA Government boards, including the Motor Accident Commission and the South Australian Film Corporation.

Tisato isn't the only new face to be welcomed as new Board Directors at MusicSA, with Froth and Fury Festival Co-Director and Baseline Production founder Anita Decoster and Adelaide Festival's Head of Marketing and Communications Kevin van der Zwaag both joining the board.

READ MORE: Froth & Fury Launch New Breed First Stage Experience for Under-18 Artists

"MusicSA is excited to welcome Adrian Tisato as Chair," said MusicSA CEO Christine Schloithe. "Adrian brings decades of arts and cultural governance to the role, along with a genuine love for South Australian music and strong knowledge of the workings of the music industry. Adrian's appointment, along with Anita and Kevin, signals the Board’s unwavering commitment to championing local artists and industry while navigating complex sector challenges.

"I acknowledge John Glenn’s legacy as Chair and thank him for his years of service and commitment to MusicSA and our music community. He leaves the organisation in a strong position and we wish him every success."

On his appointment, Adrian Tisato said: "It is an honour to be appointed Chair of MusicSA. I look forward to working with the Board and our CEO Christine Schloithe and her team to support, promote and advocate for SA's brilliant contemporary music artists, venues and businesses.  I thank John Glenn for his many years of dedicated service as Chair, and I look forward to continuing his good work."

Tiasto, Decoster and van der Zwaag join ongoing MusicSA Board Directors Treasurer & Deputy Chair Tim Haslam, Secretary Angus Crawford and Directors Kate Owen and Leko Novakovic.