Thomson Smillie Suggest updates
The death of Thomson Smillie has been reported from his home in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 71, and had been poorly for some time. He had to cancel a trip to Scotland last November.
Thomson Smillie was a native of Glasgow and had a long professional history in music. He was appointed an assistant publicity officer by Scottish Opera in 1966. He was one of the management team that fostered the rapid growth of the company and by 1978 had become director of development. From 1973 to 1978, he was also artistic director for the Wexford International Festival.
In 1978, he was appointed as general manager of the Opera Company of Boston. In 1981, he moved to Louisville as general director of Kentucky Opera, a post he held until 1997. Latterly he wrote a number of opera-related books and spent time on cruise ships as a speaker on opera. His website shows the range of his abilities and interests.
A man of personality and spirit, he will long be remembered for his flair and enthusiasm.
ISF 20 January 2014
