Orchestra issues statement after 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.”

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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.”