Artistic Director Eugene Ughetti
Eugene Ughetti is known worldwide as a trailblazer in art music whether as director, composer, performer or conductor.
As a soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician Eugene has worked across the globe. He has premiered new concerti with Australian Symphony Orchestras and worked with renowned conductors including Charles Dutoit, Lorin Maazel, Sir Andrew Davis, and Valery Gergiev.
Eugene’s compositions have been commissioned by The Australian Ballet, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra the ABC, and other prestigious institutions. His works have been featured at international festivals and venues, including Darmstadt (Germany), Roulette (USA), SONICA (UK), Ruhrtriennale (Germany), Transart (Italy), Lucerne Festival (Switzerland), Noordezon Festival (The Netherlands), SIPFest (Jakarta), National Museum (Singapore), Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival (UK), and George Town Festival (Malaysia).
Eugene’s classical training, diverse leadership experience, and adventurous spirit make him a pioneering force in the Australian music scene.
Board of Directors
Liesl CenteneraChair
Liesl is an experienced board director, particularly in the government and not-for-profit sectors, including roles as chair of the Territory Records Advisory Council and Music for Canberra. Prior to doing board work, she had a career spanning 20 years in the community and public sectors, including senior roles in the Commonwealth, ACT and the United Kingdom, across central agencies and line areas of departments. Her particular areas of expertise are governance frameworks, industrial relations and strategic HR.
Liesl holds university degrees in economics and law and is admitted to practice in the ACT Supreme Court. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a Professional Associate of the Institute of Governance and Policy Analysis.
Michael AllenTreasurer
Michael is a chartered accountant and experienced CFO with more than 30 years’ experience in companies including KPMG, Walt Disney International, Opportunity International and Engineers Australia. Most recently he was Executive Director for VHM Limited which listed on the ASX in January 2023.
Andrew BlanckenseeBoard Member
Andrew is the Chair of the Development Committee.
Ditta ZiziBoard Member
Ditta is an experienced non-executive director and executive with private and public sector experience.
Her public sector experience includes policy development and program delivery in a range of portfolios, as well as representing Australia in international forums, including the OECD. Her private sector experience includes senior roles with the peak industry bodies and as a board member of commercial, not for profits, arts and community organisations.
Ditta has Master of Music from the Australian National University, and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance. She is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.
Brian RichieBoard Member
Brian joined the Board in May 2026.
Clive RodgerBoard Member
Clive was Managing Director of a leading economic consultancy firm in Canberra for 20 years, as well as a workplace culture specialist. He is an active community member and volunteers his time with numerous local organisations. Clive has a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Theology, Master of Theology, and a Master of Letters.
Dan SlossVice-Chair
After a 30-year career in the US Navy, Captain Dan Sloss has been an active volunteer in Canberra’s cultural scene including Canberra International Music Festival, the ACT committee for Musica Viva, the Friends of the ANU School of Music and is the founder of Canberra Classical Guitar Society. He is a former US Naval Attaché to Australia, a NSW Rural Fire Service volunteer and was the local brigade Captain for three years.
Danni WoodsBoard Member
Danni is a member of the Development Committee. She has Australian and international experience in marketing and communication, from both the private and public sector.
She is also focused on creating accessible and memorable music experiences for audiences.
Stephanie McAlisterBoard Member
Stephanie joined the Board in May 2026 and is a member of the Development Committee.
Julie VeyCompany Secretary
Julie joined the Board is 2021.