Gordon E. Smith appointed director of the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts

Queen’s University has appointed Gordon E. Smith as director of the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts for a two-year term effective July 1, 2024.

Dr. Smith has served as interim director of the Isabel for the past two years. During this time, he oversaw the planning of the 10th anniversary season of the Isabel and has provided leadership in advancing the Isabel’s strategic priorities of Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility in its programming and operations.

An ethnomusicologist in the Dan School of Drama and Music, Dr. Smith has served in a number of administrative roles in the Faculty of Arts and Science, many of which intersect with the creative and performing arts. These include vice-dean in the Faculty of Arts and Science (2013-2021), interim dean (2016-2017), associate dean (2006-2012), and director of the School of Music (2003-2006). His current research examines music and intersectional cultural and social practices in Mi’kmaw communities in Cape Breton, specifically Eskasoni.

Dr. Smith received his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and PhD in musicology from the University of Toronto. He also received the ARCT diploma in piano performance.