15/08/2026
🎭 Meet the Judges – Ian McLean AM CSC 🎭
Ian McLean served as a professional musician with the Australian Army for almost 35 years. His career included postings throughout Australia and the UK and was highlighted by his 8 years as Officer Commanding/Music Director of the Royal Military College Band. During his time at Duntroon he initiated the still popular Music at Midday concert series, undertook three operational tours to Bougainville, performed ceremonial duties at Buckingham Palace for a month and was musical advisor/producer for the Tour of Duty concert in East Timor in December 1999.
He resigned in 2001 to accept an appointment as CEO, Canberra Symphony Orchestra.
During his 20 years in Canberra he has been active in all facets of music making. He has conducted 20 productions for the Canberra Philharmonic Society including all four seasons of Les Miserables. He directs the Blamey Street Big Band, plays drums with the Leisa Keen jazz trio and is a judge for the Canberra Area Theatre (CAT) Awards.
For ‘outstanding service to the Band of the Royal Military College’ Ian was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) in the 1996 Australia Day Honours List. In 2003 he received the Centenary of Federation medal for his ‘outstanding contribution to musical life in Canberra’ and in 2004, 2006 and 2007 won Canberra Critics Circle Awards for Music.
He is the founder and conductor of the Canberra Pops Orchestra which premiered in 2005, sits on the Board of Directors of numerous arts organizations, is a music/theatre reviewer with City News, presents the Thursday morning ‘Sounds Early’ radio program on Artsound FM and runs his own music/entertainment agency.
In January 2009 he returned to the Australian Army accepting a three year appointment as Director of Music—Army. In the 2009 Australia Day Honours List he was awarded an AM in the General Division for his services to music and the community.
