Smart, George (Thomas) (1776–1867)

English organist, composer, and conductor. He was sent by his father, the music publisher George Smart, to become a choirboy at the Chapel Royal under Ayrton. He was later a composition pupil of Arnold, and became an organist, teacher, and conductor. He was one of the original members of the Philharmonic Society in 1813, and succeeded Charles Knyvett as organist of the Chapel Royal, in 1822. In 1825 he gave the first performance in Britain of Beethoven's ninth symphony, and went to Dresden with Charles Kemble to engage Weber to write Oberon for the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London. It was at his house that Weber stayed during the production in 1826, and where he died in the night of 4–5 June. Smart was knighted in 1811, and became a favourite festival conductor, giving the English first performances of Beethoven's Christ at the Mount of Olives in 1814, and Mendelssohn's St Paul in 1836.

Works anthems, chants and other church music; canons and glees.