Australia’s Queensland Symphony Orchestra Announces New CEO

Arts leader Michael Sterzinger will assume the role as of November 2024

The ​Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) has appointed Michael Sterzinger as its next Chief Executive, starting in early November 2024. 

Sterzinger has previously worked in QSO’s Artistic Planning from 2013 to 2021, and as Director of Artistic Planning from 2017 to 2018. Since 2021, he has been the Executive Director of Camerata — Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra.

Starting his career as a musician with the Bavarian Youth Orchestra in 1999, Sterzinger was subsequently employed as a professional tuba player in orchestras around Europe. He continues to play tuba in the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra.

Sterzinger also held managerial roles in various orchestras and arts organizations and completed an Art Management degree in Hamburg. After relocating to Australia in 2009, he undertook a marketing role with the Queensland Youth Orchestras. 

According to QSO’s Chair Rod Pilbeam, Sterzinger’s recent appointment falls in line with the QSO Board’s strategy to invest in growing its own future arts leaders. 

“As Queensland’s largest performing arts organization, QSO demands a dynamic, inclusive and visionary leader,” Pilbeam said in the press release. “We deliver unique musical experiences across this huge state and perform world-class concert events in our home venue — the Concert Hall at QPAC — and strong, positive leadership is vital. We are confident that the skills that Michael brings to our existing team bode well for our ongoing success.”

“With his previous experience at QSO and his early career as an orchestral musician, he has all the keys for success,” Pilbeam added. “The Board is confident he will find creative solutions to resolving the sometimes-disparate demands of artistic excellence within the commercial constraints inherent in the current economy, and the unique structure of arts delivery in the Australian community.”

“Orchestral music has been the center of my life as long as I can remember, from traditional music back home in Bavaria to international symphony orchestras where I have performed as a tubist and created environments for musicians to shine,” Sterzinger expressed. “With Umberto Clerici as inspirational Chief Conductor, the orchestra has been excelling on the Concert Hall stage, on tour and in collaborative projects. I look forward to working closely with the musicians, team, Board and QSO partners and stakeholders to share our passion for music and to create beautiful and immersive experiences for our audiences.”