Queensland Symphony Appoints Interim Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor

Johannes Fritzsch will lead the Australian orchestra while the organization searches for a chief conductor

The German-born conductor has been the orchestra's Conductor Laureate since 2015.

Fritzsch currently serves as the Principal Guest Conductor of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and a Professor of Opera and Orchestral Studies at the Queensland Conservatorium.

The Queensland Symphony, in Brisbane, Australia, has been without a Chief Conductor since Alondra de la Parra left the orchestra at the end of 2019 after deciding not to extend her three-year contract.

“I feel honoured and excited to take the helm of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra again — an ensemble I got to know intimately during my time as Chief Conductor," Fritzsch said.

"I enjoy working with this outstanding group of musicians so much; I am looking forward to some great years of collaboration with the players, the Management, and the Board."

“The appointment of Maestro Fritzsch as QSO’s new Principal Conductor and Artistic Adviser extends until 2023, and we are thrilled and honoured that he has agreed to return to the fold to provide the orchestra with outstanding and unequalled artistic leadership,” said Chris Freeman, chair of the Queensland Symphony.