Queensland Symphony Orchestra Extends Chief Conductor Contract 

Conductor Umberto Clerici’s contract with the orchestra has been extended by two years until the end of 2027

The Italian cellist and conductor Umberto Clerici was first appointed Chief Conductor of Australia’s Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) in 2022 and began his tenure in January 2023. 

With his new contract extension until the end of 2027, Clerici will further his work with the orchestra, audiences, and collaborations with other arts organizations and guest artists.

During his tenure so far, Clerici has brought innovative works to Queenslanders such as Paul Dean’s Symphony No. 3 ‘“The Great Barrier Reef,” which launched QSO’s new regional touring program, as well as John Luther Adams’ work Become Ocean at the 2024 Spirit of the Wild concert. 

Clerici also led performances of Don Quixote and Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter” and Mass in St Stephen’s Cathedral. 

For 2025, he is preparing Shakespeare’s The Tempest with John Bell and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10, performed with an on-stage screening of William Kentridge’s film, Oh To Believe in Another World, as well as a co-production of Rite of Spring with the renowned circus company, Circa. 

Additionally, Clerici has forged alliances with the Queensland Conservatorium, University of Queensland, Brisbane Chamber Choir, Opera Queensland, and Queensland Ballet. 

Prior to his conducting debut with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) in 2018, Clerici performed as a solo cellist, making his debut in Japan at the age of 17. 

He then served as Principal Cello at Teatro Regio di Torino and later with the SSO from 2014 to 2021. His performing career has also been key to attracting world-class soloists and conductors to Queensland. 

“I want to continue to stretch the orchestra’s abilities and artistic scope, extending the musicians’ participation toward an even more engaged, energetic and passionate playing,” Clerici said in the press release. “At the same time, I want to continue offering a wide range of musical styles to our audience. We are one of the most impactful arts organizations in a state that is growing rapidly and we have to be at the forefront of this evolution, continuing to excel and innovate. Collaborations with excellent partners are the key, for me, to expanding the audience, creating bigger, more ambitious programs and guaranteeing a prosperous future for this art form.”

“Bringing the world to QSO and QSO to the world is often part of the same process,” he continued. “QSO has a certain buzz, with new members joining the orchestra, a growing audience, a committed concertmaster and more high-caliber guest conductors and renowned soloists, which all help to grow the reputation of the orchestra, nationally and internationally.

“Over the next two years, I want to continue to develop and define the orchestra’s sound, enhancing the kaleidoscopic variety of colors that a symphony orchestra can offer,” Clerici added. “A great orchestra, with great instruments, should always make use of the quality of sound and its infinite colors and shades to communicate with its audience.”

“Maestro Clerici has brought dynamic and ambitious leadership to QSO, and we are pleased to support him in delivering his creative vision,” expressed QSO Chair Rod Pilbeam. “As Chief Conductor, he has worked diligently to ensure QSO is an orchestra for everyone, to welcome audiences across the state to experience and enjoy a vast repertoire of transformative music.”

“Under his visionary leadership, QSO has blossomed, bringing Queensland audiences bold, unforgettable performances and experiences,” the QSO posted on Facebook. “From iconic collaborations to new sonic frontiers, Maestro Clerici’s journey with us is far from over. Here’s to more groundbreaking music, magical moments, and sharing the joy of orchestral music across our beautiful state.”