Johannes Fritzsch has been named as Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s new Principal Conductor and Artistic Adviser.

The appointment of Maestro Fritzsch – who has been QSO’s Conductor Laureate since 2015 – was announced on stage last night when he conducted QSO’s Arabian Nights concert at QPAC.

QSO has been without a Chief Conductor since charismatic Mexican Maestra Alondra de la Parra left the orchestra at the end of 2019 after deciding not to extend her three-year contract as Music Director. It is expected that a Chief Conductor will be announced during 2023. In the meantime, Fritzsch will be the orchestra’s artistic head.

Maestro Johannes Fritzsch, Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s new Principal Conductor and Artistic Adviser. Photograph © Peter Wallis

“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 QSO Chair Chris Freeman.

“Maestro Fritzsch remains integral to the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. He is one of the great musical leaders, a conductor we can credit with building the QSO into the world class orchestra it is...