The Russian-born pianist and conductor is the first appointment in the orchestra’s new mentoring programme.

Queensland Symphony Orchestra has announced the appointment of Russian-born pianist and conductor Natalia Raspopova as Assistant Conductor. The exciting engagement marks the start of a new apprentice conductor-training programme for QSO, similar to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Assistant Conductor Scheme. Queensland Symphony CEO Sophie Galaise said, “The programme will provide an extraordinary opportunity for an aspiring young conductor to gain coveted experience with QSO, an orchestra that continues to gain important international acclaim.” Galaise added, “[Raspopova] possesses an impressive level of skill and dedication, and importantly, passion and potential. All of which positions her for a great future on the international conducting circuit.”

The new Assistant Conductor programme is the legacy of former QSO Chief Conductor Johannes Fritzsch. A fund, founded in the illustrious Maestro’s name upon his departure from the orchestra last year after seven years as its principal conductor, will be dedicated to supporting Raspopova and future beneficiaries of the Assistant Conductor scheme. In addition to having the opportunity to work with the orchestra’s many visiting conductors, Maestro Fritzch will personally mentor Raspopova, who was selected from a pool of almost 70 candidates, as QSO’s Conductor Laureate. In addition to support from the Johannes Fritzsch Fund, Raspopova’s appointment is also supported by Symphony Services International.