Arts leader Michael Sterzinger is the new Chief Executive of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO).
Mr Sterzinger, who will start in the role in early November, is returning to QSO where he was Director of Artistic Planning in 2017 and 2018.
Since 2021, Mr Sterzinger has been the Executive Director of Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra.
QSO Chair Rod Pilbeam said with his previous experience at QSO and his early career as an orchestral musician, Mr Sterzinger had all the keys for success.
“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,” Mr Pilbeam said.
Mr Pilbeam said as Queensland’s largest performing arts organisation, QSO demanded a dynamic, inclusive and visionary leader.
“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.”
Mr Sterzinger commenced his career as a musician with the Bavarian Youth Orchestra in 1999 and subsequently, was employed as a professional tuba player in orchestras around Europe.
Additionally, he filled managerial roles in various orchestras and arts organisations and completed an Art Management degree in Hamburg.
In 2009, Michael relocated to Australia and undertook a marketing role with Queensland Youth Orchestras. He continues to perform as a tubist in the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra.
“With the ongoing challenges faced by arts organisations in Australia, finding successful CEOs seems to be growing more difficult. Some years ago, the QSO Board decided to invest in ‘growing our own’ future leaders and Mr Sterzinger’s appointment is very much in line with this strategy,” Mr Pilbeam said.
Mr Sterzinger said he was excited about returning to the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
“Orchestral music has been the centre 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,” he said.
“With Umberto Clerici as inspirational Chief Conductor, the orchestra has been excelling on the Concert Hall stage, on tour and in collaborative projects.”
