Two Year Extension of Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici's Contract

Since commencing as Chief Conductor in January 2023, Maestro Clerici’s leadership has been pivotal in driving artistic excellence and performance innovation within Queensland’s orchestral landscape.

Maestro Clerici is excited to continue his artistic partnership with QSO and further deepen his relationships with the orchestra, audiences and creative collaborations with other arts organisations and guest artists.

“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,” he said of his future focus.
“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 organisations 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.”

Maestro Clerici pointed to QSO’s highly anticipated 2025 co-production of Rite of Spring with the globally renowned contemporary circus company, Circa, as well as the alliances forged with Queensland Conservatorium, University of Queensland, Brisbane Chamber Choir, Opera Queensland and Queensland Ballet. Prior to his conducting debut with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in 2018, Maestro Clerici was a renowned cello soloist, making his debut in Japan at the young age of 17. He then served as Principal Cello at Teatro Regio di Torino and later with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra from 2014 to 2021. 

Maestro Clerici remains in high demand as a cellist of international repute, which has been key to attracting world-class soloists and conductors to Queensland. “Bringing the world to QSO and QSO to the world is often part of the same process,” he said. “QSO has a certain buzz, with new members joining the orchestra, a growing audience, a committed concertmaster and more high-calibre guest conductors and renowned soloists, which all help to grow the reputation of the orchestra, nationally and internationally.”

Under Maestro Clerici’s baton, Queenslanders have been treated to new and innovative works such as Paul Dean’s Symphony No. 3 ‘The Great Barrier Reef’, which launched QSO’s bold new regional touring program, as well as the captivating Become Ocean by John Luther Adams at the 2024 Spirit of the Wild concert. He also enthralled audiences in 2023 with Don Quixote and oversaw ambitious concerts again in 2024 with Mozart’s Jupiter and Mozart’s Mass in St Stephen’s Cathedral. His experimental and innovative approach is again on display in 2025 with boundary-pushing concerts including Shakespeare’s The Tempest with esteemed thespian John Bell and Shostakovich Ten, performed alongside an on-stage screening of William Kentridge’s film, Oh To Believe in Another World.

Maestro Clerici said he plans to continue exploring the broader philosophical themes of his first three seasons while refining how the orchestra connects with its community. 

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

QSO Chair Rod Pilbeam was pleased about Maestro Clerici’s extension and reaffirmed his commitment to QSO. “Maestro Clerici has brought dynamic and ambitious leadership to QSO, and we are pleased to support him in delivering his creative vision.” “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.”

For more information about Queensland Symphony Orchestra, visit qso.com.au.

Media Contacts
Beth Uttley | Aruga
beth@aruga.com.au