Queensland Symphony Orchestra announce new CEO

Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) is delighted to announce the appointment of the exciting and energetic arts leader, Michael Sterzinger, starting in early November 2024.

Mr Sterzinger is returning to QSO where he was previously engaged in Artistic Planning from 2013 – 2021, including as Director of Artistic Planning in 2017 – 2018, and after building strong relationships with QSO musicians, team members and stakeholders.

Since 2021, Mr Sterzinger has been the Executive Director of Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra.

QSO Chair Rod Pilbeam :

The key appointment was welcomed by both musicians and the business team.

As Queensland’s largest performing arts organisation, QSO demands a dynamic, inclusive and visionary leader.

We deliver unique musical experiences across this huge state and perform world-classconcert 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.

Mr Pilbeam :

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.

With his previous experience at QSO and his early career as an orchestral musician, he has 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.

The incoming QSO Chief Executive:

He is excited about returning to the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, leading the organisation into the future and connecting with audiences across Queensland and beyond.

Mr Sterzinger :

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.

With Umberto Clerici as inspirational Chief Conductor, the orchestra has been excelling onthe Concert Hall stage, on tour and in collaborative projects.

I look forward to working closely with the musicians, team, Board and QSO partners and stakeholders to share our passion for music and to create beautiful and immersive experiences for our audiences.