Queensland Symphony Orchestra has extended the contract of its Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici by two years, solidifying his position until the end of 2027. A cellist with an international career, Clerici’s background in performance has informed his leadership style since he took the reins of QSO in 2023, one that blends musical rigour and a collaborative spirit with an audience-friendly personality. 

Umberto Clerici. Photo supplied

Meanwhile, Opera Queensland has extended Patrick Nolan’s contract for a third term. He will now lead the company as CEO and Artistic Director until 2028.

Australian conductor Nicholas Carter has been appointed as the next General Music Director of Staatsoper Stuttgart and Staatsorchester Stuttgart. He will take up the position in August 2026. In 2016, Carter was appointed Chief Conductor of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, becoming the youngest ASO chief ever, and the first Australian to lead an Australian state orchestra in almost 30 years. He has been Chief Conductor and Co-Operndirektor of Bühnen Bern since 2021, ending his term there at the conclusion of this season.

Nicholas Carter. Photo © Admill Kuyler

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