Fischer to remain in São Paulo until 2031
Swiss conductor Thierry Fischer has extended his contract as music director and principal conductor with the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra until the end of 2031.
According to Fischer's announcement on his own website, he intends to place particular emphasis on strengthening the international presence of the Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo (Osesp) through tours, artist residencies, and strategic collaborations with leading soloists, conductors, composers, and cultural institutions worldwide. Experimenting with new concert formats and closer dialogue with digital platforms will also play a role in expanding the orchestra's reach.
Fischer began his musical career as principal flutist in Hamburg and at the Zurich Opera House. As music director of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, he performed annually at the BBC Proms. He was music director of the Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra and the Utah Symphony Orchestra, as well as principal guest conductor of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. He has been Music Director of the Osesp since 2020 and of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León since 2022.
The Osesp was founded in 1954 and was led by Brazilian conductor John Neschling from 1997 to 2008. Neschling was succeeded in 2009 by Yan Pascal Tortelier, who led the orchestra until 2011. He was followed by Marin Alsop and, from 2016, Thierry Fischer, initially as guest conductor. Since 1999, the orchestra has played in the Sala São Paulo, which has since become the orchestra's home venue and is renowned for its outstanding acoustics.
