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SALT LAKE CITY -- The Utah Symphony made a big announcement Thursday, naming a new music director. Thierry Fischer is the seventh in the orchestra's 70-year history.
The symphony management said Fischer has actually been music director since Sept. 1, but because of a very busy schedule this is the first chance he's had to visit Salt Lake recently.
Fischer is internationally recognized for his fresh approach to even the classics. He is currently principal conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and chief conductor of the Nagoya, Japan Philharmonic.
On Thursday, Fischer added another title, receiving a warm welcome as the new music director of the Utah Symphony. He said many factors weighed into his decision: he enjoys working with the orchestra, loves Abravanel Hall, likes Utah--from Switzerland, he is a skier-- and appreciates the cultural atmosphere of Salt Lake.
"I think this choice of Thierry Fischer is absolutely spectacular. We're very fortunate to have a man of his stature and talent here," said Craig Jessop, who is a member of the Utah Symphony Search Committee.
Carolyn Abravanel, widow of the orchestra's beloved maestro, was an invited guest.
We deserve the best, and I think the Utah Symphony has worked hard to find that conductor. And I can only say I wish him the very, very best," Abravanel said.
Starting next season, Fischer will be here for at least twelve weeks conducting. Utahns will have an opportunity to see him perform with the Utah Symphony on Jan. 29 and 30.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
