Alondra de la Parra: the New Music Director of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra

The Queensland Symphony Orchestra today announced the appointment of acclaimed director Alondra de la Parra as its Music Director after a two year global search.

This is the first appointment of a Music Director by any Australian orchestra.

“The appointment of Alondra de la Parra is a turning point for the Queensland Symphony. We have aligned ourselves with the great orchestras of the world, and with the appointment of our first Music Director we have secured a musical leader who could choose to work with any orchestra around the world,” commented Sophie Galaise, CEO of QSO.

In May this year, Alondra de la Parra conducted concerts with the QSO, receiving standing ovations and praise regarding her masterful handling of balance and rhythm. In 2016, as Music Director designate, she will open QSO’s concert season with Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 on February 27th. Alondra de la Parra will commence her three year role as Music Director in 2017.

Alondra de la Parra, who has led more than 70 orchestras around the world, has gained widespread international acclaim for her spellbinding and vibrant performances. She has been heralded by Plácido Domingo as “an extraordinary conductor”, and the French newspaper Le Monde wrote of her: “there is no doubt that, with Alondra de la Parra, classical music has arrived into the 21st century”.

As Music Director, Alondra de la Parra will take on the combined roles of Chief Conductor, Artistic Director and Community Arts Leader in Queensland, which will have a profound influence on both her career and the future of the QSO, musically and culturally speaking.

“We are the first orchestra in the country to appoint a Music Director,” commented Sophie Galaise. “Alondra de la Parra will make history by becoming the first director of a state symphony orchestra,” she added.

Queensland Symphony Orchestra is one of Australia’s three major orchestras. De la Parra highlighted that it is a great honor to have been chosen as the Music Director of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, which is a dream come true.

The Music Director designate of the QSO is truly excited to take on this new role; “all the ingredients are there for us to build an exciting future together,” added Alondra de la Parra.

QSO’s reputation stems from its artistic growth and unconventional events, which break records wherever the orchestra performs. It has received offers to tour nationally and internationally, and is crafting exciting collaborations with BBC World, the London Philharmonic and other leading orchestras in Asia, North America and Europe. “We know that Alondra de la Parra’s arrival will have a profound impact on the future of QSO,” declared Galaise.