Thierry Fischer

Who is Thierry Fischer?

Thierry Fischer is a Swiss orchestra conductor and flutist.

Fischer was born in Zambia to Swiss parents who had been missionaries and studied flute with Aurèle Nicolet and began his musical career as Principal Flute in Hamburg and at the Zurich Opera, where he studied scores with Nikolaus Harnoncourt. His conducting career began in his 30's, subsequently directing his first few concerts with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, where he was principal flute under Claudio Abbado.

From 1997 to 2001, Fischer was chief conductor of the Netherlands Ballet Orchestra. In 2001, Fischer became principal conductor of the Ulster Orchestra in Belfast. His contract was extended in January 2004 to 2006. In 2006, Fischer concluded his tenure with the Ulster Orchestra, and stated that he left this position partly because "to be really honest, I didn't get to do all the things I wanted to do." In September 2006, he became principal conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and concluded his BBC NOW tenure after the 2011-2012 season.

Outside of Europe, Fischer became chief conductor of the Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra in April 2008. His Nagoya tenure concluded in February 2011. He now has the title of Honorary Guest Conductor with the Nagoya Philharmonic. In September 2009, Fischer became music director of the Utah Symphony, with an initial contract of 4 years. His Utah Symphony contract began on 1 September 2009, but the formal public announcement did not occur until 24 September 2009. In February 2012, the Utah Symphony announced the extension of Fischer's contract through the 2015-2016 season.