MEDIA RELEASE: Decoding Cultural Leadership podcast features QSO Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici on day of contract extension announcement

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 MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release - Monday, 4 November 2024

Decoding Cultural Leadership podcast features QSO Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici on day of contract extension announcement







The latest episode of Decoding Cultural Leadership podcast features an in-depth conversation with Queensland Symphony Orchestra's Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici,

released today as the QSO announces the extension of his contract until 2027.

In this wide-ranging discussion with host Samuel Cairnduff, Maestro Clerici shares insights from his remarkable journey from internationally acclaimed cellist to his current role leading one of Australia's major orchestras, including his unexpected transition to conducting and his vision for classical music's role in contemporary society.

The interview explores Clerici's unique perspective as a musician who spent 20 years performing in orchestras before taking up the baton, including his role as Principal Cello with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra from 2014 to 2021.

"A conductor is a conductor only when you are in front of an orchestra," Clerici explains in the episode. "Therefore, it depends what the orchestra needs, what this specific orchestra needs, and every time is slightly different."

The conversation delves into critical themes including:

  • The evolution of orchestral culture in Australia

  • Contrasts between European and Australian cultural landscapes

  • The role of orchestras in social discourse and community engagement

  • QSO's initiatives including regional touring and First Nations engagement

  • The future of classical music in an AI-driven world

Clerici reflects on his vision for normalising classical music in Australian cultural life while maintaining its power to challenge, inspire, and open minds. He advocates for orchestras to engage with contemporary issues through programming while maintaining artistic rather than political focus.

"Classical music is not just the repertoire," Clerici emphasises. "It's about highly sophisticated, always pushing-the-boundaries bigger themes... humanity, brotherhood, the hero that has to overcome."

Decoding Cultural Leadership, produced in partnership with Limelight, explores the concept of leadership in contemporary arts and cultural organisations through conversations with influential leaders, creators, policy-makers and thinkers in the arts and cultural space.

Episode 35, featuring Umberto Clerici, is now available on all major podcast platforms.

For more information about the podcast visit www.samuelcairnduff.com

Listen on Spotifiy:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3dyzFE5rwViGrrX8tpQQxL?si=c4798aca2fa54e76

--- ENDS ---

Media Contact: 

Samuel Cairnduff 

RESONATE Communications 

samuel.j.cairnduff@gmail.com / 0401 396 755

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