New QSO conductor starts with ‘most important symphony in history’

A renowned Italian-born cellist and maestro has joined the Queensland Symphony Orchestra as its chief conductor.

Queensland Symphony Orchestra chief conductor Umberto Clerici flanked by William Barton and Veronique Serret. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Joining the Queensland Symphony Orchestra as its new chief conductor is a joy for Umberto Clerici.

The renowned Italian-born cellist and maestro decided that Beethoven’s Ode to Joy would be a good way to start the year with the first Maestro Series concerts for 2023.

For two remaining matinees this weekend in the Concert Hall at QPAC will be filled with the joy of Beethoven’s magnificent Ninth Symphony, featuring the famous Ode to Joy movement with special guests, Queensland’s didgeridoo superstar William Barton and his partner in life and music, violinist Veronique Serret.

Maestro Clerici describes the Beethoven piece as the most important symphony in the history of music.

“I’m both honoured and excited to start our path together with the most ambitious piece of music every written,” he said.

“It celebrates the equality of all humankind. After the past few challenging years I felt we needed music that celebrates sociality, friendship and community.”

Clerici says he is thrilled to start the year with Barton and Serret on stage playing their own work; Kalkani and Barton will also play Peter Sculthorpe’s Earth Cry.

Barton is our Queensland Australian of the Year, and says it is very special to be performing with Veronique back home in Queensland.

“Veronique's expressiveness with her instrument takes things to a different level,” Barton said.

“To be playing with the QSO in the first Maestro Concert this year is a great honour.”

Other guests for the concert include soprano Eleanor Lyons, mezzo soprano Deborah Humble, tenor Andrew Goodwin and baritone Michael Honeyman with the Brisbane Chamber Choir add the choral aspects.