Thierry Fischer
Encyclopedia
Thierry Fischer is a Swiss orchestra conductor and flutist.
Fischer 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 (Nederlands Balletorkest). 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
(BBC NOW). Fischer is scheduled to conclude 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.
Fischer has made several recordings, most notably of Frank Martin
's orchestral music (Deutsche Grammophon
) which was nominated for a Gramophone Award. He has also recorded several CDS for the Hyperion label, including music of Florent Schmitt
and Jean Françaix
.
Fischer and his wife have three children.
Fischer studied flute with Aurèle Nicolet
Aurèle Nicolet
Aurèle Nicolet is a Swiss flautist. He is considered as one of the world's best flute players of the late twentieth century. He has performed in various international concerts. A number of composers wrote music especially for him, such composers include Toru Takemitsu, György Ligeti, Krzysztof...
and began his musical career as Principal Flute in Hamburg
Hamburg
-History:The first historic name for the city was, according to Claudius Ptolemy's reports, Treva.But the city takes its modern name, Hamburg, from the first permanent building on the site, a castle whose construction was ordered by the Emperor Charlemagne in AD 808...
and at the Zurich Opera
Zurich Opera
Oper Zürich is an opera company based in Zurich, Switzerland. The company gives performances in the Opernhaus Zürich which has been the company’s home for fifty years.-History:...
, where he studied scores with Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Nikolaus Harnoncourt is an Austrian conductor, particularly known for his historically informed performances of music from the Classical era and earlier. Starting out as a classical cellist, he founded his own period instrument ensemble in the 1950s, and became a pioneer of the Early Music movement...
. His conducting career began in his 30's, subsequently directing his first few concerts with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Chamber Orchestra of Europe
The Chamber Orchestra of Europe , established in 1981, is administratively based in London. The orchestra comprises about 60 members coming from across Europe. The players pursue parallel careers as international soloists, members of eminent chamber groups, and as tutors and professors of music...
, where he was principal flute under Claudio Abbado
Claudio Abbado
Claudio Abbado, Cavaliere di Gran Croce OMRI , is an Italian conductor. He has served as music director of the La Scala opera house in Milan, principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, principal guest conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, music director of the Vienna State Opera,...
.
From 1997 to 2001, Fischer was chief conductor of the Netherlands Ballet Orchestra (Nederlands Balletorkest). In 2001, Fischer became principal conductor of the Ulster Orchestra
Ulster Orchestra
The Ulster Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Belfast, the only full-time professional orchestra in Northern Ireland. The orchestra plays the majority of its concerts in Belfast's Ulster Hall and Waterfront Hall...
in Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
. 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
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
The BBC National Orchestra of Wales is a Welsh symphony orchestra and one of the BBC's five professional orchestras. The BBC NOW is the only professional symphony orchestra organisation in Wales, occupying a dual role as both a broadcasting orchestra and national orchestra.The BBC NOW has its...
(BBC NOW). Fischer is scheduled to conclude his BBC NOW tenure after the 2011-2012 season.
Outside of Europe, Fischer became chief conductor of the Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra
Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra
The is a symphony orchestra based in Nagoya, Japan, founded in 1966. The orchestra gives concerts primarily at the Aichi Prefectural Arts Theater Concert Hall and the Chukyo University Center for Culture & Arts Aurora Hall.- History :...
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.
Fischer has made several recordings, most notably of Frank Martin
Frank Martin (composer)
Frank Martin was a Swiss composer, who lived a large part of his life in the Netherlands.-Childhood and youth:...
's orchestral music (Deutsche Grammophon
Deutsche Grammophon
Deutsche Grammophon is a German classical record label which was the foundation of the future corporation to be known as PolyGram. It is now part of Universal Music Group since its acquisition and absorption of PolyGram in 1999, and it is also UMG's oldest active label...
) which was nominated for a Gramophone Award. He has also recorded several CDS for the Hyperion label, including music of Florent Schmitt
Florent Schmitt
Florent Schmitt was a French composer.-Early life:A Lorrainer, born in Meurthe-et-Moselle, Schmitt originally took music lessons in Nancy with the local composer Gustave Sandré. Subsequently he entered the Paris Conservatoire. There he studied with Gabriel Fauré, Jules Massenet, Théodore Dubois,...
and Jean Françaix
Jean Françaix
Jean René Désiré Françaix was a French neoclassical composer, pianist, and orchestrator, known for his prolific output and vibrant style.-Life:...
.
Fischer and his wife have three children.