As Queensland Symphony Orchestra continues to achieve critical acclaim for its musicality and long-term vision, Chief Executive David Pratt has announced that one of the country’s leading artistic talents, Mr Timothy Matthies has been appointed Director of Artistic Planning.
“We are thrilled to welcome Timothy to Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and he joins at a pivotal time in our history,” said Chief Executive David Pratt. “Queensland Symphony Orchestra is in strong artistic and financial health. Following an extraordinary first season for Music Director Alondra de la Parra, plus renewed and acclaimed musicality throughout the Orchestra, we are looking forward to the next chapter with Timothy now part of the company.”
The appointment is the result of a long and exhaustive search across the country and internationally. Mr Matthies brings more than 25 years of artistic, operations and program administration and new business development experience to Queensland Symphony Orchestra, having overseen significant cultural and commercial aspects in his nationally distinguished tenure at Musica Viva – Australia’s oldest independent arts organization.
His most recent title at Musica Viva was Director of Artist Development, where he has overseen the creation of the organisation’s holistic and visionary artist leadership initiative FutureMakers. Prior to this, he was Director Business Development, Concerts and he has worked across all sectors of the company, with great success and support, most notably as Director of Artistic Planning, Concerts.
In this position he worked with Carl Vine for 10 years on the revitalization of the International Concert Season’s programming and artists and creating new programs including the Huntington Estate Music Festival and the Musica Viva Festival, leading to increased audience numbers.
He has been a member of the Australian Youth Orchestra: Artistic Advisory Committee since 2005, as well as the UKARIA Foundation & Cultural Centre: Advisory Board and the Ensemble Offspring: Artistic Review Panel. He was previously a member of Arts Victoria (now Creative Victoria) Melbourne Recital Centre design and acoustics reference group and the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs: Vice-President and Artistic Board Representative. Mr Matthies was also a member of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Artistic Consultative and Development Committee.
A passionate music lover at heart, he is an active member of two acclaimed choirs and has been a judge for many highly distinguished state and national competitions and awards. Having witnessed rapid change in the nation’s cultural landscape across two-and-a-half decades, Mr Matthies’ professional and personal vision is for the creative arts and education industries, in their myriad of forms, styles and development, to be a vital part of Australian life in the 21st century.
“I feel incredibly privileged to have been given this opportunity with Queensland Symphony Orchestra,” said Mr Matthies. “I am thrilled to be working with Alondra de la Parra, a musical visionary and change-maker, and the superb musicians and outstanding administration team to make a real impact on the Queensland arts and cultural scene and to further enhance the company’s outstanding national and international reputation.”
Mr Matthies will commence as Director of Artistic Planning from 25 June 2018. For more information, visit: www.qso.com.au for details.
Image: Timothy Matthies (supplied)