Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) has announced the appointment of Yarmila Alfonzetti, one of Australia’s leading arts professionals, as its new Chief Executive.
Currently Executive Director of State Opera South Australia (since 2018), Ms Alfonzetti is acclaimed as a collaborative, energetic and forward-thinking leader, with more than 20 years of expertise in bringing to life world class artistic programs.
In making the announcement today, QSO Acting Chair Rod Pilbeam said it was a gratifying appointment to the key role at the Orchestra. “We have taken our time in identifying and engaging a new Chief Executive, because as Queensland’s largest performing arts organisation, QSO demands a dynamic, inclusive and visionary leader,” he said.
“We deliver unique musical experiences across this huge state and perform world class maestro events in our home venue, the Concert Hall at QPAC; leadership is vital. We could not be more thrilled therefore to welcome Yarmila Alfonzetti as Chief Executive,” he said.
“A highly effective operator, she has led a strong recovery of State Opera South Australia through strategic planning and decision making. Prior to this, Yarmila was Chief Executive Officer of Sydney Youth Orchestras from 2015 to 2018, and before that, Head of External Relations for Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music.”
“Her arts acumen is forged from a deep knowledge of classical music and project management (Yarmila holds a Bachelor of Musicology Hons and a Masters in Project Management).”
“From 2008 to 2013, Yarmila was Head of Classical Music at Sydney Opera House, appointed to drive international venue recognition, grow box office income and promote positive reputation by delivering a large-scale classical music program. Her musical and management abilities make her a wonderful addition to QSO’s family,” said Pilbeam.
Ms Alfonzetti said she thrived when surrounded by a vast range of repertoire, virtuosity and a body of talented musicians with an appetite to be the best, and was therefore thrilled to be joining Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
“I look forward to calling Brisbane my new home, exploring Queensland, getting to know the QSO family, meeting many new passionate arts lovers, and working closely with the musicians, Board and management team to champion and elevate this company, which I consider to be the jewel in the crown of a thriving state cultural landscape,” she said.
“I feel very privileged to have played a part in the custodianship of some wonderful Australian arts companies, festivals and venues in my career and joining QSO as Chief Executive feels equally, if not more, important. I admire arts companies which buzz with motion, and the QSO does just that,” said Alfonzetti.
John Irving, Chairman of the State Opera Board said that Yarmila’s commitment over the last four years has been commendable and thanked her for her leadership and loyalty to the company.
“Working alongside Artistic Director Stuart Maunder, Yarmila has revitalised and re-imagined State Opera into the thriving major performing arts company it is today; a company with a big vision, a busy roster of productions and projects, and a diverse and expanding audience,” he said
“She has done an outstanding job, been a positive contributor to the company and on behalf of the Board we wish her every success in her new venture – she will be missed,” said Irving.
Ms Alfonzetti will take over from Executive Director Valmay Hill who has led the company for almost 12 months, launching the 75th celebration program and steering the pathway forward – Powered by Music.
She will hand over the leadership baton of a company well positioned financially and organisationally, acknowledged for the breadth of its contribution to the Queensland arts and culture community. Ms Alfonzetti will relocate to Queensland and begins her new role on 11 July 2022.
For more information about the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, visit: www.qso.com.au for details.
Image: Yarmila Alfonzetti (supplied)