Markus Poschner will become music director of the Utah Symphony beginning with the 2027-28 season; he will serve as music director designate in the meantime.
In Monday’s (11/18) Salt Lake Tribune, Palak Jayswal writes, “The Utah Symphony has named its new music director … Markus Poschner will be the eighth music director the symphony has had in its 84-year history. He will take on the full duties of the role in the 2027-2028 season but will begin as ‘music director designate’ immediately. Poschner made his debut with the group in December 2022 … then returned in November 2023.” In a press release, Poschner writes, “ ‘I had conducted Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 many times, but with the Utah Symphony, the passion, energy and bond of trust were unique…. I could feel, immediately, a chemistry and a sense of familiarity, easy communication and partnership …’ Poschner, who is German, has led orchestras and opera houses across Europe … He is also the chief conductor of Austria’s Bruckner Orchestra Linz (through 2026-27) and Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana (through 2024-25). Poschner will also become the chief conductor of Switzerland’s Basel Symphony Orchestra starting in fall 2025…. In [Utah], Poschner ‘sees an opportunity to explore works of American composers and music that crosses genres and cultures, alongside traditional repertoire’ … Poschner’s predecessor, Thierry Fischer, led the symphony for 14 seasons before stepping down at the end of the 2022-2023 season.”
