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Timothy Matthies has been named as Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s new Director of Artistic Planning from 25th June. Matthies brings more than 25 years of artistic, operations and program administration and new business development experience to Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

The appointment is the result of a long and exhaustive search across the country and internationally. 

Announcing the appointment, QSO Chief Executive David Pratt stated "we are thrilled to welcome Timothy to Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and he joins at a pivotal time in our history.

“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.”

Welcoming his appointment, Matthies advised “I feel incredibly privileged to have been given this opportunity with Queensland Symphony Orchestra. 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.” 

Matthies has overseen significant cultural and commercial aspects in his nationally distinguished tenure at Musica Viva – Australia’s oldest independent arts organisation.

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 revitalisation 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.

Matthies 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. 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, 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.

Pratt said Queensland Symphony Orchestra was transforming into an orchestra for the 21st century, adding “Queensland Symphony Orchestra is one that is relevant, that connects with all Queenslanders across all cultures, backgrounds and ages and an orchestra that the world wants to listen to.

“We are the state’s largest performing arts organisation. What’s extraordinary is that the company creates and delivers unique musical experiences across this huge state. Highly trained professional musicians - at home in any great concert hall on the planet - travel to all corners of Queensland to connect with Queenslanders, to ensure all Queenslanders can experience the true power of live music. This is an important role to play, and Timothy will play a vital role in ensuring this role continues.

“Queensland is in for an exciting musical future.”

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