Thierry Fischer has been announced as the new music director of the Utah Symphony Orchestra. The Swiss conductor succeeds Keith Lockhart, whose tenure finished at the end of May. Fischer is currently the principal conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and chief conductor of the Nagoya Philharmonic, positions he will continue to hold. His contract at Utah runs until the end of the 2012/13 season, with an option to renew for a further three years after that. The new season will see him conduct a week of concerts with the Utah Symphony, growing to 5 weeks in 2010/11 and 12 weeks after that. “His musicianship on the podium is exhilarating and leaves everyone wanting more – musicians and audience alike”, said Melia Tourangeau, president and CEO of the orchestra. “Off the podium, we would be hard pressed to find someone who would fit Utah better. Thierry’s leadership comes so naturally. He is a genuine personality with great integrity for the music he creates.” According to an orchestra statement, Fischer was a unanimous choice by the selection committee.