Thierry Fischer

Thierry Fischer (born 28 September, 1957, Switzerland) is a musical conductor and flautist. His parents were both missionaries.

Fischer studied flute with Aurèle Nicolet and began his musical career as Principal Flute in Hamburg and at the Zurich Opera, where he studied scores with Nikolaus Harnoncourt. His conducting career began in his 30's, subsequently directing his first few concerts with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, where he was Principal Flute under Claudio Abbado.

In 2001, Fischer became Principal Conductor of the Ulster Orchestra in Belfast. His contract was extended in January 2004 to 2006. [ [http://www.gramophone.co.uk/newsMainTemplate.asp?storyID=1999&newssectionID=1 Martin Cullingford, "Thierry Fischer to remain at Ulster Orchestra for two more years". "Gramophone", 6 January 2004.] ] In 2006, Fischer concluded his tenure with the Ulster Orchestra, and stated that he left this position partly because "to be really honest, I didn't get to do all the things I wanted to do." [ [http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/features/daily-features/article2329316.ece Johnny Muir, "Orchestral manoeuvres". "Belfast Telegraph", 5 March 2007.] ] From September 2006, he is Principal Conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. In April 2008, Fischer began his tenure as Chief Conductor of the Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra.

Fischer has made several recordings, most notably of Frank Martin's orchestral music (Deutsche Grammophon) which was nominated for a Gramophone Award. He has also recorded for the Hyperion label. [cite news | url=http://arts.guardian.co.uk/filmandmusic/story/0,,2092412,00.html | title=Schmitt: Psaume XLVII; La Tragédie de Salomé; Suite Sans Esprit de Suite, Buffle/ BBCNOW & Chorus/ Fischer | publisher="The Guardian" | author=Andrew Clements | date=1 June 2007 | accessdate=2007-09-28]

Fischer and his wife have three children.

References

External links

* [http://www.intermusica.co.uk/fischer Intermusica biography of Thierry Fischer]
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/now/sites/conductors/pages/thierry_fischer.shtml BBC NOW biography of Thierry Fischer]
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/now/sites/conductors/pages/thierry_interview.shtml BBC NOW interview of Thierry Fischer by Penny James]