Thierry Fischer is a Swiss orchestra conductor and flutist.
Background
Fischer was born in then Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (Zambia) to Swiss parents who had been missionaries and 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.
Career
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. From 1997 to 2001, Fischer was chief conductor of the Netherlands Ballet Orchestra (Nederlands Balletorkest). In 2001, Fischer became principal conductor of the Ulster Orchestra in Belfast.
His contract was extended in January 2004 to 2006.
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." In September 2006, he became principal conductor of the British Broadcasting Corporation National Orchestra of Wales (British Broadcasting Corporation National Organization for Women), and concluded his British Broadcasting Corporation National Organization for Women tenure after the 2011-2012 season. Outside of Europe, Fischer became chief conductor of the Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra in April 2008.
His Nagoya tenure concluded in February 2011. He now has the title of Honorary Guest Conductor with the Nagoya Philharmonic.
In September 2009, Fischer became music director of the Utah Symphony, with an initial contract of 4 years.
His Utah Symphony contract began on 1 September 2009, but the formal public announcement did not occur until 24 September 2009. In February 2012, the Utah Symphony announced the extension of Fischer"s contract through the 2015-2016 season. Fischer has made several recordings, most notably of Swiss composer Frank Martin"s orchestral music for Deutsche Grammophon, which was nominated for a Gramophone Award.
He has also recorded several CDs for the Hyperion label, including music of Florent Schmitt and Jean Françaix.