Markus Poschner

When the Utah Symphony introduced German conductor Markus Poschner as Music Director Designate last fall, it marked an exciting new era for the orchestra—just the eighth music director in its 85-year history! Renowned for his dynamic artistry and contagious enthusiasm, Maestro Poschner is already transforming the connection between the orchestra and its audiences. He spoke with Carol and Jeff from Linz, Austria, about his vision for what comes next.

Markus Poschner

On Nov. 18, Markus Poschner – whose roles include Chief Conductor of Bruckner Orchestra Linz, and Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana – was named to be the eighth Music Director of the Utah Symphony, beginning with a Music Director Designate term leading up to full duties beginning with the 2027-2028 season. Maestro Poschner spoke with City Weekly about what drew him to Salt Lake City, and the job ahead of him.

Scott Renshaw, Salt Lake City Weekly, 11.12.2024
Foto: Kaupo Kikkas

Markus Poschner

After leading a number of orchestras and operas throughout Europe, Markus Poschner is ready to start a new chapter in Utah.

»Utah, as I see it, there’s a quite strong culture of pioneers, or exploring,« he said. »And that’s exactly my job as a conductor – I’m an explorer. You scratch a little bit of dust from stones, or just refurbish things to see what’s beneath – new colors, new ideas. And I think that’s exactly what Abravanel stood up for, for this sort of exploring, as he did Mahler during a decade when almost nobody did Mahler.«

Lottie Elizabeth Johnson, Deseret News, 22.11.2024
Foto: Jeffrey D. Allred / Deseret News

Markus Poschner

The Utah Symphony announced the appointment of Markus Poschner as the eighth Music Director in the orchestra’s 84-year history. Poschner assumes the role of Music Director Designate immediately and he will take on full duties as Music Director in the 2027-28 season. In his first relationship with a U.S. orchestra, Markus Poschner aims to create musical experiences unique to Utah.

»The opportunity to serve as the next Music Director of the Utah Symphony – to make music with the orchestra’s exceptionally skilled musicians and engage with a community that is so welcoming and so appreciative of the arts – is a true honor. My first performance with this orchestra was a very personal, intense experience. I had conducted Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 many times, but with the Utah Symphony, the passion, energy, and bond of trust were unique. The style of the orchestra’s musicianship resonated with me. I could feel, immediately, a chemistry and a sense of familiarity, easy communication, and partnership – a knowledge that together we could build moments that would be felt deeply by our audiences.«
Markus Poschner

» Utah Symphony passes the baton to a new music director with a rich international resume | The Salt Lake Tribune

» The Utah Symphony was the first American orchestra he ever conducted. Now, he’s the new music director | DeseretNews

» The Soundtrack of Tomorrow | KSL TV

» Utah Symphony’s newly named music director makes a mixed impression in Beethoven | Utah Arts Review

» Utah Symphony names Markus Poschner next music director | Utah Business Magazine

» The new leader of the Utah Symphony is embracing Utah’s pioneer spirit | DeseretNews

» Utah Symphony Appoints New Music Director | OperaWire

» Utah Symphony Announces New Music Director | The Violin Channel

» New Music Director at Utah Symphony: Markus Poschner | symphony

» Utah Symphony Names Markus Poschner Music Director | Broadway World

» 2024 Year in Review: November | Utah Business Magazine

Foto: Kaupo Kikkas

Markus Poschner

»The returning guest conductor achieved a distinctive sound from the orchestra, particularly in the strings which displayed a full array of colors, textures, and tones. «

»Poschner employed small, precise movements to great effect. In all three pieces, his personality came through in his inventive approach to phrasing a melody and his sense of thematic architecture.«

»Poschner infused the energetic finale with a bustling, celebratory feel, accentuated by an exquisite blend between the strings and the brass. After the triumphant finish, the audience rose to its feet in an enthusiastic ovation that included several curtain calls.«

Rick Mortensen | Utah Arts Review | 18.11.2023

Foto: Fotokerschi.at

Maximilian Hornung, Markus Poschner, Utah Symphony

»Poschner wasn’t out to reinvent any wheels with his interpretation of Beethoven’s Fifth; rather, his approach was to let Beethoven be Beethoven. He conducted from memory, with an economy of gesture and the air of someone catching up with an old friend.«

Catherine Reese Newton
Utah Arts Review, 05.12.2022
Foto: Arabella Arts