German conductor Clemens Schuldt has been named music director of The Orchestre Symphonique de Québec.

Schuldt will take the position as of the 2023-2024 season for a four-year mandate. He will succeed Fabien Gabel who held this position from 2012 to 2020.

This appointment is the result of a rigorous recruitment process that featured a selection committee chaired by Sophie D’Amours, Rector of Université Laval, and composed of musicians from the Orchestra, members of the management team, members of the Board of Directors, and personalities from the Canadian and international music community.

In a statement, Schuldt said, “It is a great pleasure and an honour for me to become the new music director of the Orchestre symphonique de Québec! When I first met the musicians and the wonderful audience in Quebec City earlier this year, the temperature may have dropped to -20 degrees, but the welcome was warm. From the first minutes of our collaboration, I was impressed by the sound, sensitivity, flexibility, and passion of each musician. I am convinced that together we will accomplish great things, strengthening the reputation of the Orchestra in the region and far beyond.”

Britta Kröger, President of the Board of Directors added, “I am more than happy that we have found the ‘rare pearl’ among our candidates, who has exceptional talent and dynamism, to take over from Maestro Gabel as Music Director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Québec. Clemens Schuldt was not only unanimously accepted by our musicians and the selection committee, but also by all those who crossed his path during his visit to Quebec City. Clemens is an extremely warm, talented, and friendly (young) man. We are truly blessed to be able to welcome him to our home in Quebec City for the next four years. A new chapter is opening for the Orchestre Symphonique de Québec. Herzlich willkommen Clemens! (A heartfelt welcome to Clemens!).”

Schuldt began his international career in 2010 when he won the first prize in the prestigious Donatella Flick Conducting Competition and has assisted such conductors as Sir Colin Davis, Sir Simon Rattle, and Daniel Harding. He was Principal Conductor of the Munich Chamber Orchestra (Münchener Kammerorchester) from 2016-2022.