Thomas Zehetmair (born 23 November 1961, Salzburg) is an Austrian violinist and conductor. He studied at the Salzburg Mozarteum, where both of his parents taught. His festival debut was at age 16.[1] He was in master classes with Nathan Milstein and Max Rostal.[2]
In 1994, Zehetmair formed a string quartet which bears his name. The Zehetmair Quartet performs all works entirely from memory, and learns one new programme a year.[3] Zehetmair has made several recordings for ECM, both as soloist and with his quartet.[2] [4]
Zehetmair later developed a parallel career in conducting. In November 2001, he was named Music Director and chief conductor of the Northern Sinfonia, his first conducting post, starting with the 2002-2003 season, for an initial contract of 3 years and 6 weeks of concerts each season.[5] [6] In August 2005, he extended his contract for another 3 years through 2008.[7] [8] He continues as the orchestra's music director as of the 2008-2009 season and recently confirmed his commitment to Northern Sinfonia until 2014. He is also an "Artistic Partner" of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra in Minnesota, a position that includes regular conducting. As a guest conductor, he has appeared regularly with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, Gewandhaus Orchestra, and others.
Thomas Zehetmair holds an honorary doctorate from the Music Academy Franz Liszt in Weimar. He is married to the violist Ruth Killius,[9] who is also a member of the Zehetmair Quartet.
| Preceded by Jean-Bernard Pommier |
Music Director, Northern Sinfonia 2002–present |
Succeeded by incumbent |