Markus Poschner has been selected as the eighth Music Director in the 84-year history of the Utah Symphony.

Poschner will begin his role as Music Director Designate right away and will fully take on the responsibilities as Music Director in the 2027-28 season.

In a statement, the conductor expressed, “It is a true privilege to become the next Music Director of the Utah Symphony—to make music with such a talented group of musicians and to connect with a community that is so welcoming and appreciative of the arts. My first performance with the orchestra was a deeply personal and intense experience. I had conducted Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 many times before, but with the Utah Symphony, the energy, passion, and trust between us were exceptional. The orchestra's distinctive musical style resonated with me, and I immediately felt a sense of chemistry, ease in communication, and partnership—knowing that together, we could create moments that would deeply touch our audiences.”

Poschner made his U.S. conducting debut with the Utah Symphony in December 2022 and was invited back for another performance in November 2023.

Over the course of his career, Poschner has conducted some of the most prestigious orchestras and opera houses, including the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Staatskapelle Berlin, Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden, Bamberg Symphony, Dresden Philharmonic, Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Symphony, Berlin State Opera, Hamburg State Opera, Oper Frankfurt, Vienna State Opera, and Zürich Opera.

Alongside his new role with the Utah Symphony, Poschner serves as Chief Conductor of the Bruckner Orchestra Linz and the Orchestra della Svizzera italiana. He has also recently been appointed Chief Conductor of the Basel Symphony Orchestra, starting in the fall of 2025.