Bernhard Fleischer Appointed 
Chief Executive of 
The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: 
Dennis Wu
Director of Marketing 
Tel: (852) 2721 9035
Email: dennis.wu@hkphil.org 

Emily Hui
Media Relations and Communications Manager
Tel: (852) 2721 1585
Email: emily.hui@hkphil.org

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[21 August 2025, Hong Kong] The Hong Kong Philharmonic Society is delighted to announce the appointment of Bernhard Fleischer as its new Chief Executive, effective 1 September 2025.

Mr Fleischer is a collaborative and forward-thinking leader, with a wealth of experience and expertise in the classical music industry. Over the course of his 30-year career to date he has conceived and realised more than 350 recordings and documentary projects with internationally renowned artists, cultural institutions and media corporations. In his role as an entrepreneurial producer and consultant he has demonstrated both artistic and commercial expertise and cultivated industry-defining partnerships.

Born and raised in Salzburg, Mr Fleischer began his career working with Sir Roger Norrington. He has realised numerous projects at the Salzburg Festival with European and US performing arts organisations. In recent years, Mr Fleischer has repeatedly worked with Gustavo Dudamel, Lang Lang, John Williams, Anne-Sophie Mutter and Paavo Järvi, among many others. He is a multiple winner of the Golden Prague TV Festival as well as the German ECHO Klassik awards. Mr Fleischer is also a nominee for the Grimme-Preis and the Primetime Emmy Awards.

David Cogman, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the HK Phil, said: “We are very excited to welcome Bernhard as our new CE. He brings a wealth of experience and tremendous energy to the role. Together with our Music Director Designate Tarmo Peltokoski, we are confident that he will raise the orchestra to a new level.”

Mr Fleischer stated: “I look forward to being part of such an exciting and vibrant orchestra. Our main goal will be to work on visionary programmes, nurture culturally diverse talents and develop new audiences in Hong Kong, in Mainland China and around the world. It is an honour and a privilege to work with the brilliant musicians, board and dedicated staff to shape and advance the orchestra's artistic future with Tarmo Peltokoski as its new Music Director.”

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil), founded in 1947 as the Sino-British Orchestra, is now considered one of Asia’s leading orchestras. In 2019, it became the first Asian orchestra to be named "Orchestra of the Year" by the prestigious British classical music magazine Gramophone.