Australia: Queensland Symphony Orchestra's Sophie Galaise Named in Australia's 100 Women of Influence

BRISBANE, QLD, Australia, Nov. 27, 2015 /CNW/ -- World-leading orchestra executive, Canadian-born Sophie Galaise has been honoured as one of The Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence 2015. She was recognised as one of only 11 women in the new Culture category.

As CEO of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra since 2013, Ms Galaise has given the company a powerful international benchmarking insight, placing the orchestra firmly on par with leading arts organisations worldwide. Under her stewardship, the QSO has celebrated significant revenue records, grown its reach to over 1.1 million people and staged milestone artistic coups with some of the world's leading conductors and soloists as well as performed non-traditional blockbuster events which have broken attendance records.

QSO was the first orchestra in Australia to appoint a Soloist-in-Residence position. Adelaide and Sydney Symphony Orchestras have since followed. In another Australian first, Ms Galaise has recently announced Alondra de la Parra, recognized as one of the most compelling conductors of her generation, as Music Director.

Ms Galaise' influence on the world stage has attracted great artists eager to work with QSO and the orchestra has recently received offers to tour internationally as well as present exciting collaborations with BBC World, the London Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic and leading orchestras in Asia.

Ms Galaise has a reputation as a pioneering arts manager throughout Europe and North America. Before joining QSO, she spent five years at the Orchestra Symphonique de Quebec driving a turnaround in financial and market performance and taking it to one of the top five orchestras in Canada.

QSO Chairman Greg Wanchap said: "This accolade is well deserved. Sophie has been at the helm of QSO for only two years and already is named in this illustrious group of influential women in Australia. It serves as a marker for what is yet to come under her leadership and vision."

In its fourth year, the Australian 100 Women of Influence Awards celebrate outstanding women from a wide variety of sectors across. In 2015, a new Culture category was included.

Ainslie van Onselen, Director of Women's Markets, Diversity and Inclusion at Westpac said: "Women have countless opportunities to be a driving force for change in Australia.  Sophie Galaise is a shining example for how women can be truly influential in their career and have a profound impact on long term outcomes."  www.100womenofinfluence.com.au. 

For further information please contact Queensland Symphony Orchestra + 61 7 3357 9054 or mobile + 61 416 291 493 or email [email protected]

SOURCE Queensland Symphony Orchestra