Sydney Smphony Orchestra annunces appointment of Simone Young as Chief Conductor
Following an extensive international search, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra has announced that Simone Young will be the Orchestra’s Chief Conductor from 2022. In preparation for her debut as Chief Conductor in 2022, the internationally renowned conductor will work with the Orchestra to shape its 2022 season and prepare for the Orchestra’s return to the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House. The Orchestra leaves the Sydney Opera House in December 2019 to allow for a two-year renovation of the Concert Hall. Young’s debut as Chief Conductor in 2022 will coincide with the reopening of the Concert Hall, the Orchestra’s home since the Sydney Opera House opened in 1973. „I am thrilled to take up this role with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. As an Orchestra, it is amongst the world’s finest. Since my first appearances with the Sydney Symphony 23 years ago, I have witnessed its extraordinary artistic growth. It’s a virtuosic ensemble and it is an Orchestra of which every Australian can be proud“, Simone Young says.
The Sydney Symphony’s CEO Emma Dunch said: „Simone Young is one of Australia’s greatest musical exports. That she has agreed to become our Chief Conductor represents a landmark moment in the history of the Sydney Symphony, and for classical music in Australia.“ The Sydney Symphony Orchestra has been a leading musical institution since its formation in 1932. Over 87 years it has brought hundreds of international musical luminaries to Australia. Simone Young becomes the Orchestra’s thirteenth Chief Conductor, the first Australian-born conductor to hold the position since 1991, and the third Australian to hold the title. The Sydney Symphony’s two previous Australian-born Chief Conductors were Sir Charles Mackerras (1982-1985) and Stuart Challender (1987-1991).