Simone Young has renewed her commitment to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) by signing a contract extension that will see her serve as Chief Conductor until the end of 2029. This decision marks a continuation of her remarkable tenure that began in 2022, making her the first woman to hold this prestigious position.
Building on Success
Young’s initial three-year term was extended by two years, reflecting her successful leadership and the orchestra’s ongoing growth. Speaking about her decision to stay, Young expressed that her connection with the orchestra and the audience in her home city is thriving. “We’re having such an amazing time together. The warmth doesn’t seem to be fading – the reception is getting stronger, if anything,” she stated. “I think the orchestra’s probably in its best form, and with so much more ahead of us, it would be silly to stop at this point.”
Young described conducting the SSO as one of the happiest experiences of her life, highlighting the fulfilling nature of her role. Next year, she will lead a performance of Götterdämmerung, the final part of her ambitious project to present all four operas of Wagner’s Ring Cycle over four years. “There’s so much more we can do together, and there are important things coming up,” she added.
Exciting Future Projects
Looking ahead, significant events are on the horizon, including the 200th anniversary of the death of Beethoven in 2027, which Young hinted could involve performances of all nine of the composer’s symphonies. Additionally, she mentioned the possibility of a European tour for the orchestra, noting that it has been several years since the SSO last performed in Europe. “We would love to do a European tour,” she said. “And I think that is something we should definitely do together.”
The beginning of Young’s tenure coincided with the reopening of the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, a milestone she celebrated with a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2. According to Peter McCallum, chief classical music critic for the Sydney Morning Herald, this performance was a landmark event that set the tone for her leadership. He remarked, “Although Young’s repertoire is wide-ranging, the pillars of her seasons with the SSO have been large-scale Romantic and post-Romantic Austro-German works.”
Highlights of her tenure include notable performances of Mahler’s first, third, and fifth symphonies, as well as Bruckner’s eighth and Schoenberg’s epic Gurrelieder. Young’s annual concert performances of Wagner’s Ring Cycle have drawn large and enthusiastic audiences, creating a memorable experience for all attendees.
In recognition of her contributions to music, Young is set to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Sydney later this week. “To receive an honorary doctorate from my alma mater is very, very special,” she shared.
Simone Young’s extended leadership promises to usher in a new era for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, with plans that reflect both her artistic vision and the orchestra’s commitment to excellence.
