Sydney Symphony Orchestra

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is one of the world’s finest orchestras, founded in 1932 by the Australian Broadcasting Commission.

Resident at the iconic Sydney Opera House, the Orchestra’s concerts encompass masterpieces from the classical repertoire, music by some of the finest living composers, and collaborations with guest artists from all genres, reflecting the Orchestra's versatility and diverse appeal.

Australian-born Simone Young commenced her role as Chief Conductor in 2022, the Orchestra’s 90th year.

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra also performs in venues throughout Sydney and regional New South Wales, and international tours to Europe, Asia and the USA have earned the Orchestra worldwide recognition for artistic excellence.

The Orchestra’s first chief conductor was Sir Eugene Goossens, appointed in 1947; he was followed by Nicolai Malko, Dean Dixon, Moshe Atzmon, Willem van Otterloo, Louis Frémaux, Sir Charles Mackerras, Zdenêk Mácal, Stuart Challender, Edo de Waart and Gianluigi Gelmetti. Vladimir Ashkenazy was Principal Conductor from 2009 to 2013, followed by David Robertson as Chief Conductor from 2014 to 2019.

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is committed to the future of live symphonic music, and the Orchestra promotes the work of Australian composers through performances, recordings and its commissioning program.