(Credit: (c)Jay Patel)

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra has announced that Simone Young will be the Orchestra’s Chief Conductor from 2022.

Following a worldwide search, the orchestra announced that in 12 months prior to her taking up the role, Young will be the Orchestra’s Chief Conductor Designate.

The conductor noted in a press release, “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.”

Before taking up the position, Young will prepare for the Orchestra’s return to the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House. The Orchestra is set to leave the Sydney Opera House in December 2019 to allow for a two-year renovation of the Concert Hall. As a result, 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.

Young has had a long-standing association with the Sydney Symphony since 1996 when she debuted with the orchestra. Since then has been a frequent guest conductor with the orchestra. She has also been the General Manager and Artistic Director of the Hamburg State Opera and Music Director of the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra. She currently serves as Principal Guest Conductor of the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra, Switzerland.