Amercian conductor David Robertson will become the next chief conductor of the Sydney Symphony, taking over from Vladimir Ashkenazy in 2014.
Robertson will remain in post until the end of 2018, during which time Ashkenazy will continue to conduct the orchestra each year.
‘At a time when orchestras around the world are cutting back, the Sydney Symphony is looking to expand its activities,’ said the orchestra’s chairman, John Conde, ‘and we are proud to say, this orchestra has the means to do so.’
Robertson is currently the music director of the Saint Louis Symphony – a post he has held since 2005 – and principal guest conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. He made his Australian debut with the Sydney Symphony in 2003.
‘I love the Sydney Symphony’s sense of adventure,’ said Robertson. ‘I’ve already done a number of wide-ranging projects with the orchestra as a guest conductor and the musicians’ readiness to take on any artistic challenge is something I find personally inspiring.
David Robertson will be appearing at the Proms with both the BBC Symphony Orchestra on 1 August and the St Louis Symphony Orchestra on 4 September.
Leo Tobisch