Simone Young, the newly appointed chief conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO), has provided insight into her vision for the orchestra’s upcoming 2026 season. Young, who has just returned from conducting at the prestigious opera house in Bayreuth, Germany, where she led two complete cycles of Wagner’s renowned Der Ring des Nibelungen, is set to make her mark on Sydney’s classical music scene.
In a recent interview, Young expressed her thoughts on the challenges of a rapidly changing world, where attention spans are diminishing. “Everything happens in shorter and shorter sound bites,” she remarked. “If it’s not over and done and devoured within five minutes, we’re moving on to the next thing.” She highlighted a common behavior, such as people repeatedly pressing the call button at an elevator, as indicative of this trend.
Creating Space for Connection
Despite these challenges, Young believes that the concert hall offers a unique refuge from the fast pace of modern life. “When you come to a concert hall, you’re in a frame of mind that you’re going to be taking something in for a couple of hours,” she stated. “It’s a whole different space. A classical concert allows your imagination room to fly.”
Young drew inspiration from the words of the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi, quoting, “When I am silent, I fall into that place where everything is music.” This sentiment encapsulates her appreciation for the immersive experience of a concert.
The 2026 season will commence with Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde (“Song of the Earth”), described by Young as “a radiant meditation on life, beauty, and impermanence.” The season will conclude with Wagner’s Götterdämmerung, the climactic finale of the Ring cycle. Young’s selection of these two works as bookends for the season is intentional, reflecting her desire to explore profound themes through music.
A Legacy in Classical Music
Simone Young’s relationship with the SSO dates back 30 years, making her one of the most experienced conductors in the region. Her tenure at the orchestra is marked by a commitment to elevating the classical music experience, not only for seasoned concert-goers but also for new audiences.
Young’s vision for the SSO aligns with her belief in the transformative power of music. She aims to cultivate an environment where audiences can engage deeply with the performances, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
As the SSO prepares to unveil its 2026 season, anticipation builds for Young’s leadership and the artistic direction she will bring to one of Australia’s premier orchestras. The upcoming concerts promise to be a celebration of both classical masterpieces and the timeless human experience they represent.
