Simone Young, the esteemed Chief Conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, has had her tenure extended until the culmination of 2026. Young, a native of Sydney, assumed the role in 2020 after being designated Chief Conductor, marking her as only the third Australian to hold such a prestigious position.

Originating from Sydney, Young has conducted numerous renowned ensembles worldwide, including the New York, Los Angeles, Berlin, Vienna, Munich, Stockholm, New Japan, Helsinki, BBC, and Dresden Philharmonic Orchestras. Her illustrious career includes serving as Music Director of Opera Australia from 2001 to 2003, Chief Conductor of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra from 1999 to 2002, and as Principal Guest Conductor of the Gulbenkian Orchestra, Lisbon, from 2007 to 2012. Additionally, she has been the Principal Guest Conductor of the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra since 2017.

In a groundbreaking achievement, Young made history in 2023 by becoming the first woman to conduct a complete Ring Cycle at Bayreuth, a distinction also marking her as the first Australian to receive such an honor.

Expressing her deep connection to the orchestra, Young conveyed, "This orchestra holds immense significance for me. It was the orchestra that accompanied my musical journey from its inception. It was the orchestra for which I eagerly waited in queues for standing room tickets. It was through this orchestra that I explored an extensive repertoire for the first time—a journey that remains ingrained within me."

Young also praised the orchestra's remarkable versatility, stating, "What has always captivated me about this orchestra is its exceptional adaptability. While some orchestras excel in specific genres, this orchestra showcases brilliance across a wide spectrum of repertoire—a testament to its remarkable depth and versatility."