Sydney Symphony Orchestra to End Year with Enigma Variations

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra will cap off its highly successful year - the first under the baton of Chief Conductor and Artistic Director David Robertson - with three performances of Elgar's famous Enigma Variations.

The concerts, led by Scottish conductor Donald Runnicles, will also feature German violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann performing the Sibelius Violin Concerto.

Sydney Symphony Orchestra Managing Director Rory Jeffes said the performances of Elgar's masterpiece would be a fitting end to a year that has, in many ways, signified a new and exciting era for the Orchestra.

"We couldn't be more delighted with the Orchestra's achievements in what has been a memorable first year under the leadership of our Chief Conductor and Artistic Director David Robertson," Mr Jeffes said.

"Mr Robertson conducted virtuosic performances of the complete cycle of Beethoven's piano concertos with American pianist Emanuel Ax, showed his commitment to delivering new and engaging concerts at the Sydney Opera House with the second instalment of his opera-in-concert series, Elektra, and led the Orchestra on its most extensive and successful tour yet of China.

"Looking ahead to 2015, I am filled with excitement and confidence as we embark on what promises to be another deeply satisfying musical journey for our musicians and audiences," Mr Jeffes added.

Throughout 2014, the Orchestra performed more than 200 concerts attended by more than 300,000 people. These included regional performances in Dubbo, Cobar and Broken Hill, as well as two free concerts in Sydney and Parramatta Park.

More than 40,000 people experienced the SSO's Education and Developing Artist programmes. A highlight of the education program included a three-day pop-up music camp in Bathurst for students and teachers as part of the Orchestra's Playerlink project, which this year celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Last month the SSO was named the winner of the Arts category in the Australian government's inaugural Australia-China Achievement Awards, in recognition of its ground-breaking work in growing the bilateral cultural and artistic relationship between the two nations.

The award followed the Orchestra's highly successful third tour of China, held in June/July this year, during which it visited seven cities and performed to more than 10,000 people, with millions more throughout China tuning in to concert broadcasts on the internet, radio and television.

The SSO acknowledges the support of, and thanks, the Federal and State Governments, its Principal Partner, Emirates, and Premier Partner, Credit Suisse, and its many other partners, patrons, donors and volunteers.

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