Frank and Shirley Lowy Support SSO's Chief Conductor and Artistic Director

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is delighted to announce long-term SSO concert-goers, Frank and Shirley Lowy, as the inaugural private supporters of the position of Chief Conductor and Artistic Director, a position currently held by Maestro David Robertson.

SSO Chairman John Conde said that the Lowy Chair of Chief Conductor and Artistic Director recognizes Frank and Shirley Lowy and their commitment to the SSO which has spanned several decades.

"The SSO is extremely fortunate to have such committed and loyal supporters as the Lowys. Their love of music runs deep and their generosity to the arts is well documented. We are humbled by their support and honoured to have their name associated with our wonderful orchestra and our esteemed Chief Conductor David Robertson," said Mr Conde.

Mr Frank Lowy said it was a very great honour to have the Lowy name linked to one of most important artistic positions in Australia.

"Shirley and I have enjoyed attending SSO performances for over 50 years. In fact, when we first met, some of our earliest outings together were attending the SSO youth concerts performed by the then ABC Youth Orchestra."

"We have such a strong admiration for the SSO, both for its musicians and for the music they perform, that to be linked to the Orchestra in this way is truly a thrill for us," said Mr Lowy.

"Having witnessed nearly all the former SSO Chief Conductors in action, from Sir Eugene Goossens to Stuart Challender, Edo de Waart and most recently Vladimir Ashkenazy, I am delighted that Shirley and I will be supporting the position at a time it's being held by David Robertson, a musician of immense talent and someone whom I admire greatly," added Mr Lowy.

According to David Robertson, upon first meeting the Lowys he was struck by their great interest in and knowledge of music.

"Shirley and Frank Lowy are great music lovers, which was clear from my very first interaction with them. Frank Lowy is someone I respect immensely - a self-made man who has excelled in so many facets of life. It is an honour to have my name and position associated with Frank & Shirley Lowy. I am humbled by their support of me and the SSO.

"I also wish to pay tribute to SSO Chairman John Conde who first introduced me to the Lowys. I have an enormous amount of respect for the incredible ability Mr Conde has in building meaningful relationships with people and for his strong support of the SSO," said Mr Robertson.

David Robertson's tenure as SSO Chief Conductor and Artistic Director began in January 2014 and runs for an initial period of five years.

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