Sydney Symphony 2025 Grant

In 2025, the Wilson Foundation’s partnership helped the Sydney Symphony to:

• Achieve record ticket revenue of nearly $25 million;

• Present 319 events, including 170 mainstage concerts to almost 300,000 attendees; and

• Perform 87 Australian works, including 32 world premieres.

Under the leadership of internationally acclaimed Chief Conductor Simone Young — whose tenure has now been extended through 2029 — and Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles, the SSO continues to be a leading international symphony orchestra.

2025 saw the Sydney Symphony collaborate with distinguished artists from Australia and around the world, including piano sensation Lang Lang, cellist Li-Wei Qin, and Tenor Simon O'Neill among many others.

O'Neill led an all-star cast under Simone Young in the third instalment of Wagner's Ring Cycle, a four-year undertaking by the Sydney Symphony which puts Young on the podium for this multi-year production.

Across 2025, the Sydney Symphony also launched new programming for families, expanded access for vulnerable and underserved communities, deepened engagement with First Nations artists and audiences, reached music students and teachers across NSW, and provided emerging artists with invaluable experience through their Fellowship Program. 

During the 2026 season, the Sydney Symphony will see 18 conductors and artists debut with the Orchestra, with many performing as part of Australian and World Premiere works, as well as Simone Young conducts Götterdämmerung, the final instalment in Wagner’s Ring Cycle. 

Looking ahead, the Orchestra is already laying ambitious foundations for its centenary in 2032 and appreciates the Wilson Foundation's partnership, allowing the Orchestra to think boldly and realise long-held artistic ambitions.