The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) based in Aotearoa New Zealand is thrilled to announce the appointment of internationally renowned Korean conductor Shiyeon Sung to the position of Principal Guest Conductor.
Maestra Sung brings a formidable reputation to the role, as a winner of both the Solti and Mahler competitions and having held prestigious appointments with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Her tenure with the APO will commence in 2023 and will span at least three years, in which she will spend extended periods of time, up to three weeks a year, working intensely with the orchestra.
“The chemistry between Shiyeon and our musicians was strong from day one” explains APO CEO, Barbara Glaser.
“We immediately had requests from our musicians keen to work with her again and ultimately build a long-term relationship with her.”
Maestro Sung’s recent appearance in August, conducting the APO’s performance of Stravinsky’s Firebird, sealed the deal for all parties.
“APO Music Director Giordano Bellincampi has wholeheartedly endorsed the appointment as a further step in assuring the continued artistic growth and international profile of the orchestra,” says Gale Mahood, Director of Artistic Planning.
“They have a huge amount of respect for each other and are both excited by the opportunities this position will bring to our artistic output.”
“From our first moment together I have felt a very deep bond and I hope that over the years our musical journey will flourish just like New Zealand’s beautiful nature.” – Shiyeon Sung, APO Principal Guest Conductor.