Sydney Symphony Concertmaster to Stand Down After 30 Years

Sydney Symphony Concertmaster, Dene Olding will stand down from the orchestra at the end of next month - after more than three decades in the leader’s chair

It has been announced today that long-term Sydney Symphony Concertmaster, Dene Olding will stand down from the orchestra at the end of next month - after more than three decades leading the ensemble.

A graduate of the Juilliard School, where he studied with Ivan Galamian and Margaret Pardee, Dene is a former 3rd prize winner at the Queen Elisabeth International Violin Competition.

The 59 year old has led with the Sydney Symphony since 1987 - and has performed more than 40 concertos with the ensemble since his appointment.

"Dene is a world-class musician of the highest calibre and his talent, gracious poise, deep knowledge, and gentle sense of good humour has helped make the SSO the ensemble that it is today...” Chief Conductor, David Robertson has told The Violin Channel.

Dene has indicated he is not retiring, but will leave the Symphony to focus on family life, other musical pursuits and freelance projects - and to devote more time to the Japanese martial art, Aikido.

"It is a tremendously rewarding life, there is never a dull moment because we have the privilege of dealing with the genius of the great composers every day…” Dene has told local media.

He currently also serves as Artistic Advisor to the Michael Hill International Violin Competition.