Sydney Symphony Orchestra Appoints New Associate Principal Cello

Simon Cobcroft has assumed the role on a permanent basis

The Australian cellist Simon Cobcroft joins the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) from Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, where he was also Principal Cello from 2014 to 2023.

Previously, he served as Associate Principal Cello with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra from 2012 to 2014, and as Sub-Principal Cello with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra from 2003 to 2011. 

A graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium and the Australian National Academy of Music, Cobcroft studied with Matthew Farrell, Janis Laurs, Alexander Baillie, David Strange, and Michael Goldschlager. 

Since then, he has been a frequent guest performer with London’s Philharmonia Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony, Esbjerg Ensemble, London Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Tasmanian and Singapore Symphony Orchestras. 

Additionally, he has performed as principal cello at the Aldeburgh, Pacific, and Salzburg Music Festivals, and as soloist with the Camerata Queensland, Sydney’s Metropolitan Orchestra, and Orchestra Victoria.

Cobcroft is a founding member of the award-winning Lyrebird Trio, and has been resident at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and at the Center for the Arts in Banff, Canada. As an educator, he has taught at the Elder Conservatorium and the Queensland Conservatorium. 

His accolades include awards at the 2013 Asia Pacific Chamber Music Competition, as well as the Adelaide Critics Circle Prize. He plays on an 1840 English cello crafted by Thomas Kennedy.

“Congratulations and welcome to our new Associate Principal Cello, Simon Cobcroft!” the SSO posted on Facebook. “We’re so excited to welcome Simon to Sydney as a permanent member of the Orchestra.”