The 26-year-old Sydneysider was selected for the position following a rigorous audition process.

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra has announced the appointment of 26-year-old, Sydneysider Toby Thatcher as its new Assistant Conductor. The news comes just one day after the announcement that 29-year-old Nicholas Carter, the newly appointed Principal Conductor of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and former SSO Assistant Conductor, is to become the first Australian maestro to lead a State Symphony Orchestra in almost 30 years.

Thatcher, who is currently based in London, was one of five handpicked international applicants selected for the rigorous audition process. Thatcher will take over the role from the current incumbent, Jessica Cottis, who has been SSO Assistant Conductor since 2012. In addition to being closely mentored by SSO Chief Conductor David Robertson, Thatcher will also have the opportunity to work with the Orchestra’s many visiting guest conductors, and will conduct the orchestra on their regional NSW tour next month.

Toby Thatcher

As well as being a conductor, Thatcher is a skilled oboist, having studied both disciplines at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and then at postgraduate level at the Royal Academy of...