Stuart Challender Fund

It takes outstanding conductors to make and maintain truly great Orchestras. A truly great conductor adds energy and edge to performances, and inspires the Orchestra with his or her own interpretation of the score. A great conductor becomes the link between the Orchestra and the audience.

What is the Stuart Challender Fund?

This Fund was established in the memory or Stuart Challender to continue his artistic legacy in perpetuity.  The vision of each successive Chief Conductor and Artistic Director has been supported by the Challender Fund which helps the orchestra engage and work with some of the finest soloists and conductors in the world.

What does the Fund achieve?

In 2009, the Sydney Symphony commences its inaugural season with Vladimir Ashkenazy as Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor.  This appointment has generated enormous excitement in Sydney and indeed, around Australia.  Mr Ashkenazy’s plans for the 2009 season have been supported by the Challender Fund and we are particularly pleased to be welcoming Imogen Cooper, piano, Janine Jansen, violin and conductor - Yannick Nézet-Séguin, whose appearances have been made possible by that support.

The Stuart Challender Address

Each year the Stuart Challender Fund presents a free public talk presented by a prominent Classical Music personality. In 2009 the Address was presented by Stephen Hough in conversation with David Garrett. In addition to his impressive musical career as a concert pianist, Stephen Hough is an accomplished composer, poet, artist and writer. He has written extensively about his faith and the relationship between music and spirituality, which was the topic of his Stuart Challender address.

View Stephen Hough's blog here

Read the lecture transcript in full

The 2009 Stuart Challender Address was supported by City of Sydney & ArtsNSW.

How can I make a gift?

You can make your donation online via our secure donations page, over the phone by credit or by sending a cheque to the Philanthropy Office.

The Sydney Symphony is an endorsed charitable institution, Deductible Gift Recipient and member of the Register of Cultural Organisations. Gifts of more than $2.00 are tax-deductible.

If you would like to discuss your gift with a member of the Orchestra’s Philanthropy team please contact:

Amelia Morgan-Hunn
Phone: 02 8215 4663 
Email: amelia.morgan-hunn@sydneysymphony.com

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