The Blether...

Conductor Simone Young: What's on your mind this week?

Sydney Opera House. I was born in 1961 and they were building it through most of the ’60s. It grew up with me and, as a child, it was my dream that one day I’d play there. I learned the piano and studied composition after high school. I began accompanying opera singers, which led to working with opera companies and conductors. My break came when somebody was ill and they needed someone at the last minute – the classic showbiz story. That was in 1985. I haven’t looked back.

Last year the BBC approached me to be a judge on Maestro, a show taking a lighthearted approach to attract a prime time audience for classical music. It appealed to me because we’d get the chance to show people and talk about what a conductor actually does.

Most people think the orchestra could do it without a conductor. The closest analogy is that of a coach of a really fantastic sporting team. Everybody on the team is extremely talented but you need someone in charge who’s going to provide strategy and cohesion.

I conducted the Australian national anthem at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics. I’ve worked in loads of fantastic places, the Vienna State Opera, the Metropolitan, Covent Garden… I’ve conducted some of the world’s best orchestras in some of the most wonderful buildings.

Everyone tells me the Usher Hall is one of the most beautiful concert halls so I’m very much looking forward to conducting there!