Sir Simon becomes the AWO’s latest big-hitter, and this time he’s bringing the wife!

Sir Simon Rattle, Chief Conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, will be the latest high-profile conductor to lead the Australian World Orchestra in a series of concerts in Sydney and Melbourne this July and August. Sir Simon, last seen down under when he lead the BPO on their tour in 2010, was widely reported to have liked what he saw of the country and keenly anticipated returning. The good news is that 2015 will not only see him conduct the ‘super-group’ orchestra, but also Australians will get the chance to hear his wife, mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kožená, who will appear as guest performer.

“The world has heard how fantastic the AWO is and there’s huge competition to be involved,” said Sir Simon. “Magdalena and I are thrilled to be coming to Australia and we can’t wait to work with this great orchestra.”

Australian World Orchestra

The three scheduled performances at the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne’s Hamer Hall will see Sir Simon conduct Debussy’s impressionist masterpiece Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune as well as...