This week MLC School Old Girl and current Music teacher, Celine Kang (2018), skillfully conducted the Sydney Symphony Orchestra through Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 at the Eugene Goossens Hall in the ABC’s Ultimo Centre. The audience was filled with Heads of Music, Heads of Strings, and many other music teachers.

Celine said she felt had “extraordinarily privileged” to be given this opportunity and she was excited to share this professional milestone with us.

This event was part of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Teachers Conducting Masterclass, led by one of Australia’s most esteemed conductors, Benjamin Northey, the Chief Conductor of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, the Principal Conductor in Residence of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and the Conductor in Residence of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO). Benjamin was also recently appointed the inaugural Professor of Conducting at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Celine was one of only eight music teachers selected to work directly with Maestro Northey and the SSO musicians. She received real-time feedback on conducting technique, gesture, and ensemble communication. 

Celine said that “standing before such a world-class orchestra and guiding them through Beethoven’s music was both humbling and unforgettable. This experience has deeply enriched my approach to musical leadership, interpretation, and teaching.”