Out with the old, in with the new, as they say. As we come to the end of 2019, it’s a time of considerable change for Australia’s state orchestras, with three of their chief conductors about to bid us farewell.

Much-loved British maestro Sir Andrew Davis is ending his tenure as Chief Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra after seven years. David Robertson, the ever-popular American master, is completing his six-year term as Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and charismatic Mexican maestra Alondra de la Parra is finishing her three years as Music Director of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

None of their successors have been announced yet, meaning that four of our state orchestras are currently without a permanent leader, with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra also looking to replace Nicholas Carter, who departed from the role of Principal Conductor in July. We keenly await news of who has been chosen to take their place.

As the trio prepares to move on, Limelight caught up with each of them to discuss their experiences in Australia, the highlights they’ll always remember, the warm...