Simon Bruckard
Melbourne,Australia
Summary
An accomplished and passionate conductor and composer, with extensive experience in leading orchestras and opera productions, both nationally and internationally. Known for strong artistic leadership, diversity of repertoire, and dedicated community engagement. Committed to fostering musical excellence and inclusive collaboration with musicians, audiences, and diverse cultural communities.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Composer
Victorian Opera / Freelance
06.2017 - Current
- Commissioned by the Victorian Opera to write The Selfish Giant in 2017, a work integrating youth and professional performers. After a sold-out season, it was performed again in 2022.
- Scored the film The Golden Spurtle, about a Scottish porridge making competition, which premiered in March 2025. Arranged, conducted, and played piano for the recordings.
- Commissioned again by VO to write Cassandra, a chamber opera addressing themes of power, belief, and violence.
Guest Conductor
Opera Australia
06.2024 - 09.2025
- Conductor for the regional tour of La Bohème 2024-2025, performing in over 30 regional centres, working with hundreds of local community members, and reaching diverse audiences.
- Rehearsed and integrated community children’s choruses in each venue, adapting the show to the needs of each community, while maintaining the highest possible standards.
- Re-orchestrated arrangement for a smaller chamber ensemble.
- Mentor/conductor for the Young Artist Program, programming a concert of contemporary opera that challenges the young artists, diversifies their repertoire, and champions Australian contemporary music.
Conductor
Sydney Festival
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Conducted Elena Kats-Chernin’s Milestone (2025) , a work celebrating the life of LGBTIQ legend William Yang.
- Conducted Puccini's Il Tabarro (2024) in an outdoor, live streamed performance on a barge in Sydney Harbour.
- Booked orchestras, scheduled rehearsals, and liaised between the festival, singers, musicians, and production staff.
Conductor / Assistant Conductor
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
01.2022 - 03.2024
- Conducted over 15 concerts, including the World Pride First Nations Gala, regional tours, and educational performances, reaching audiences in the Sydney Opera House, regional NSW and schools across the state.
- Assisted various conductors, including Simone Young, Donald Runnicles, Masaaki Suzuki, and Edo de Waart.
Assistant Conductor
Simone Young
01.2022 - 03.2024
- Collaborated on performances with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Victorian Opera, ANAM, and La Scala Opera House, assisting in all aspects of music preparation, backstage conducting, and playing piano for rehearsals.
- Assistant Conductor for the production of Peter Grimes at La Scala, running rehearsals, coaching singers, and providing feedback on orchestral sound.
Mentor and Conductor
Lisa Gasteen National Opera Program | Ensemble Q
10.2023 - 11.2023
- Mentored and conducted young artists performing Mahler’s Des Knaben Wunderhorn, demonstrating a commitment to music education and talent development.
- Worked with a mixed orchestra of professionals and students, lifting the students to perform at their highest possible standard.
Conductor
Victorian Opera
01.2015 - 06.2023
- Conducted diverse operatic repertoire, including Melbourne, Cheryomushki; The Selfish Giant; Hansel and Gretel; and several contemporary operas.
- Worked closely with many community choruses and orchestras, rehearsing, mentoring and building engagement with musicians of varied experience levels.
Conductor
State Opera South Australia / Adelaide Symphony Orchestra
03.2022 - 03.2022
- Conducted an innovative, large-scale outdoor production of La Bohème to an audience of over 5,000 attendees.
Education
Master of Music - Opera Performance
The University of Melbourne
12-2014
Bachelor of Music -
The University of Melbourne
12-2012
Licentiate in Music Australia - Pianoforte
Australian Music Examinations Board
07-2011
Skills
- Conducting
- Orchestration, arranging, and composition
- Rehearsal scheduling and management
- Community engagement and education
- Music programming
- Piano performance and accompaniment
- Typesetting and library skills
Accomplishments
● Green Room Award for Musical Achievement in Opera for The Selfish Giant (2019)
● Melba Opera Trust Scholar (2016)
● National Liederfest – Margaret Schofield Memorial Accompanist Award (2013)
● Katherine Ellis Prize for Young Australian Pianists (2009)
● Premier’s Award in Music (2007)
References
- Sam Torrens, Associate Director – Concerts & Programming, Sydney Symphony Orchestra (email: sam.torrens@sydneysymphony.com / phone: 0431 290 822)
- Tahu Matheson, Head of Music, Opera Australia (email: Tahu.Matheson@opera.org.au / phone: 0437 754 707)
Timeline
Guest Conductor
Opera Australia
06.2024 - 09.2025
Conductor
Sydney Festival
01.2024 - 01.2025
Mentor and Conductor
Lisa Gasteen National Opera Program | Ensemble Q
10.2023 - 11.2023
Conductor
State Opera South Australia / Adelaide Symphony Orchestra
03.2022 - 03.2022
Conductor / Assistant Conductor
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
01.2022 - 03.2024
Assistant Conductor
Simone Young
01.2022 - 03.2024
Composer
Victorian Opera / Freelance
06.2017 - Current
Conductor
Victorian Opera
01.2015 - 06.2023
Master of Music - Opera Performance
The University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Music -
The University of Melbourne
Licentiate in Music Australia - Pianoforte
Australian Music Examinations Board
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