Taking the Baton

Austrian-born SSO music director Hans Graf finds the youthful vitality, enthusiasm, and curiosity of local audiences refreshing.

- KAREN TEE

One of the hallmarks of a cultured city is its orchestra, says maestro Hans Graf.

“Orchestras are the crown jewel of bourgeois society. Like museums or universities that teach Latin or philosophy, they are the most beautiful expressions of culture,” says Graf, who was appointed the Singapore Symphony Orchestra’s music director last month after two years as its chief conductor.

During his career spanning over 40 years, the 73-year-old Upper Austrian conductor has served as music director of numerous notable orchestras globally, including the Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

The charming and chatty music director reveals he intended to step back from music directorship duties in 2013 after helming the Houston Symphony. But after conducting concerts for the SSO in 2015 and 2018, he saw something special, which inspired him to become more involved.

He was attracted by its efficiency and competitiveness. “The orchestra is well run and maintained at an international standard. The musicians are open-minded and keen to produce good results. The way they perform is not biased,” says Graf, who includes the Sydney, Melbourne, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Malaysian Philharmonic orchestras among his regular guest appearances.