David Robertson, American conductor, is a consummate musician, masterful programmer and dynamic presence who has established himself as one of today's most sought-after conductors. A passionate and compelling communicator with an extensive orchestral and operatic repertoire, he has forged close relationships with major orchestras around the world through his exhilarating music-making and stimulating ideas. Robertson is the recipient of numerous musical and artistic awards, and in 2010 was made a Chevalier de l'Ordre d es Arts et des Lettres by the Government of France. Robertson is devoted to supporting young musicians and has worked with students at the festivals of Aspen, tanglewood, Lucerne, at the Paris Conservatoire, the Julliard School, Music Academy of the West, and the National Orchestra Institute. In fall 2015, Robertson launched his eleventh season as music director of the 136-year-old St. Louis Symphony. In January 2014, David Robertson assumed the post of chief conductor and artistic director of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in Australia. Born in Santa Monica, California, Mr. Robertson was educated at London's Royal Academy of Music, where he studied horn and composition before turning to orchestral conducting. He and his wife, pianist Orli Shaham, are parents of twin boys. Robertson also has two older sons.