A former BSO assistant conductor, Sung’s unassuming stage presence masks a charismatic musician with strong interpretive insights. That was abundantly clear in the stirring account of Antonin Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, which concluded the evening.(...)Indeed, Sung’s command over the proceedings meant that, while the score’s climaxes were full-bodied and thrilling, they were never shrill or unruly. Nor did Sung’s interpretation lose itself in the details: rather, the Symphony’s whole canvas unfolded with satisfying logic.
Boston Classical Review, Jonathan Blumhofer, 4/01/2019
Conductor Shiyeon Sung leads with great certainty, not because she sees herself as the captain of Ravel's boat, but because she manages to rule the elements.
SWZ, 13/06/2018
On Shiyeon Sung's unexpected opportunity to conduct the Philharmonia Orchestra in London:
Here was a chance for Sung to show her mettle in what appears to have been her UK debut – certainly with a major London orchestra – and that she most emphatically did. (…) Sung created some superbly magisterial, expressive climaxes with her incisive direction, and she managed Tchaikovsky’s pregnant pauses very skillfully.(…) I hope that we will hear her again in London before too long.
Seen and Heard International, Alan Sanders, 15/06/2018
On Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra:
A truly ‘fantastique’ rendition… If you want to hear something truly original, I’d urge you to catch this dynamic maestro while you can. She may have been making her debut Down Under, but this was one of the most exciting pieces of conducting I’ve heard in quite a while.
Limelight Magazine, Clive Paget, 30/06/2016
On the concert with the Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra:
[Shiyeon Sung] the winner of international competitions was convincing – strongly defined baton technique, empathetic sign language, considered rhythmic and dynamic arrangements in the orchestra (…). The orchestra displayed its lush capability, its conductor directed proceedings with impressive baton technique to perfection. Saarbrücker Zeitung, Helmut Fackler, 15/06/2018
Boston Symphony Orchestra assistant conductor Shiyeon Sung’s leadership was impressively crisp, clear, and elegant.
Boston Globe, Jeremy Eichler, 30/09/2009