The California-born conductor began his term in St. Louis in September 2005. In his first season there, he received widespread praise, both locally and in the national press, for innovative programming, good community relations and raising the level of interest in the SLSO (and in classical music) in St. Louis and beyond.
Robertson seems to be equally well-liked in London, where he just finished the first season of a three-year term as principal guest conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Robertson's contract with the BBC has just been extended as well — by an additional three years through September 2011.