German conductor Sebastian Lang-Lessing is among the most versatile and cultivated musical artists of his generation. Fluent in multiple languages, interested in a wide range of repertoire, and equally experienced in orchestra culture and opera theatre, his dynamic performances have garnered praise from the international press: “[The] performance’s sophistication and sensuality comes from the pit” (Los Angeles Times); “The evening’s musical interpretation under the baton of conductor Sebastian Lang-Lessing won generous applause.” (Berliner Zeitung); “The orchestra sparkles and glows under the heated conducting of Sebastian Lang-Lessing. Viva Carmen!” (Houston Press); “The orchestra excelled, finding what sounded like an extra dose of inspiration in conductor Sebastian Lang-Lessing, who relished every prismatic detail in Verdi's score as he applied equal amounts of momentum and sensitivity to the performance.” (Baltimore Sun) In February 2010, Lang-Lessing was appointed music director of the San Antonio Symphony and began his tenure in the 2010–11 season; he is the orchestra’s eighth director in its 70-year history. He also serves as chief conductor and artistic director of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, a post that he has held since 2004. Lang-Lessing regularly appears on the podiums

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"So this is how it is going to be with new Music Director Lang-Lessing — programs of bold, vivid, purpose-driven and audience-pleasing music. It is one thing to schedule such music, but another matter to deliver it with authentic, crisp precision and emotion like Lang-Lessing did in his first regular subscription concert. "

San Antonio News Jan 8th 2011

"Sebastian Lang-Lessing, in the pit of the Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, dedicated himself to the score that had been shortened to one-third of its original length. Radiant, wonderfully honest and sincere, the young Wagner magically unfolded under his hands. Lang-Lessing followed the fire, the great melodious tensions and drive of the music, faithfully, and at the same time, avoided false pathos and showy effects. He proved himself an excellent conductor. "

Epoch Times Feb 23rd 2010

"Der vorzüglichen Arbeit des Orchesters unter Sebastian Lang-Lessing ist zu verdanken, dass an den Schnittkanten der Musik dennoch keine Zusammenhanglosigkeit entsteht…“. "It is owing to the exquisite work of the orchestra under conductor Sebastian Lang-Lessing that the transitional sections of the music still remain connected and coherent…"

Frankfurter Rundschau Jan 26th 2010

"Anstelle des durch Krankheit verhinderten Michail Jurowski hat kurzfristig Sebastian Lang-Lessing die musikalische Leitung übernommen: eine bravouröse Leistung, da er die Digestfassung mit ihren abrupten Tonart- und Tempowechseln geschickt zu einer Einheit zu formen und dabei das Orchester zu Bestleistungen anzuspornen weiß.“ "On short notice, Sebastian Lang-Lessing took over the musical leadership from Michail Jurowski (who was prevented to conduct due to illness): not a small task, but he skillfully managed to shape the Digest Version with its sudden changes of keys and tempi into a oneness, all the while enticing the orchestra to execute an outstanding performance."

Neue Musik Zeitung Jan 26th 2010

"Unter der musikalischen Leitung von Sebastian Lang-Lessing sorgt das Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin dafür, dass die Melodien aufblühen und liefert während der ganzen Aufführung eine mustergültige Leistung.“ “Under the musical direction of Sebastian Lang-Lessing, the orchestra of the Deutsche Oper Berlin (German Opera Berlin) allowed the melodies to blossom and delivers throughout the concert an exemplary performance."

Der Neue Merker Jan 26th 2010

"Dabei gelingen dem Dirigenten Sebastian Lang-Lessing unter diesen erschwerten Bedingungen immer noch verblüffend viele differenzierte Szenen. Im ersten Teil setzt er noch ganz auf die Klangwelt der deutschen romantischen Oper, nach der Pause eher auf die zukunftsweisenden Momente unter französischem Einfluss, und das Orchester folgt ihm in Hochform.“ The conductor Sebastian Lang-Lessing achieves, despite these conditions, an amazing number of well differentiated scenes. In the first part he emphasizes the sound universe of the German romantic opera, after the intermission he highlights more the forward-looking, modern French influences of the time. The orchestra follows him in top form.”"

Deutschlandradio Jan 22nd 2010

"Sebastian Lang-Lessing realisiert die musikalische Entwicklung innerhalb des Frühwerks souverän.“ … „Das Orchester der Deutschen Oper hört man nicht immer so entschieden und so charaktervoll. So wird die brisante, ja heikle Aufführung doch noch zu einer knackigen Angelegenheit.“ “Sebastian Lang-Lessing shapes the musical development in this early work with confidence.” … “One hears the orchestra of the Deutsche Oper rarely so determined and full of character. This way the risky production develops into a crisp and firm performance."

RBB Kulturradio Jan 25th 2010

"Für die musikalische Seite des Abends unter der Leitung von Sebastian Lang-Lessing gab es viel Beifall.“… „Souverän führte er den Stab am Dirigentenpult bei den oft pathetisch-bombastischen Klängen Wagners, der damals noch an die französische Grand Opera anknüpfen wollte.“ “The evening’s musical interpretation under the baton of conductor Sebastian Lang-Lessing won generous applause.” “His superior leadership from the podium evoked the dramatic sounds of Wagner, who at the time was still interested to continue the tradition of the French Grand Opera."

Die Zeit Jan 26th 2010

"Sebastian Lang-Lessing gibt im Orchestergraben Vollgas.“ … „Mit vollem instrumentalem Aufwand und noch größerem durch den fabelhaften, annähernd hundertstimmigen Chor peitscht er sich durch das Werk.“ "Sebastian Lang-Lessing acts in the orchestra pit with accelerated intensity. He brilliantly whips through the opus with a full instrumental cast and a fantastic choir of nearly hundred voices."

Berliner Morgenpost Jan 26th 2010

"It's a case of famiilarity breeds contentment when the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra hits town for its annual three-night season. They've been coming here since 2005 when their dynamic German chief conductor Sebastian Lang-Lessing vowed to take the Harbour City by storm. And with the surefire combination of popular symphonies coupled with concertos featuring some of the best soloists in the world, the small orchestra has built up a keen Sydney fan base as well as its loyal band of followers who come up from the Apple Isle. … Lang-Lessing's infectious energy was much to the fore in the last piece on the first night. Conductor and orchestra breathe as one and it is particularly enjoyable watching them work together in the intimate surroundings of Angel Place."

Sydney Alive Aug 31st 2009

"A memorable night of ecstasy, joy and sweet moxie: Lang-Lessing brought tremendous energy, enthusiasm and joy to the outer allegros of the "Renish". … To judge from vociferousness (pediferousness? soulefulness?) of the musician's foot-stomping salute at the concert's end, the orchetra liked Lang-Lessing a lot. So did I."

Incident Light May 2nd 2009

"What a wonderfully enjoyable, smoothly presented and ultimately invigorating evening of opera choral highlights! Bravo! … It was also a pleasure to experience visiting conductor Sebastian Lang-Lessing on the podium, obtaining some really fine playing from the CPO. … Through all of this Lang-Lessing conducted with an assured energy create tension and excitement aplenty and certainly inspired orchestral playing."

The Cape Times Apr 23rd 2009

"In the pit, Sebastian Lang-Lessing was an enthusiastic leader of the Colorado Symphony, which provided a lovely accompaniment, adding magic with every reprise of that lovely, endlessly recurring duet tune."

Opera News Online Feb 14th 2009

"German conductor Sebastian Lang-Lessing paced the Colorado Symphony extremely well with an extraordinarily sensitive baton."

Music Web International Feb 14th 2012