Outgoing Sydney Symphony Orchestra chief executive Emma Dunch has accused the NSW government of “a hit job” after she exited the role on Friday with two years still to run in her contract.

Ms Dunch, who has run the orchestra since 2017, claimed “harassment” against her had increased as she pressed Create NSW, the state’s arts ministry, to make good on a commitment to keep the orchestra solvent while away from its traditional home, the Sydney Opera House, as its concert hall was being refurbished.