Classical Music News

Texas's Amarillo Symphony Appoints New Music Director

By The Violin Channel

July 13, 2022

2 MIN READ

British conductor George Jackson will step into the role

(Photo credit: Clive Barda)

The Texas-based Amarillo Symphony recently named British conductor George Jackson as its eighteenth Music Director. He replaces outgoing conductor Jacomo Bairos and was appointed by a panel comprised of board members, musicians, and community representatives.

Jackson is a contemporary music specialist and has worked extensively with the French group Ensemble Intercontemporain. With Jackson at the helm, the group gave three European performances of Steve Reich's piece Reich/Richter, and produced a world premiere recording of the work.

Jackson is equally at home with operatic repertoire and has led productions of Hänsel und Gretel and The Excursions of Mr Brouček (Grange Park Opera), Le Nozze di Figaro (Opera Holland Park), and Il Barbiere di Siviglia (Theater an der Wien).

He has been an active participant at the Aspen Music Festival, where he received the Aspen Conducting Prize in 2015, as well as the Lucerne Festival.

Some of Jackson's recent engagements include performances with the Orchestre de Paris, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, Opéra Orchestre national Montpellier Occitanie, and the orchestra of Opéra de Rouen.

"When I first conducted the Amarillo Symphony earlier this year, I knew immediately that this was a very special orchestra," said Jackson. "I was impressed by their unique curiosity and hunger in their music-making and the possibilities offered by the outstanding Globe-News Center. It excites me how seriously the community of Amarillo takes its orchestra, and I am humbled to have been entrusted with the next chapter, particularly in celebrating the Symphony's centenary next season. I am incredibly lucky to find a new musical family to call home and look forward to many happy years ahead."

"We were impressed with how George inspired our musicians and made his concerts a truly special experience," said Jeff Booth, the Head of the orchestra's Music Director Search Committee.