The Reno Phil extends Laura Jackson's contract as Music Director through 2028-2029 season
Reno, Nev. (April 19, 2024) — The Reno Philharmonic is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with Laura Jackson to continue to lead the orchestra through the 2028 – 2029 season. Jackson has spent the last 15 years as the Music Director and Conductor of the Reno Phil and will continue to champion the Reno Phil’s efforts to offer innovative musical experiences.
"The musicians of the Reno Phil look forward to working with Laura in continuing to grow the orchestra's contributions and relationships across the Northern Nevada community," said Jordan Pyle, Chair of the Reno Phil Players' Committee.
Jackson’s career began at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra where she served as the first female assistant conductor from 2004 – 2007. She began her appointment as Music Director and Conductor in 2009 at the Reno Phil where she quickly captured the hearts and minds of the community. Under Jackson’s leadership, the philharmonic has significantly expanded its engagement programs and collaborations, broadening its reach and impact in the community and beyond. Jackson has been a visionary when it comes to commissioning new works at the Reno Phil, most recently, bringing Jimmy Lopez Bellido’s Symphony No. 3 Altered Landscape to life. Bellido’s symphony was inspired by the Nevada Museum of Art’s “Altered Landscape, Carol Franc Buck Collection” comprised of photographs exploring the delicate relationship between humanity and the Earth. Bellido used select photos from the collection to develop a narrative culminating with a hopeful vision of balance and sustainability. This commissioning project, also a collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, brought national attention to the Reno Phil, with Jackson and the story of the piece being highlighted in Forbes Magazine.
Mentorship is a big priority to Jackson as she regularly uses her platform to cultivate the next generation of musicians and composers. Just this season, Jackson brought the world premiere of longing is an aviary to center stage, composed by Reno Phil Youth Orchestra alumni Paul Novak. In addition, Jackson partners with the Davidson Institute, Reno’s internationally renowned academy supporting profoundly gifted youth, and regularly features awardees of their prestigious Fellowships in music, offering prodigious young talent the opportunity to perform with the Reno Phil.
“I am grateful to have a tremendous partner in Laura as we continue to shape the orchestra’s future,” said Aaron Doty, President and CEO of the Reno Phil. “Laura is integral when it comes to reaching and serving a growing Northern Nevada community, I am excited for the future that lies ahead.”
Jackson has been a trailblazer when it comes to creating more inclusive environments for up-and-coming women in music. Last season, the Reno Phil partnered with Marin Alsop to bring the Taki-Alsop Conducting Fellowship Global Concert Series to Reno. The performances celebrated women composers, performers, and conductors and Jackson invited Spanish conductor, Irene Delgado-Jiménez to share the podium, conducting the opening work. Jackson and her guests spent the week engaging in events designed to start conversations about women in music, including masterclasses, events, and talks focusing on women of all ages from diverse backgrounds.
"I dearly love the musicians of the Reno Phil and I am so honored to have the opportunity to continue serving as Music Director in this very special community," said Laura Jackson, Music Director, and Conductor. "The Reno Phil family of dedicated musicians and singers, staff, Board, and volunteers continually inspires me, and I couldn’t ask for a better team. We have so many wonderful ideas and plans for the years ahead and I simply cannot wait for this next chapter to begin."
Beyond the Reno Phil, Jackson guest conducts frequently. She recently made her debut with the Buffalo Philharmonic and with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Ravinia as part of the Breaking Barriers Festival in 2022. In addition, Jackson has performed with the symphonies of Atlanta, Baltimore, Hartford, Alabama, Berkeley, Hawaii, Detroit, Toronto, Orlando, and many others, as well as with orchestras in Europe and Asia.
In partnership with Marin Alsop and Mei-Ann Chen, Jackson recorded Michael Daugherty’s Time Cycle on Naxos with the Bournemouth Symphony and she served as the first American to guest conduct the Algerian National Orchestra in 2013.
“The Reno Phil strives to create memorable musical experiences for all in our community and Laura has been a wonderful part of bringing that vision to life,” said Meagan Noin, chairperson of the Reno Phil Board of Trustees. “Laura brings both innovation and a sense of tradition to the Reno Phil and myself and the rest of the board are pleased to announce Laura will continue to be at the helm of the Reno Phil’s musical repertoire.”
As Jackson looks ahead to the future, she is committed to continuing a tradition of excellence at the Reno Phil and hopes to continue to inspire the next generation of musicians. With several projects in the works, the future of the Reno Phil is bright as they will continue to produce exceptional orchestral performances for the community.
For additional information, media materials, and interview inquiries, please contact: Matthew Clark at matthew@renophil.com or 775-323-6393.
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