Park University's International Music Center is preparing for its inaugural orchestra concert, scheduled for November 1st.
In the heart of Nevada, the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra continues to thrive under the leadership of its Music Director and Conductor, Laura Jackson, D.M.A. Jackson has been at the helm since 2009, steering the orchestra towards artistic growth and increased community engagement [1][2][3][4][5].
Originally a violin soloist, Jackson transitioned to conducting and has since gained national and international recognition as a guest conductor. She is a past recipient of the Taki Alsop Fellowship, a programme that supports women conductors, and maintains a professional connection with Marin Alsop, a leading figure in the field.
Under Jackson's leadership, the Reno Philharmonic has expanded its repertoire, delivering high-energy, memorable performances of romantic and dynamic works such as Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony. Jackson's achievements extend beyond the Reno Philharmonic, with her conducting at prestigious venues like the Ravinia Festival with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
The upcoming concert, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m., will be no exception. The programme includes "Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048," by Bach, "Simple Symphony, Op.4," by Britten, and "Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op.22," by Dvorak [6][7]. The concert will be under the direction of guest conductor Laura Jackson, D.M.A.
The Reno Philharmonic's education initiatives are also a significant part of its mission. These include Composers In Residence, Conduct Us, movies with live orchestra performances, and Play for a Day. The orchestra's efforts to foster musical growth and appreciation are evident in the next performance in the International Center for Music's 2024-25 concert season: a recital by students in the ICM's strings studios, taking place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, at the 1900 Building in Mission Woods, Kan. [8]
Admission to the concert is free, but attendees are asked to RSVP in advance. For those interested in the Reno Philharmonic's recordings, Jackson has recorded Augusta Reed Thomas's violin concerto, "Spirit Musings," as well as Michael Daugherty's "Time Cycle" with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. She has also recorded with Marin Alsop, Mei-Ann Chen, Marc Rovetti, and the Tanglewood Festival Orchestra [9].
As the Reno Philharmonic continues to grow under Jackson's leadership, it promises to deliver more memorable performances and foster a deeper appreciation for music in its community and beyond.
In the realm of entertainment, the upcoming Reno Philharmonic concert promises a captivating evening with selections from Bach, Britten, and Dvorak, under the direction of guest conductor Laura Jackson, D.M.A. Simultaneously, the Reno Philharmonic's home-and-garden extends to fostering musical growth and appreciation, as demonstrated by their education initiatives such as Composers In Residence and movies with live orchestra performances, reflecting their dedication to a lifestyle immersed in music.
