In the world of classical music, where tradition meets innovation, Churchill Fellow Jessica Gethin from Western Australia stands out as a dynamic force, captivating audiences and critics alike with her extraordinary talent and infectious energy. Hailed as one of Australia’s finest conductors, Jessica has traversed the globe, leaving a trail of mesmerized audiences in her wake.
Jessica’s journey has taken an exciting turn, with her recent appointment as Artistic Advisor for Orchestra Victoria. In this new role, she lends her expertise to uphold the orchestra’s reputation as a world-class pit orchestra, collaborating with performance partners such as Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet.
“Orchestra Victoria holds a unique resonance for me as an artist; with its rich history, diversity of repertoire and exceptional musicianship,” said Jessica. “As the Artistic Advisor, I’m excited to bring my experience in conducting for stage, opera, and ballet to further elevate Orchestra Victoria’s profile and reach new artistic heights.
“I am very much looking forward to working closely with the musicians and fantastic Orchestra Victoria team steering their creative vision and delighting audiences throughout Victoria and beyond.”
Jessica’s journey into the world of conducting began with a passion for connecting with audiences on a profound level. From the stages of the United States to the vibrant cultural hubs of Asia and her homeland Australia, she has wielded her conductor’s baton with finesse and passion.
After being awarded the Mr and Mrs Gerald Frank New Churchill Fellowship, Jessica went to the UK and USA to further develop the creative and directive roles as a conductor through international mentoring.
What sets Jessica apart is her unwavering commitment to musical diversity. She effortlessly transitions between conducting symphonic masterpieces, operas, ballets, and even contemporary and film scores. Her programming choices are bold and innovative, always pushing the boundaries while maintaining utmost respect for the composer’s vision.
Her collaborations span an array of orchestras and ensembles, including the Dallas Opera, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and Singapore Symphony, to name just a few.
Beyond her musical prowess, Jessica is deeply invested in nurturing the next generation of musicians. Whether through mentorship programs or championing new compositions, she remains dedicated to fostering a thriving artistic community.
Jessica’s contributions to the arts have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored with numerous awards and accolades, including Limelight Australia’s Top Twenty Australian Artists and in AFR’s 100 Most Influential Women.
As an educator, Jessica imparts her wisdom to aspiring conductors as a faculty lecturer in orchestral conducting. Her passion extends beyond the concert hall, as she engages with audiences as a presenter, guest speaker, and adjudicator, advocating for the arts, leadership, and diversity.
Jessica’s story is one of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. As she continues to push the boundaries of classical music in the twenty-first century, her impact on the world of music is sure to resonate for years to come.