Decoding Cultural Leadership

This week's conversation features Jessica Gethin, one of Australia's leading conductors and newly appointed Artistic Advisor of Orchestra Victoria, discussing her journey in conducting and perspectives on cultural leadership.

Jessica shares insights from her career development as a conductor in Australia, from her early days with Perth Symphony Orchestra through to her current roles with Orchestra Victoria and West Australian Ballet. She offers a unique perspective on building an international conducting career whilst remaining based in Australia.

Key discussion points include:

• The pathway to conducting in Australia
• Building an entrepreneurial approach to career development
• The role of mentorship and education in conducting
• Challenges facing conductors in Australia
• Gender discrimination in classical music
• The evolution of orchestral culture
• Programming for diverse audiences
• Orchestra Victoria's unique position in Australia's cultural landscape
• Balancing artistic excellence with accessibility
• The importance of regional touring and community engagement

Throughout the conversation, Jessica emphasises the importance of authentic leadership and building trust between conductor, musicians and management. She advocates for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to orchestral culture.

Links:

• Orchestra Victoria
• West Australian Ballet
• WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)

About Jessica Gethin: Jessica Gethin is the Artistic Advisor of Orchestra Victoria and Principal Conductor of the West Australian Ballet. She is also Head of Orchestral Studies and Conducting at the WA Academy of Performing Arts. Her career spans opera, ballet and symphonic conducting across Australia and internationally.

Episode Credits:

• Host: Samuel Cairnduff
• Guest: Jessica Gethin

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Read Sam's Substack here.

Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff

Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh

Presented in association with Limelight

Decoding Cultural Leadership |
Culture. Society. Conversations