Laura Jackson Named Music Director of Madison Symphony Orchestra
Since 2009, Laura Jackson has led the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and has now been named the music director of the Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO). In the 2024-25 season, she will take on the role of music director designate, conducting pieces by Carlos Simon, Rachmaninoff, and Tchaikovsky in November. Jackson will return in May 2027 before officially stepping into her full-time position in the 2027-28 season, under a five-year agreement. She will continue her duties in Reno until the end of the 2028-29 season. Jackson takes over from John DeMain, who retired in June after 32 years. MSO’s executive director, Robert Reed, will work with her on the $6 million budget. Jackson is an alumna of Indiana University and the University of Michigan and was the first female assistant conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra from 2004 to 2007.
Key facts
- Laura Jackson appointed music director of Madison Symphony Orchestra.
- Jackson will be music director designate in 2024-25 and full-time from 2027-28.
- She remains conductor of Reno Philharmonic Orchestra through 2028-29.
- John DeMain retired after 32 years as MSO artistic director in June 2024.
- MSO has $6 million budget and eight subscription weekends per year.
- Jackson was first female assistant conductor of Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (2004-2007).
- Only one in nine music directors is a woman (League of American Orchestras, 2023).
- 10.1% of orchestras worldwide led by women (Donne Foundation, 2024).
Entities
Artists
- Laura Jackson
- John DeMain
- Robert Reed
- Joshua Bell
Institutions
- Madison Symphony Orchestra
- Reno Philharmonic Orchestra
- League of American Orchestras
- Donne Foundation
- Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
- Indiana University
- University of Michigan
- Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
Locations
- Madison
- Wisconsin
- Reno
- Nevada
- Ann Arbor
- Michigan