Decoding Cultural Leadership
Decoding Cultural Leadership is a podcast that explores the intersection between the arts, culture and society and interrogates what it means to be a cultural leader in the 21st century.
In each episode, host Samuel Cairnduff talks with some of the most influential organisational leaders, creators, policy-makers and thought leaders, building an understanding of their approach to shifting the dial in a complex, constantly changing world.
By talking to influential leaders whose voices resonate in the community, Decoding Cultural Leadership seeks to gain a deeper perspective on how cultural organisations see their role in the community, how they make hard decisions, and how they address the needs of multiple stakeholders.
Culture and society are deeply connected. Decoding Cultural Leadership explores this complex relationship through deep conversation with our greatest cultural leaders. Join us as we decode cultural leadership.
Decoding Cultural Leadership.
Culture. Society. Conversations
Decoding Cultural Leadership
Episode 38: Jessica Gethin - Cultural Leadership from the Podium
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:
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
Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media
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@DCLPod
samuelcairnduff.com
@samuelcairnduff
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