Conductor James Judd: Celebrating 60 Years of Music, Community and the DSO

What does it mean to you to conduct the DSO’s 60th Anniversary Gala Concert as Principal Guest Conductor?

It is a privilege to be Principal Guest Conductor as the DSO celebrates an important milestone. As part of this, we celebrate the conductors, soloists, musicians of the orchestra, administrators, governance and funders who have ensured the continuation of not only fine concerts but invaluable outreach to the whole community.

The concert opens with Jack Speirs' ‘Fanfare’ acknowledging one of the orchestra’s early Musical Directors. How important is it for orchestras to celebrate their history?

Jack Speirs was hugely influential for the development of orchestral and choral music-making in Dunedin. His role at Otago University, from 1965 until his death in 2000 teaching composition and more, will have helped develop the extraordinary richness of compositional talent in New Zealand.

This programme takes audiences on a remarkable journey from Smetana's ‘The Moldau’ to Stravinsky’s ‘Firebird Suite’. What makes these works particularly fitting for a gala celebration?

The programme was built around our two star soloists, Jonathan Lemalu and Michael Houstoun, and the repertoire we chose to perform together. The next ingredient was Jack Speirs' ‘Fanfare’, and then adding orchestral works which appeal both to the audience and also to all the musicians on stage. It is a contrasting programme of glorious music.

How do you see the role of orchestras such as the DSO in enriching their communities and inspiring future musicians?

Absolutely essential in the current dangerous and frustrating global background of corrupting values and priorities. Music has such a potential to heal, to enhance everything innately good inside us all, reminding us of our duty to listen to one another and generously to share our lives together. May sound a bit grand, but it does work!

What message would you like to share with audiences, supporters and musicians as the DSO celebrates 60 years and looks to the future?

Here’s what every one of us can do. Please find a friend, neighbour, a member of the family, business acquaintances and bring them to a live performance. If you all bring even one or two new folks, then our future will be bright. The organisation wants to bring hundreds of new people to the concerts.