Operas, Performances, Residencies
Reviews & Press
In the News: Recent reviews and press information
His was a “driving performance…with a nice swagger,” “wit and charm,” and “exuberant energy.”
Metropolitan Opera Chamber Players, Carnegie Hall
Jackson led with “spirit and energy… wonderful color and style….It was sheer joy to hear the ensemble playing…with such savoir faire.”
George Grella, for www.newyorkclassicalreview.com
Messiah with Teatro Massimo Bellini
“…the heavens opened up, and we heard nothing short of the voice of God.” – La Sicilia
Simon Boccanegra, for Metropolitan Opera
At the fourth performance
led with authority and sweep not precluding fine detail by J. David Jackson – everyone’s performance seemed more cohered.”
David Shengold, for Opera News
Pique Dame, Metropolitan Opera
“J. David Jackson, who first mounted the Met’s podium successfully at the helm of last season’s final Hansel and Gretel, led Tchaikovsky’s challenging, multi-element score with impressive command, tightening the pace in places.”
David Shengold, for Opera News
J. David Jackson’s conclusion to Mussorgky’s Khovanshchina, Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie “probably closest to Mussorgsky’s original intentions”
The Times (London)
Le Jongleur de Notre Dame , Central City Opera Festival
“…a triumph…stunningly realized by conductor J. David Jackson…the unquestioned highlight [of the season]”
Kyle MacMillan, for the Denver Post
“Conductor J. David Jackson provided firm architectural support, minimizing sentimentality but finding the score’s beauties.”
David Shengold, for Opera News
“…a truly inspirational performance…under the leadership of J. David Jackson.”
Maria Nockin, for Opera Japonica
“ Maestro J. David Jackson contributed highly polished musical ensemble and taut dramatic pacing throughout, …at the final curtain the audience was so emotionally affected by the opera and the performance that it would be some moments before they could wipe away their tears and applaud the performers.”
John Koopman for L’Opéra
Euryanthe, Glyndebourne Festival
“At the last performance…the American [J.] David Jackson made his Glyndebourne debut. …in comparison to the…more rational [Mark] Elder,…Jackson created a performance that was warmer, more tender, and filled with inner life. The conductor’s love for this sublime music was felt in every measure, and the surging quality forged by the maestro in the overture imparted a special attraction to the entire evening. Jackson’s strengths were further revealed in his sensitive rapport with the singer.”
Andrei Hripin, for Kultura (Moscow) and www.opera-news.ru
“J. David Jackson…seduces with his lively tempos, with the formal balance of his architectural vision, and with his capacity to recreate elegantly and gracefully the lyric essence of each work.”
La Libre Belgique
Life is a Dream (Lewis Spratlan), concert performances of Act II. This work was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music for 2000.
“J. David Jackson conducted…a performance that was articulate, committed, and convincing.”
Richard Dyer, for the Boston Globe
“…a first-rate conductor…”
The Boston Globe
L’Italiana in Algeri, Wolftrap Festival
“…the orchestra was spirited, and J. David Jackson conducted with a propulsive sweep.”
The Baltimore Sun
Der Schauspieldirektor/Prima la musica, poi le parole, Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie
“ Under J. David Jackson’s direction the playing was fresh and alert. Both Mozart’s ingenuity and charm and Salieri’s musical humor and precision came into their own.”
De Standaard, Brussels
“The innovation of a finale, especially commissioned from the American composer
J. David Jackson, [was] a total success.”
L’Opéra
