Friday, August 13, 2010

Dr. Althea Neblett Named Associate Music Director of Jamaica Symphony Orchestra




[Dr. Althea Neblett, Associate Music Director, Jamaica Symphony Orchestra]

Michael S. Wright of the U.K. Tells AfriClassical: “It would appear that the Jamaican Symphony Orchestra is making waves and getting some good global partnerships going.”

“JSO's Assistant Director of Woodwind and Brass and seasoned oboe player, Dr. Althea Neblett, has taken charge of the JSO as Gay Magnus, who previously led the orchestra, makes plans to begin her Fulbright Scholarship in New York. Dr. Neblett will lead JSO in her new capacity as Associate Music Director and work closely with JSO Founder and Music Director, Dr. Lisa Walker, now based in Paris.

"Born in St. Michael, Barbados, Althea is the younger of two siblings and has been exposed to the wonderful language of music at a very early age. She began her musical career on the recorder and later tried her hands on the violin before choosing the oboe as her main instrument. Considered one of the best oboe players in the island of Jamaica, she has performed as soloist at a number of distinguished events and is ever in demand.

"Charged with the awesome responsibility of preparing the orchestra for its big international concert in Jamaica on November 28th, Dr. Neblett is likely to assemble a core group of first-rate conductors to prepare the orchestra for this historic event where JSO will introduce its unique Caribbean sound to the world. She will also be working with conductors based overseas who are scheduled to conduct the orchestra in Jamaica. These include JSO Choral Director and Composer, Andrew Marshall; JSO New York Partner and Conductor, Deneil Clarke; and JSO London Partner and Conductor, Steven Ellery.

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