Jamie Reeves

Music Director and Conductor
Montgomery Symphony Orchestra

"At a time when classical music may seem to be dying, the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra is reviving the scene by introducing new works and composers that stretch the listener and reach audience members of all ages."
-The Montgomery Advertiser, November 2022

About

Jamie Reeves is gaining increasing recognition for his transformative role as the Music Director and Conductor of the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra in Montgomery, Alabama. In addition to his role with the MSO, Jamie has upcoming guest appearances with the Avanti Orchestra in Washington, DC, and as a cover conductor with the New York Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl.

Jamie's leadership has guided the Montgomery Symphony through a period of remarkable artistic growth, captivating audiences with dynamic performances and innovative programming. With a focus on contemporary American music, Jamie has expanded the orchestra's repertoire to encompass a wide range, including beloved standard works and compositions by emerging and underrepresented composers. In the upcoming 2023-2024 season, the MSO will present regional, national, and world premieres, and will collaborate with acclaimed soloists such as pianist Jeffrey Biegel as part of a national initiative commemorating the centenary of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in

Blue. Jamie's dedication to nurturing a thriving music culture in Montgomery is also evident in the orchestra's engaging pops series, featuring exhilarating film performances such as Jurassic Park in Concert and Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert. Jamie's commitment to inspiring young audiences is exemplified through his annual performances of the Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute's Link Up series, which are set to make a significant impact on a record number of students across Montgomery and central Alabama.

In previous seasons, Jamie has honed his skills through participation in international conducting masterclasses and competitions. He has taken part in programs such as the Lucerne Festival Masterclass with Bernard Haitink, the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music with Cristian Măcelaru, and masterclasses with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under the guidance of Marin Alsop. Jamie's talent and abilities have been showcased through his advancement to the final rounds of the Gregorz Fitelberg and Besançon conducting competitions, where he led the Filharmonia Śląska and L’Orchestre Victor Hugo Franche-Comté. Additionally, Jamie has gained valuable experience as an assistant/cover conductor, working with orchestras including the Fort Worth Symphony and the Portland Symphony. His achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Artistic Excellence Fellowship from Indiana University, the Peabody Career Development Grant from Johns Hopkins University, and the Thelma A. Robinson Award presented by the International Conductors Guild and the National Federation of Music Clubs. An advocate of music education, Jamie works frequently with music students in public schools throughout the southeast region, and with the MSO’s Montgomery Music Project and Montgomery Youth Orchestra.

Jamie holds degrees in conducting from Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music and the Johns Hopkins University Peabody Conservatory, where he had the privilege of being mentored by esteemed conductors such as Marin Alsop, David Effron, Arthur Fagen, John Ratledge, and Joseph Young.