Get to know Jen Winley before she conducts in our upcoming Lamb & Hayward Masterworks: Gershwin, Jacques Brel, Weill - and what it means to return to New Zealand for the first time in twenty years.

What's your background in music, and when did you realise conducting is what you wanted to do?

My professional background is in timpani and percussion and I also studied piano and voice when I was younger. I'm not sure if there was a moment that I realised conducting is what I wanted to do; it's more that I was interested in up-skilling for my teaching work and then covid happened and I sort of fell into it. It was definitely a few years of seeing how it went before I decided it was the career for me.

What does a conductor do?

Everything and nothing at all. As conductor Mark Wigglesworth puts it, we are a 'silent musician' but the only one on stage with all the information. Our role is to help, elevate, guide, and inspire the musicians through extensive preparation, deep understanding of the music, and effective leadership and communication.

What do you love about being a conductor?

I love being able to shape the colour and the direction of the music. I love working with different groups of musicians, from youth orchestras to world class professional orchestras. I love interacting with the music and the musicians through movement, breath and energy.

What are you excited about most for the Lamb & Hayward Masterworks: Gershwin, Jacques Brel, Weill concert?

This will be my first trip to Christchurch and my first trip to New Zealand in more than 20 years. I can't wait to be in this remarkable, beautiful country again. It is also my first time working with the mighty Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and I'm so looking forward to collaborating with the musicians on this brilliant program.

How would you describe the concert in three words?

Expressive. Cool. Powerful.

Are you excited about sharing the stage with CSO?

Absolutely! This is such a great program for musicians to express their personality and I'm really looking forward to getting to know them.

What's your most memorable concert, that you've attended, conducted, or both?

A couple of years ago, my fiancé and I snagged last minute tickets while in Barcelona to see Paarvo Jarvi and the Tonhalle Orchestra perform Mahler 7. We were sitting in these tiny little ancient choir stalls with our knees hard pressed against the rough plastered wall and yet were enthralled by every minute of music. I'm certain Paarvo made eye contact with me as he walked off stage and I have decided we are now best friends.

In music, where do you feel most at home?

My heart loves jazz, my mind loves classical era, my emotions love late romantic/early 20th century, and my body loves soul, motown and funk. All music is home to me.