Conductor Jessica Cottis: “Teamwork is the critical skill for young players”

“Every time I work with a youth orchestra, it’s incredible. There’s something about the energy, the desire to make things work, that these young people have.” Australian-born conductor Jessica Cottis is thinking about the extensive experience she’s had working with young people’s music ensembles internationally. So far, that’s been with groups including the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, Aldeburgh Young Musicians and Sistema Europe. “You come in on day one and start playing, and then four or five days later you’re in a completely different place,” she continues. “It’s the act of rehearsing: all these young people working together, listening to each other, communicating with each other. It’s really transformative.”