JAM (from the John Armitage Memorial Trust) was founded in 2000 and has commissioned a great number of works from some of the most important composers in the UK,
also regularly collaborating with many influential, performers, musical groups and organisations such as the BBC Singers, London Mozart Players, Onyx Brass and BBC
Radio 3.
JAM’s website tells us that “It is internationally recognised as a creative, dynamic, forward-thinking arts organisation, with new music at its core. It embraces artistic risk-taking through contemporary innovation, exploration, collaboration and creation, that intentionally integrates high-quality performances and education.”
Nicholas Cleobury is greatly looking forward to the amazing concerts that JAM is putting on this summer as part of the 10th. JAM on the Marsh Festival.
What role do you play in the festival?
I am curator of JAM on the Marsh this year and next (it is always a two-year appointment). I have conducted for them many times and been involved in JAM for many years as principal conductor.
Do you know this part of the world, or is it all new for you?
I am a Kentish man, being born in Bromley and living for some years in Canterbury, and have visited the Marsh on many occasions.
There is an amazing diversity of events: did you have an input in deciding who would be invited to perform?
Yes. That is the curator’s job. Edward Armitage is the artistic director and we work very closely together and share ideas.
Do you come from a musical background?
Yes. Father and mother both very musical, although not professionals. But they gave huge encouragement to the three of us to go into music.
Have you always wanted to be a conductor? Who did you admire when you were younger and who inspired you?
I think so but didn’t really think I could be professional until university, where there were lots of opportunities. I hugely admired my teacher Christopher Robinson, my boss Simon Preston, my conducting teacher Sir Adrian Boult and life inspiration Sir Michael Tippett.
What would your sixteen-year old self say about where you are now? Would he be surprised?
Well done – you made it. He’d probably be surprised too.
What three words best describe you?
Fun. Anxious. Willing.
What was the best advice you have ever received?
Given in French “sois sage” – “be wise”.
If you could sit on a park bench and have a conversation with anyone, alive or dead, who would you choose?
Mozart – he is the greatest musical psychologist there has ever been, in Shakespeare’s class.
What is left on your ‘bucket list’?
Conducting Elgar’s 2nd Symphony in Worcester Cathedral (where I went to school) and making a century at Lords.
For further information visit www.jamconcert.org
Image Credits: Justin Sutcliffe , Jam on the Marsh .