Conductor
John Thomas Dodson
Press
Cleveland Women's Orchestra
...clear and communicative leadership on the podium...
Daniel Hathaway, ClevleandClassical.com, Cleveland, Ohio
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Adrian Symphony Orchestra
…Phenomenal. If anyone needed any more proof of what a fine ensemble the Adrian Symphony Orchestra has grown into under Dodson’s leadership, this [Beethoven's Ninth] concert could leave no one in doubt.
Arlene Bachanov, Adrian Daily Telegram, Adrian, Michigan
Camerata Colonial, Conciertos de la Villa de Santo Domingo
…the orchestra had been well prepared by Maestro Dodson, who maintained, under subtle control, the various colors of the piece, …. and at the same time managed to imprint on the orchestra’s interpretation a jubilant intensity and great clarity.
Eduardo Villanueva, Listín Diario, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Bialystok Philharmonic
American conductor John Dodson understood Franck’s Symphony in D Minor well, leading it intelligently and logically. He allowed for ebb and flow and built a series of climaxes that related to each other across the entire work. This expressive conception was so convincing that it drew the listeners completely into the course of the work.
Stanisława Olędzkiego, Gazeta Wyborcza, Bialystok, Poland
National Symphony Orchestra of the Dominican Republic
…under the direction of Dodson the musical result achieved was brilliant and effervescent.
Lúis Alberto Muñoz, El Caribe, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Orchestra New York
John Dodson led … a sharp rendition of the Serenade.
Alex Ross, The New York Times, New York, New York
Budapest Philharmonic
Dodson prepared our Philharmonic with incredible care. This intensive preparation resulted in an evocative and truly expressive performance [of Shostakovich’s Sixth Symphony’s] The opening’s slow rhythmic theme and its ensuing drama…came into perfect display; the irony of the next two brisk movements and their many raw colors unfolded according to the composer’s intentions…. a truly great popular success.
Janos Breuer, Budapest Musical Chronicle, Budapest, Hungary
Coronado Music Festival Orchestra
Dodson gathered forty young professional musicians from around the country and, remarkably, gave to their collective sound shape, character and technical exactness….details…we would expect only from the best conductors….
Arizeder Urreiztieta, The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Arizona
Photo: Roger Mastroianni
Testimonials
Philippe Entremont, Pianist, Conductor
His work was remarkable, sensitive, very precise…. Making music together was all that mattered.
Iván Fischer, Music Director Budapest Festival Orchestra
A very fine musician and a very good conductor.
Kurt Nikkanen, Violinist
(Concertmaster, New York City Ballet Orchestra)
John Thomas Dodson is one of the finest musicians I have encountered in the course of my musical career. As a conductor he possesses a clear baton technique, a distinct vision, and great energy. A top-notch accompanist, John can coax out a fantastic performance even with limited rehearsal time - knowing when to lead and when to let the musicians play. A dedicated and innovative orchestra builder, he has enormous talent and experience in the areas of programming expertise and community involvement - tirelessly making efforts to connect with his listeners. My concerts with him are among my most treasured musical experiences. I count John among my great friends and acknowledge him as a true inspiration both as an artist and as a human being.
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Yannis Tsitselikis, Cellist
(Principal Cello, Athens State Symphony)
Having made music with him on a number of occasions, I can attest that John Thomas Dodson is one of the finest conductors I have ever met. He is a very sensitive musician with an exceptional ability to sense and follow a soloist’s freedom of phrasing. John is diligent in realizing every detail in the score and is technically very effective in working with the orchestra. I express my highest enthusiasm in working with him.
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Paul Silverthorne
(former Principal Violist, London Symphony Orchestra)
He is that rare thing: a great enabler. He created the conditions for everyone to give their best and to want to give their best. Everyone was inspired and led by his love for and understanding of the music and by the trust and respect he showed for his fellow musicians.
Shai Wosner, Pianist
John is a pleasure to work with! He is a great communicator, a tireless believer in the cause of classical music and his vision as a true orchestra builder and infectious enthusiasm for music making are invaluable assets not only to the musicians of his orchestras but also with the audience and the community at large.
Janet Sung, Violinist
John is the kind of conductor you always wish for - someone who brings great integrity, passion and respect for the music into each rehearsal and performance. He demands the highest levels of music-making, yet does so with grace, aplomb, and warmth. These qualities pervade every aspect of his musicianship - from his generous collaborative spirit to his contagious enthusiasm and engagement with his music community and his audiences.