Jessica Cottis | Conductor

Jessica Cottis is acclaimed for her inventive programming and inspiring leadership. Recent engagements span leading orchestras worldwide, including the London Symphony, Oslo Philharmonic, LA Philharmonic, Sydney Symphony, and appearances at the Royal Opera House and BBC Proms. She has recorded for the BBC, ABC, and Decca Classics.

Since September 2023, she has served as Artistic Partner of the Västerås Sinfonietta, and is in her fifth season as Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra (CSO). Her leadership there has driven award-winning initiatives in commissioning, First Nations collaboration, and championing female composers, earning her the 2024 Art Music Luminary Award (ACT). Her repertoire spans the 19th to 21st centuries, and she is internationally admired for her affinity for new music, having conducted acclaimed opera productions including works by Poul Ruder, John Adams, Missy Mazzoli, and the world premiere of Laura Bowler’s The Blue Woman at the Royal Opera House.

Described as “cool, contained, super-articulate and engaging” (The Scotsman), Cottis is a passionate advocate for classical music, leading courses for women conductors and serving as Chair of the Tait Memorial Trust. She is also a regular BBC contributor across a broad range of arts topics.

Raised on a sheep farm in south-eastern Australia, she developed early passions for music and the natural world. Originally a performer on organ, piano, and trumpet, a wrist injury led her to conducting, which she studied at the Royal Academy of Music under Colin Metters and Sir Colin Davis. She later served as Assistant Conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony and Sydney Symphony Orchestras, and has pursued executive leadership studies at Cornell University and Oxford’s Saïd Business School.