Laura Jackson’s Top Symphonies

Laura Jackson, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s lithe, modernly stylish conducting fellow, reaches an important career milestone this week as she makes her ASO Subscription Series debut conducting an all-Mozart program, Thurs.-Sat., Jan. 26-28, at Symphony Hall. Since Jackson joined the ASO staff in the autumn of 2004, she has conducted educational community outreach, and special summer concerts. But the thirtysomething maestra’s job also includes taking the podium at moment’s notice if a scheduled conductor cancels, requiring she study and know the music for the entire ASO season. Jackson offers her list of top five favorite symphonic works:

1) “Ein deutsches Requiem” by Johannes Brahms: “The first time I ever wanted to conduct was while listening to a performance of this.”

2) “Symphony No. 6” by Antonin Dvorak: “The slow movement is sublime and the furiant practically levitates with fiery intensity.”

3) “Symphony No. 7” by Ludwig van Beethoven: “My first experience playing violin in a professional orchestra was with this symphony [Winston Salem Symphony, age 16]. It was like chamber music. Thrilling.”

4) “Rumanian Folk Dances” by Bela Bartok: “It’s just plain fun to conduct. The woodwind colors in the chamber orchestra version are great.”

5) “Overture to Die Fledermaus” by Johann Strauss: “I’m a waltz freak. Every now and then I waltz with my fiancé in the kitchen. I’ve never conducted this piece but can’t wait to do it.”