Get to know Jackson:
Jackson Allred is an Atlanta-based conductor and director committed to creating art that connects, inspires, and transforms. Whether through music, film, or live experience, his work is rooted in purpose—uniting people through bold collaboration, shared storytelling, and a deep belief that art should move us toward reflection, action, and lasting connection.
In 2025, Jackson is spearheading Harmony of Freedom, a commemorative documentary marking the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. Partnering with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Ebenezer Baptist Church, WABE Atlanta, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the project features a performance of Margaret Bonds’ Montgomery Variations alongside interviews with prominent leaders such as National Center for Civil and Human Rights CEO Jill Savitt and musicologist Dr. Marva Carter. This initiative celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy while showcasing the power of music to unite communities and honor history.
Jackson’s approach to conducting is rooted in the belief that orchestras are more than ensembles—they are communities that thrive on listening, collaboration, and shared risk-taking. He is committed to creating opportunities for meaningful engagement between musicians and audiences, fostering connections that transcend the concert hall.
His visionary leadership extends beyond the podium. He established a partnership between Georgia State University and the Georgia Aquarium, creating annual, paid performance opportunities for student musicians while enriching the Aquarium’s programming for thousands of visitors.
Jackson won first prize in the Undergraduate Wind and Percussion Conducting Competition at Georgia State University and later participated in the National Orchestral Institute. He was also personally invited to audit the Aspen Music Festival and Aspen Conducting Academy, where he gained valuable insights into orchestral leadership and musicianship.
Currently concluding a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting at Georgia State University studying with Dr. Tamara Dworetz, Jackson works with the Georgia Philharmonic and the Georgia State University Symphony Orchestra. He has also served as Interim Manager for the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, where he continues to contribute as an assistant conductor, helping to shape and inspire the next generation of musicians.
Beyond his work in music and film, Jackson is a skilled Maintenance Diver at the Georgia Aquarium, where he collaborates with his team on underwater challenges, including caring for marine life and maintenance of habitats. This unique experience has informed his leadership style, emphasizing non-verbal communication, the need for balance, and love of the natural world. In his free time, Jackson enjoys hiking, horseback riding, and caring for his two dogs. He is deeply grateful to his wife, family, and friends, whose unwavering support inspires his ongoing mission to unite people and communities through the transformative power of music.