Portfolio

Previous projects

Orchestral Work

Jo performs regularly as a principal bassoonist with leading orchestras across the UAE and wider Gulf region, combining orchestral leadership with a flexible freelance career.

Principal Positions:

  • Firdaus Orchestra – Principal Bassoon & Section Leader (Expo 2020 Dubai)

  • UAE Philharmonic Orchestra – Principal Bassoon & Section Leader

  • Arabian Philharmonic Orchestra – Principal Bassoon

  • Orchestra Seven – Principal Bassoon

  • NSO Symphony Orchestra – Principal Bassoon

She has also performed as bassoonist with Broadway Entertainment Group’s Middle Eastern tour of The Phantom of the Opera, with performances in Riyadh and at Dubai Opera.

Notable Collaborations

Jo has appeared alongside internationally renowned artists, conductors, and regional icons across a wide range of genres.

Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Mark Elder, Beyoncé, Andrea Bocelli, Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang, World of Hans Zimmer, Christina Aguilera, Ellie Goulding, Norah Jones, Shreya Ghoshal, Andra Day, Angélique Kidjo, Ahlam Al Shamsi, A. R. Rahman, Ilaiyaraaja, Mohammed Abdu, Atif Aslam, Bryn Terfel, Lesley Garrett, Willard White, Abi Sampa, The Orchestral Qawwali Project, Iyad Rimawi, and Mohamad AlGhoom.

Not Just Bassoon! Flute, clarinet and saxophone

Jo is a versatile woodwind instrumentalist, not limited to the bassoon. She can enhance her bassoon performances by doubling on flute, clarinet, and saxophone for various events as needed.

Teaching & Outreach

Jo is an experienced educator, delivering woodwind tuition, workshops, and masterclasses across the UK, Qatar, and the UAE.

Her work includes:

  • Teaching roles in music hubs, independent schools, and academies

  • Outreach programmes with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Music for Youth, Live Music Now, and Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra

  • Workshops and ensemble coaching for students and professional musicians

She is currently developing an outreach initiative with the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra to expand access to live orchestral music for young audiences.

Presenting and Media Interviews

Jo is also an experienced presenter and interviewee, and regularly hosts live events.