Dixon conducting the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra, ca. 1950s. James Dixon Papers [UA10028], University Archives, University of Iowa Libraries.
Students in James Dixon’s university orchestras played everything from oft-repeated marches for campus ceremonies to premiering entirely new musical works. Dixon’s deft conducting and bold programming choices led to his receipt of the Kilyeni Mahler Medal from the Bruckner Society of America in 1962, an honor usually given to lauded conductors of major symphony orchestras. Dixon’s students felt he brought them along in the process, always pushing them to reach new technical and artistic heights.
On one occasion, publicly acknowledged proficiency in performing 20th-century music prompted an invitation for the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra to perform at the International Society for Contemporary Music World Music Days in Boston in 1976 as one of only two university orchestras participating.
Dixon’s time conducting UI Orchestras:
1948–1952
1954–1959
1962–1997