Well we just performed our opening classical concerts this past weekend and I couldn't have been happier. The orchestra and I are really enjoying working together and I hope the audience feels the same excitement that we do. We also had some fantastic social events, both pre and post concert, including a wonderful get- together at Cin Cin's after the Sunday Matinee. It was fun for me and the musicians to mingle and to get to know all of you even better. If you missed the fun, make sure you join us next time.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Exciting Opening Weekend
Well we just performed our opening classical concerts this past weekend and I couldn't have been happier. The orchestra and I are really enjoying working together and I hope the audience feels the same excitement that we do. We also had some fantastic social events, both pre and post concert, including a wonderful get- together at Cin Cin's after the Sunday Matinee. It was fun for me and the musicians to mingle and to get to know all of you even better. If you missed the fun, make sure you join us next time.
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7 comments:
Michael, it was a splendid concert! The level of audience enthusiasm for you and the orchestra is gratifying!
How about some blogging on:
Greg Sandow's downer on classical music's relevance - do you agree - how to make it relevant?
How a guest artist preps for a performance with an unfamiliar orchestra - i. e., our most recent guest and the Grieg concerto - do you talk it through - is she doing this concerto with orchestras around the country - does she play it your way or do you/orch. do it her way? etc.
what are your favorite books?
Hi Anonymous (if that's your real name)
Thanks for the kind words. I very much enjoy working with this orchestra and performing for and getting to know our audience.
I have just looked on Greg Sandow's home page. Thanks for leading me to it.
http://www.gregsandow.com/
Just on a cursory look, he brings up some great points. Just the kind of discussion we need in the industry. I must read more
We are all trying to find ways to make Classical music relevant. And there are certainly many creative ways to do this that we need to explore. But I also don't think we can just rely on gimmicks and marketing tricks. We can't be all things to all people. Because there is a reason we play music from hundreds of years ago. Not because it is an interesting and novel project, but precisely because it speaks to us now.
When it comes to a soloist and the orchestra, he/she and I meet about an hour before our first rehearsal to talk and play through the piece. I get a sense of how they like to play it and we discuss different ideas. Then we have 2 rehearsals with the orchestra. My philosophy is to try to accommodate the soloist's ides as much as possible. That person has usually lived with the piece very intimately for many years and so I respect that. I will bring up my own ideas and most soloists are at least willing to entertain the ideas. And of course, music being a fluid art that is created in the moment, things can change in the performances. Naomi was great to work with. She had played the Grieg before, but learned it only a few years ago. And she learned it in a month! Can you imagine?
I have so many favorite books! The book I am reading now is called The Cheese Monkeys by Chip Kidd. A great book. I have lately been on a 20th c kick. Books like An American Tragedy and Slaughterhouse-Five.
Michael,
Thank you for the incredible work that you are doing in leading our fine orchestra. My wife and I have enjoyed both the classical and the pops concerts, and the leadership is evident from the new faces in the strings to the quality of the performances. Last night we had the pleasure of listening to the incredible diversity of the Christmas Pops...bravo!
We are blessed to have you and your entire staff working together to bring us quality music.
May the Lord richly bless all of you this Christmas and in the coming new year.
Your friend and neighbor,
Rev. Clint Cottrell
Pastor, Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church
A few years ago Carmina Burana was performed and was received with huge excitement... would love to hear it again... what's the probability?
By the way, your preludes are very informative & add understanding of the music and subsequent enjoyment.
Thank you so much!
I am in the process of programming for next season, so I will certainly keep that in mind Thanks for the post!
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