Creating balanced artistic programming that fits the orchestra, community, and vision of the organization is an art unto itself. Young conductors, as well as seasoned professionals, can struggle with creating compelling programs that build the artistic achievement of the ensemble that leads to an increase in ticket sales and artistic vitality for the organization.
Read MoreMy in-laws moved to Longmont, Colorado, when my wife and I welcomed our daughter to this world. My father-in-law graduated with a degree in medicine from the University of Bologna, Italy. Together, we have watched the Italian medical community operate with acts of selflessness and bravery, as they work around the clock to save lives. We hope that Ave Maria is a small diversion from the stresses of our current reality.
Read MoreAs I look at my five-month-old daughter and see the limitless possibilities that she has in front of her, I have been pondering what it is that I want her to know as she makes her way in this world. Here is a shortlist.
Read MoreCOVID—19 has presented real challenges for me, my beloved Longmont Symphony Orchestra, and for virtually every orchestra as well as freelance musicians across the globe. As the uncertainty of continuing with our season performances has rocked our institutions, and as countless exceptionally gifted musicians see their paid performance opportunities evaporating like never before, I am reminded of how our daily routines of individual music practice can help us maintain our sanity.
Read MoreI am often asked about what artistic excellence in orchestral performance entails, how to achieve it, and even define it. Long ago, I understood that it was impossible to quantify what makes "good" art. Fortunately, one cannot judge a performance by inputting data into a matrix in order to determine if it has some kind of superior artistic expression. I believe that it is thanks to different cultural experiences and backgrounds that musical taste and varied stylistic approaches may resonate differently in each of us.
Read MoreI am very excited about our February 15 performance entitled The Force of Destiny because there are so many simultaneously converging elements that point towards an exciting destiny for music in Longmont!
Read MoreWhen is it okay to alter a work of genius? In 1886, Camille Saint-Saëns composed his work Carnival of the Animals, but it was only in the late 1940s that Ogden Nash's poetry was added to help young audiences conjure up a more vivid picture of the music. In 1844, Alexander Dumas adapted E. T. A. Hoffman's dark story of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King into something lighter and more family-friendly. When Tchaikovsky composed his Ballet using Dumas's version, it was met with criticism for not being faithful to Hoffman's story.
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe that we only have a few days left in 2019! I always take some time during the last few days of the year to take inventory of the previous year and to come up with some goals for the year ahead; this allows for me to clear out the old to make room for the new! Since I know I’m not alone in creating a New Year's resolution, I wanted to share my thoughts for 2020.
Read MoreThis year, the Longmont Symphony will be presenting our second annual “Gentle Nutcracker” performance in addition to our regular pair of performances of Tchaikovsky's timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Our Gentle Nutcracker has been constructed for a neuro-diverse audience; We have truly gone to great lengths to make this a genuine sensory-friendly production. We have reduced the performance duration to under one hour, removed all violence from the plot, and have an open seating plan with limited ticket sales while reducing the price of admission. Also, for the comfort of all audience members, we will be leaving the house lights at 35%, will have a quiet room for any overstimulated patrons, and will have EMT's on-site.
Read MoreOne of the reasons that I began conducting was to deepen the impact that the arts — and specifically an orchestra — can have on a community. Culture plays such a critical role in making a community a livable and desirable place to call home. I have been impressed and inspired by the work that is going on with my friends at the Longmont Performing Arts Initiative (affectionately referred to as "Le-Pie"). LPAI is made up of 6 major non-profit arts organizations that are working together to raise the profile of the performing arts in Longmont and to speak with a unified voice for the performing arts.
Read MoreRecently, the Longmont Symphony Orchestra held a strategic planning session with our mission and vision statements on the docket for discussion and revision. Mission/vision statements are fascinating to me because, as the artistic leader a non-profit organization, I am acutely aware that we are defined by name only as what we are not for: profit. (I must admit that I have always been frustrated by defining something by what it is not; this is hardly an effective way of defining what something is!) Either way, all non-profit’s must answer the challenging question of explaining what they are for. The most effective way for to let the world know what your organization stands for is to create a mission and vision statement.
Read MoreEveryone at the Longmont Symphony Orchestra is busy preparing for the opening night of our 53rd season "Music is Life." When I was considering possible repertoire choices for our season opener, I knew that I wanted to provide our audience with a life-affirming musical experience. I could think of no better purely symphonic work than Saint-Saëns' epic Symphony No. 3 "with organ" to fill that bill. For me, Saint-Saëns' Third Symphony is a piece that has everything: drama, angst, poetic lyricism, and while there are detours — and such is life — it ultimately brings us to triumph. I am very excited to be sharing this work with the Longmont audience as it is one that I hold dear to my heart.
Read MoreOrchestras are a symbol for a community. We represent several different voices, some soft and others loud. We learn to listen intently to one another and find that, when we do, our collective harmony is enhanced. This harmony touches everyone that hears it. Indeed, orchestral performances create the space for people of all backgrounds from the community to come together and rise above the lines that are so often used to divide us.
Read MoreI went on my first Belonging Revolution walk this weekend. What is the Belonging Revolution, you ask? For four years, the City of Longmont’s Police Chief, Mike Butler, and his friend and community activist, Dan Benavidez, have been walking the streets of the City of Longmont, introducing themselves to everyone they meet and expressing to each person that they are a valued member in the fabric of the community. Chief Butler wants everyone in Longmont to feel like they are a part of the community, because he believes everyone can bring something to the table. He says that “belonging” in a community involves two dimensions — that a person feels they belong and the community belongs to them.
Read MoreMusic is the greatest expression of the human spirit; it can inspire greatness, transform a community, and change lives. As someone who is passionate about the well-being of people, I view my appointment as the new Music Director/Conductor of the Longmont Symphony Orchestra as an opportunity to use live symphonic music to serve the Longmont community.
Read MoreAs I write this, political leaders are calling for unity and civility in these divisive times. I can think of no better way to heed their call than sharing with you the intention behind our November concert program.
Read MoreI am thrilled that the Longmont Symphony’s 2018-19 season is beginning soon! We have so many exciting programs, soloists, projects, collaborations, and great music in store for you. As I begin my second season with the LSO, I am excited to be exploring one of my greatest passions, the intersection of music and healing, with our audience. In early December, the LSO is collaborating with the Boulder Ballet on a sensory-friendly Nutcracker performance for families with children of different abilities. We are proud to be meeting the needs of this segment of our community.
Read MoreOn April 13 and 14, the Longmont Symphony Chamber Orchestra will take the stage of Stewart Auditorium at the Longmont Museum. The program is the next step in our complete Beethoven Symphony Cycle, featuring his Second Symphony paired with his Egmont Overture and the Shostakovich/Barshai Chamber Symphony, Op. 110a.
Read MoreAs the Longmont Symphony prepares for its annual Family Concert on January 19, I find myself looking forward to this performance in a very different way than most of our other performances. While the music is as beautiful as any of our other concerts, the musical selections and guest artists have all been chosen to engage, entertain, and inspire our young audience members to fall in love with live symphonic music.
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