I remember when we did the Tchaikovsky (concerto), he just flew. We weren't used to that. But when we do things like that, it makes the orchestra grow. |
It's something I heard at a convention in Chicago. David Warble has championed this piece. When we heard we could get him as a conductor, I thought that would be great. I didn't know George Takei would be part of the deal. |
It's very visual and has audience appeal. |
That was very successful. It drew a younger crowd, some of whom haven't seen the symphony before. People say classical music is dying out, but I don't think that's the case. |
The 'Ruslan' overture -- I can't think of any more dynamic opening for the season than that. |