September 4, 2024
By Jesse Bertel
How were the pieces selected for this performance?
For this particular concert going up to Prescott, we know that the audience wants an accessible program and the selection of it goes through both the conductor and myself. Sunny is an Arizona State University graduate. I think about 3 or 4 years ago, she graduated from ASU, and her star is on the rise in the conducting world. She’s now the assistant conductor of the Seattle Symphony, which is a tremendous accomplishment for her. So, we had this collaborative conversation about the pieces that will work for the audience, work for the conductor, and work for the musicians. It’s finding that synergy that right combination because there’s so much communication that happens between an audience and a live orchestra.
For this particular concert going up to Prescott, we know that the audience wants an accessible program and the selection of it goes through both the conductor and myself. Sunny is an Arizona State University graduate. I think about 3 or 4 years ago, she graduated from ASU, and her star is on the rise in the conducting world. She’s now the assistant conductor of the Seattle Symphony, which is a tremendous accomplishment for her. So, we had this collaborative conversation about the pieces that will work for the audience, work for the conductor, and work for the musicians. It’s finding that synergy that right combination because there’s so much communication that happens between an audience and a live orchestra.
What do audiences respond to the most from seeing your performances?
I think that audiences respond to something that touches their hearts in the music. When we’re in experience, whether it’s a rock concert or whether it’s any other type of music that we like, and maybe something that we’re not familiar with, something that really touches our heart and soul is what being part of the concert experience is all about.
I think that audiences respond to something that touches their hearts in the music. When we’re in experience, whether it’s a rock concert or whether it’s any other type of music that we like, and maybe something that we’re not familiar with, something that really touches our heart and soul is what being part of the concert experience is all about.
There may be something in, let’s say, the second movement of Beethoven’s fourth symphony, you know, beautiful and pastoral that might remind you of something. A lot of music and food and smells and everything tends to remind you of something that was very special to you in your past or what’s happening to you right now. Or it’s something that makes you forget.
That’s the most wonderful thing about a live music performance, especially by a symphony, is the ability to go into the world of what the composer has written and in your own memories and your own life experiences, take hold of your heart.
Tickets can be purchased at the YSA office, 228 N. Alarcon St., or by calling 928-776-4255.The office is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
