Sunday, May 02, 1999
Wish list for CSO maestro
Patrons suggest crucial qualities
BY JANELLE GELFAND
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra asked the public to help it create a job description in its search for a new music director Wednesday night.
Only a handful turned up to voice their opinion in person, although, the CSO says, it is getting feedback by mail, e-mail and in meetings with musicians, staff members, trustees and the board of overseers.
A second public forum takes place at 12:30 p.m. Monday in Music Hall.
“The important thing is that people who have concerns have an opportunity to be heard,” says search committee member Jack Rouse, 59, who moderated Wednesday's forum.
The small group — about 10 concertgoers — illustrated a recurring theme repeated by Mr. Rouse: “There is another audience we know isn't coming to the symphony. We want to know why your neighbors and friends aren't coming.”
So, with the opening plea from Mr. Rouse, “In your hands lies the fate of the whole orchestra,” those present enumerated some leadership qualities that might help put bodies back in Music Hall's seats. The list included:
• Superb musicianship. A conductor who is an excellent musician is a criterion that was established by the musicians in their meeting.
• Marketability. “Obviously symphonies in other cities have personalities they capitalize on, such as (the San Francisco Symphony's) Michael Tilson Thomas,” says Steven Deiters, 45, Oakley.
• Creates interesting programs. “Someone who does varied, imaginative programs, a balance of modern and traditional” was the wish of Dr. Virginia Donaldson of East Walnut Hills. “I remember when Thomas Schippers conducted an all-Bartok program; it was superb.”
• Presence. Several mentioned the need for a conductor to spend more time with the orchestra than today's maestros who fly in and out of town.
• Takes an interest in educational programs. “A theme that was strong in the overseers' meeting (also Wednesday) was the need for outreach,” Mr. Rouse says.
• Consider women. Women are on the search committee's list, Mr. Rouse confirmed.
• Challenges the players. The CSO can be challenged to “play up,” says Eugene Saenger, Jr., 53, of Anderson Township. “It's like playing tennis: my game gets much better when I play with a pro.”
• Electric but not theatrical. Several people stated that some conductors are too showy on the podium, detracting from the music.
• Bold but not too bold. “Be careful to avoid gimmicks, such as concerts with heavy-metal bands,” says Richard Feller, 39, of North Avondale. “The orchestra has a history of commissions and premieres. Capitalize on the past; build on tradition.”
• A name. Although some did not think name recognition was important, arts volunteer Alice Poirier, 80, believes that “People want to know who he or she is, and what they have done.”
• Chemistry. The right fit, says Sheldon Levine, 67, of downtown, means “a conductor who will bring out the exuberance in the orchestra.”
• Someone who has guest-conducted the CSO. “Let's face it — this is a marriage, and it would be nice at least to have met the party,” Mr. Rouse says.
Although Mr. Rouse emphasized the committee was “trying to focus on traits and qualities” rather than names, he invited people to submit names. Several of those mentioned were Michael Stern, Marin Alsop, Alexander Lazarev, Ivan Fischer and Paavo Jarvi.
Mr. Jarvi's February concert “was a stirring concert and people were excited,” Mr. Levine says. “It was a good program, but even better because he was in front of the orchestra.”
The right person, says Kathy Grote, 42, of Hyde Park, can recover CSO glories of the past. “Now there is an opportunity to build its reputation to where it once was,” she says.
Today's directorship is not only about musical excellence, but “the need to reach across the footlights, the need to relate to the audience,” Mr. Rouse says. “Sooner or later it's all about whether people who come in the door are happy.”
Cincinnati vs. Flynt: The Sequel
Obscenity trials highly subjective
Video technology brought porn home
The players in Flynt trial
Would city get mayor or monster?
A couple of time-tested reasons to vote
5 good reasons for Charter reform
Issue 4 requires more than 30-second attention span
Insanity to be hard defense for trash-can mom
Successful insanity pleas in Tristate
West-bound commuters should seek new route
4,000 gather for Troutman funeral
Boone to use phone alerts
Montgomery meeting to update on tornado cleanup
Tornado victims robbed of salvaged possessions
Say so long to Stenger's
GET TO IT
How to fell 14-story building unclear, as is site's future
No Namers make best of life in no-man land
'Noah' goes overboard
Portman behind naming CIA headquarters after Bush
Portman, Chabot firm in opposition to war
Taking bows on Broadway
What goes down at the Parktown?
Willis Music celebrates 100 years of service
Wish list for CSO maestro
Dems tired of losing
A school made from scratch
Butler shows its history
Few injuries on stadium site
Investigation continues of ex-property value administrator
Ky. board to consider park grant
Ky. can't keep public defenders
Prisons now help mentally ill
Readers respond to AIDS effort
Regional workforce meeting planned
School board wants input
TRISTATE DIGEST
