BOO! Kayoko's Favorite Spooky Music

Happy Halloween, everyone!

I always LOVE conducting a Halloween concert, because we get to dress up and perform FUN music.

Here are some of my favorite spooky/Halloween-y music from youtube.

Saint-Saens Danse Macabre with Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra and Jean-Francois Zygel: 

Finale from Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique with National Orchestra of France and Leonard Bernstein:

Dukas Sorcerer's Apprentice with Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra with Lionel Bringuier:

Schubert/Listz Erlkonig Yuja Wang, piano:

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Kayoko

Introduction: CSO Assistant Conductor Ismael Sandoval

 Dear Friends,

Today I would like to introduce to you CSO's newest artistic staff member, Ismael Sandoval, who started his tenure as the Conductor of the CSO Youth Orchestra Symphony and CSO's Assistant Conductor this Fall. 

He has been busy working with the YO students for the last few months, and he will make his CSO debut on November 11th at the Veteran's Day Concert. 

Take a look my conversation with Ismael:

To read Ismael's bio, visit CSOYO website: https://csoyo.chattanoogasymphony.org/staff/symphony-conductor

and additional information on the concert will be available at www.chattanoogasymphony.org closer to the event date.

We look forward to sharing some patriotic brass music with you on November 11th!

Best,

Kayoko

Book Recommendation: Alda If I Understood You...

Dear Friends,
I hope this finds you well.
Today I would like to introduce a book that is not necessary related to music, but it has helped me understand how to communicate musical subject with audience members.

It is called If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? by Alan Alda.

I must admit, I got this book only because I'm a huge fan of the TV show MASH and Alan Alda.

This book explores how scientists and medical professionals can become an empathetic communicator.

Since I often speak at the concerts to offer my perspective about the music we are about to perform. My intension is to enhance your experience as an audience member. My intension is not to lecture, but to give a concept you can relate to promote active listening.

As a conductor, I also need to be an efficient communicator on the podium while rehearsing with the musicians. We have limited amount of time in rehearsals, and the time is better spent making music rather than listening to me talk. Therefore it is very important that I say what I need to say as efficiently and effectively as possible, while making sure that what I say is helpful.

This book helped me get a perspective on how to communicate to the musicians and the audience members.

Happy Reading!

Kayoko

Musical Conversation: Composer Tim Hinck

Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you well-

Composer Tim Hinck was one of the first composers I met in Chattanooga. He invited me to a performance at Easy Lemon, and I was immediately inspired by his creativity and eagerness to connect with people through his art in a very personal way. It has been a pleasure to work with him on numerous occasions, notably, commissioning of Fanfare for Rosa two seasons ago by the CSO. I am excited to present to you a social-distance-friendly work by Tim called Stumpjumper.  Here is our conversation about this work: 

Visit Tim's website for more information about him and his works:

https://timhinck.com/

The concerts are October 17th and 18th at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. For more information, please visit: Chattanooga Symphony

See you soon!

Kayoko