Musical Conversations with Anne Guzzo and Amelia Dicks

 Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you well.

I wanted to take a moment to introduce next week's program:

Anne Guzzo's Fanfare for Mountains and Peace, Vivaldi's Piccolo Concerto featuring Amelia Dicks, and Dvorak's Symphony No. 9, "from the New World"

Dvorak's most popular work does not need much introduction, but I have been wanting to pair Anne's work with it for a while. Dvorak wrote this symphony after his visit to the "New World," and Anne's work was written as a celebration of distance and connection of North and South America. Take a look at the conversation I had with Anne:

I also had a conversation with our Principal Piccolo Amelia Dicks who will be featured on this concert: 

Looking forward to seeing you at Memorial!

Best,

Kayoko

Musical Conversations: Composer Kyle Kindred

 Dear Friends,

I'd love to introduce my new colleague at Sam Houston State University, Kyle Kindred. SHSU Symphony Orchestra is performing (Texas premiere!) his wonderful work A Longmont Overture on October 8 at 7:30pm central (8:30pm eastern). Here is my conversation with Kyle:

Please join us for the concert via live stream on Friday Oct 8 at 8:30pm eastern time:

<SHSU SO Live Stream>

Best,

Kayoko

Chamber Series #1

Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you well. I hope you were able to join us for the Opening Concert at Memorial Auditorium. What a glorious evening!

We have been waiting for about 2 years to present this upcoming concert to you! We originally had planned to perform this concert last year, but the Covid got in the way. It’s always so fun to feature one of our own composers. Ben Van Winkle is a Chattanooga composer and a cellist, and I am excited to present his Pure Music No. 1, which displays a his unique musical language and ambience.

Here is the conversation I had with Ben:

Eleanor Alberga’s Succubus Moon will feature an oboe and string quartet, which displays mysterious and beautiful oboe sonority with diverse color provided by the strings.

The final work on the program is Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring for 13 instruments, which was the original instrumentation. This work was originally written as a ballet, and it has wonderful characters, memorable melodies, distinct rhythms, and texture.

See you at Chattanooga State!

Best,

Kayoko

Opening Night

 Dear Friends,

CSO's 2021/22 Season is approaching, and I can feel the excitement!

It's been over 18 months since we have performed as a full orchestra. I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished last season with "socially distanced" performances, but nothing beats a full orchestra with a hall full of audience.

The first concert will be a re-introduction of CSO to the community.

We open with Marquez's Danzon No. 2, which is a very fun and celebratory piece. This work features many musicians, including clarinet, trumpet, piccolo, piano, and violin. Here is my favorite YouTube video of this piece:

Then we move onto featuring different sections of the orchestra. Strings will be featured with Walker's Lyrics for Strings, which is reflective and beautiful. We would like to dedicate this piece to the victims of Covid-19.

Next, we will feature the brass section with Andrew Ardizzoia's settings of Ubi Caritas. 

Here is an interview I did with Andrew about this piece:

After the intermission, we will perform Faure Pavane, which features many woodwind instruments.

We will end the Opening Night with Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio Espagnol. Much like Marquez's Danzon No. 2, this work will highlight many of my colleagues.

I hope you are able to join us. See you at the Memorial Auditorium!

Best,

Kayoko

Going home

 Dear friends,

I have an exciting news to share with you! 

I am so happy to announce that I have been appointed as the Director of Orchestral Studies at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX (just north of Houston.) My husband and I grew up in Houston, so we are excited to return home and be close to family. But don't worry! While we are relocating, I will be back to Chattanooga frequently to continue serving as the Music Director of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera.  

I completed my Doctorate degree over 15 years ago, and I always knew that I wanted to share my professional conducting experience in a higher education setting. I can not be more thrilled to launch this part of my career in the region that helped me develop as a musician. (In fact, 2 of my band directors are alumni of Sam Houston!) 

I would like to thank my mentors, teachers, friends, colleagues, and family for helping me achieve this milestone. Of course the biggest "thanks" goes to my husband Andrew who has been so supportive of my career, ambition, and a little (?) bit of madness. 

I hope you and yours are well, and I look forward to sharing wonderful music with you in the upcoming season!

Best,

Kayoko

Thank you

 Dear Friends,

We wrapped up our extraordinary 2020-21 Season this past week, and I wanted to express my gratitude to everyone who made it possible: the CSO Board of Directors, staff, musicians, volunteers, sponsors, patrons, donors, and community partners. 

This season was not perfect, but I am very proud of what we have accomplished:

-We performed an eclectic collection of chamber to small-orchestra size works.

-We pivoted and remained calm and flexible as we navigate every twist and turns that came in our way.

-We made new friends and community partners who enabled us to perform all over the region.

What I witnessed this season was nothing short of a victory. Every member of CSO family came together to make live performances happen in Chattanooga. I saw courage, creativity, flexibility, patience, humor, passion, gratitude, grit, and determination. I know this season made us stronger and even more committed to our mission.

I look forward to seeing you all again next season. Until then, please say safe and healthy.

With much gratitude, respect, and love,

Kayoko

Musical Conversation: Composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate

 Dear Friends,

Today I am excited to introduce to you my new friend, composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate.

We "met" via zoom to chat with him about his work called Chokfi’, Sarcasm for String Orchestra and Percussion, which CSO will perform on May 14 and 15th at First Horizon Pavilion. I first came across this work a few months ago, and I was immediately drawn to his unique language, high intensity, and beautiful melody. Here is our conversation:

For more information about Jerod's work, biography, etc, please visit https://jerodtate.com/

I hope to see you on May 14th or 15th!

Best,

Kayoko

Musical Conversation: Composer Anne M. Guzzo

 Dear Friends,

Today, I would like to introduce you to composer Anne M. Guzzo. We originally had planned to feature 2 of her orchestral works during the 2020-21 Season, but Covid-19 had a different plan for us!

We are hoping to feature those works, Three Paintings and Fanfare for Mountains and Peace, when we are able to present full orchestra again. My favorite element of her writing is that how her music elicits curiosity. I am always excited to find out what happens next in her music. Her music is engaging, fun, beautiful, and full of personalities. 

Read Anne M. Guzzo's biography here

This season, instead of present full-orchestra works by Anne, we will perform one of her chamber work, The Bear and the Eclipse. Here is my conversation with Anne about this work:

We are performing this work on April 23 and 24th at Ringgold First Baptist Church. I hope you can join us!

Best,

Kayoko

Musical Conversation: Composers Jonathan McNair and Brett Dietz

 Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you well.

Jonathan McNair needs no introduction to the Chattanooga arts community, as he is very well-known and influential. He serves as a Professor of Music at UTC, where he wears many hats. Read Jonathan's Bio here

I have worked with Jonathan over the last few seasons, and it's always a pleasure to work with him and explore his wonderfully unique and inspiring musical language.

Today I would like to share with you, the conversation I had with Jonathan and his string orchestra work These Three. This piece was composed on commission in memory of Chattanooga urban designer Christian Rushing.

Also on this program, we are featuring a work by another American composer Brett Dietz. Here is my conversation with Brett regarding his exciting work for 2 percussion, Street Fight. 

We are performing these work on April 8 and 9th at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

I hope you can join us!

Stay well,

Kayoko

Listening Recommendations: Nicolas Baldeyrou

Dear Friends,

I am so excited to share this wonderful artist with you.

Nicolas Baldeyrou is the Principal Clarinet of the Radio-France Philharmonic Orchestra, and a Buffet (clarinet maker) artist.

He has been making fun and funny videos promoting various clarinets while presenting his talent as a clarinetist, arranger, and master of various other instruments (piano, drums, horn to name a few).

His videos are so delightful, it is so hard to select which videos to share with you. I highly recommend subscribing to his channel. 

Here is my attempt to sharing some of my favorite videos- but trust me, they are all great!

Enjoy!

Stay safe and healthy-

Best,

Kayoko

Recommended Listening/Viewing: Belated Valentine's Day Romantic Music/Dance

 Dear Friends,

oops- I'm a bit late on this... but it's still February: Happy (belated) Valentine's Day!

In my book, Tchaikovsky's pas de deux in his ballets are the most romantic music and drama. 

Here are some of the videos for your enjoyment!

This one is Nutcracker, Second Act:

The next one is the white swan pas de deux from Swan Lake, Second Act:

The next video is the Black swan pas de deux from Swan Lake, Third Act.

These hauntingly beautiful violin solos always grip my heart.

Hope you enjoyed these videos- I am hoping that the CSO and Chattanooga Ballet will come back to the main stage soon to share some beautiful music, dance, and drama with the community.

Best,

Kayoko

Video Recommendation: Martha Graham's Appalachian Spring

 Dear Friends,

A few weeks ago, we were supposed to perform Copland's legendary work, Appalachian Spring for 13 Instruments. Unfortunately, due to the post-holiday spike in Covid 19 case numbers, we had to postpone this program. 

This work was commissioned by an American dancer and choreographer Martha Graham and pianist Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge. This work was premiered in 1944, and we are able to watch this wonderful collaboration of music, choreography, and dance on youtube!

We hope to present this work soon when it's safe to do so!

Stay healthy and safe-

Best,

Kayoko

Personal Reflection: Why Representation Matters

Dear Friends,

This is my personal reflection on what it means to be a female conductor in a (still) male-dominated industry. I'd like to thank the CSO leadership and the community for trusting me with this amazing opportunity 10 years ago.

 

Why Representation Matters

from a perspective of a “small Asian lady” conductor and a Music Director of a mid-sized Southern city

Ten years ago, I was appointed as the Music Director of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. I was the first female, first Asian, and the youngest (and probably the shortest) Music Director in this charming mid-sized Southern city in Tennessee. I will forever be grateful for the confidence the search committee had in me and for the community for embracing and welcoming me.

When I first became the Music Director of the CSO, I was constantly asked “How does it feel to be a female conductor?” At first, I was confused. It felt as funny as being asked “How does it feel to be so short?” I don’t actually remember how I used to reply (most likely with some sarcasm and self-deprecating humor), but over time, I began to realize how important it is to answer that question thoughtfully and respectfully.

Two years ago, I had an amazing opportunity to conduct the Illinois All-State Honor Orchestra. There were approximately 200 talented and eager students ready to work and make beautiful music. At a rehearsal, I gave an alternate fingering to the flute section while reassuring them that I am a flute player. Right after this experience, I received an encouraging email from a student, which warmed my heart.

“I’m _____. I was one of the flutes in the All-State Honors Orchestra. I wanted to thank you for the wonderful experience you gave us as a great conductor. I am a high school senior at ___, Illinois and plan on majoring in music ed when I go to college. I hope to succeed as an orchestra conductor like you one day. I wasn’t sure if woodwind players could become effective orchestra conductors until I watched you this weekend! I was beyond thrilled when you revealed that you play flute, and it was so empowering to have a small Asian lady like me as a conductor. Thanks for the inspiration!”

After reading this email, I finally understood why people keep asking me “How does it feel to be a female conductor” or any other marginalized category I belong to. Now my answer is, “I feel honored to be able to represent ___ with the best of my ability.” 

On a flip side, when I hear a story about another Asian female conductor behaving unpleasantly, the first thought that comes to my mind is “Well, that’s too bad, that orchestra probably won’t hire another Asian female conductor for a long time.” While it is unfair, if you belong in an underrepresented population in your field, your actions and reputation affect the rest of that population. This bears an enormous responsibility. Ten years ago as a rookie Music Director, I was too focused on only representing myself as a conductor, and I had no idea what it means to be someone who has an immense responsibility to represent a specific population. Now I do. 

Going forward, I hope to have many more opportunities to work with young musicians. I would like my presence on the podium to help normalize the existence of a non-stereotypical conductor in a leadership position. We still have a lot more work to do as an industry, but I am ready to be part of the solution. I am ready to help create a future where people do not need to wonder “how it feels to be a small Asian lady (or any other underrepresented adjective) conductor.” Until then, I will wear these adjectives with pride and honor on my double-decker podium.

Listening Recommendation: Podcast Clear and Vivid by Alan Alda

 Dear Friends,

I think in one of my previous posts, I confessed that I am a huge fan of Alan Alda. I have been listening to his podcast the last few months, called Clear and Vivid.

Here are the links to his conversations with legendary musicians, Yo-Yo Ma, Renee Fleming, and Itzhak Perlman. 

Yo-Yo Ma:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3S4SSiD5VxEsR8RvZPREzi

Renee Fleming:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/43TPRDftgMy9M8TnESXUwX?si=_Xrm1tz9TQqAeFPCRYvCMg

Itzhak Perlman: 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2NBT1wdIV4CBXa912C67Yf

These conversations were so encouraging and funny, and I hope they warm your heart as much as they did mine!

Best,

Kayoko