Concert Preview: Stravinsky Apollon Musagete

 Dear Friends,

I am beyond thrilled to present this week's Stravinsky Apollon Musagete with the Chattanooga Ballet.

We have been patiently waiting for over 2 years to present this since we cancelled in March 2020.

I have always been fascinated with ballet. I have never danced and have no desire to (I can barely walk without tripping over my own feet and my knee hurts), but I have so much respect and admirations for the dancers and their dedication to the art form. It may also stem from the fact that my first professional engagement with a ballet company.

In 2004, as I was finishing up my degree at Arizona State University, my mentor/teacher Dr. Timothy Russell gave me an amazing opportunity to conduct 14 performances of The Nutcracker with The Phoenix Symphony and Ballet Arizona. I studied this score for months, as my first time on the podium was a performance (not a rehearsal). I wanted to do everything I can to present myself, ASU, and Dr. Russell as the best I possibly can. 

I don't think I blinked or breathed the entire 2 hours, but I was met with kind and encouraging responses from the musicians and the dancers. The choreographer and the Artistic Director Ib Andersen even gave me a nod, which is as affirming as one can expect to receive.

Over the years, I enjoyed collaborating with the BAZ and Chattanooga Ballet dancers and choreographers, and my fascination with the art form grew more and more. They are disciplined, dedicated, collaborative, patient, and resilient. They make the movements look effortless with grace and beauty, but it takes enormous amount of athleticism and stamina. 

Stravinsky's Apollon Musagete is one of my favorite ballet scores, and I am so excited to present this beautiful collaboration with CB with choreography by Artistic Director Brian McSween.

I hope you are able to join us!

Best,

Kayoko

Personal Reflection: on Conducting a major work for the second time

Dear Friends,

I hope you enjoyed our performance last night of Farrenc Overture, Brahms' Schicksalslied, and Beethoven's Third Symphony.

It was such a pleasure to FINALLY share the stage with our beloved chorus and Lee University Chorale (lead by Darrin Hassevoort and Bill Green, respectively) after 2 years of hiatus. Last night was meaningful in so many ways, but recognizing Darrin's 22 years of service to CSO was one of the most important and anticipated events of the season. He has been a great friend and a colleague since I started in 2011. We are eternally grateful for his contribution to the CSO. Bravi to CSO Chorus and Lee University Chorale! I love you all!

from left to right: Bill Green, me, Darrin Hassevoort

I also wanted to share my thoughts on conducting Beethoven's Third Symphony, one of my all time favorite works (definitely top 5 in my book).

I conducted this symphony for the first time in 2012, my 2nd year as the Music Director. I've studied this piece since the early 2000s, and I was beyond excited to realize the score into actual sound. 

Ten years later (older, more experienced, and possibly wiser), I purchased a brand new score. I wanted to approach this work as though I have never studied or conducted it. I did not refer to my old scores while studying, and I enjoyed rediscovering Beethoven's brilliance. I did, however, bring my old score to the rehearsals. I referred to it a few time and had a debate with 2012 Kayoko to resolve some issues.

In middle of the dress rehearsal and the concert, I found myself getting choked up several times. Since the deaths of 2 of my beloved colleagues in 2019, I have been approaching most scores as if "this may be the last time I get to conduct this." This approach has brought so much appreciation to the work I do and for every opportunity I get to be on the podium.

What a privileged life I live. I get to conduct this magnificent and historically important work with my wonderful colleagues for our friends in Chattanooga.

Whether this is my 2nd time conducting, and ??th time my colleagues have performed it, I hope you were able to discover something new while listening.

Thank you for joining us last night and for your continuing support of the CSO.

With gratitude,

Kayoko