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!
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
