I just got home from my New Years Eve job. It was fantastic!
It was an all Gershwin concert this year with the
Mesa Symphony Orchestra and guest artists Mike Crotty and Deater O'Neill as well as a Jazz Trio. Mike did all the arrangements for the orchestra and they were marvelous. He was the arranger for the Airmen of Note for many years and is a excellent trumpet / sax player. The Jazz trio includes Chuck Marohnic (piano), Dom Moio (Drums), and Dwight Killian (Bass). We've done concerts with them in the past, and they are simply outstanding!
After the show I had to talk with the trio and tell them how much I enjoyed them. Chuck commented that they have done this same program with many orchestras across the country, and the performance tonight was one of the best that he’s heard from the orchestra! They’ve played with us at least 5 times since I’ve been with the group, so he knows how we play. He said, “this conductor that you have is a real treat!” I’ll say!!!
Cal Stewart Kellogg was our guest conductor for this concert, and at the first rehearsal (Tuesday) it was announced that he has signed on as our new Music Director for the 2006-2007 season. I am just amazed at this announcement! He is the very finest conductor that I have ever worked with. His clarity (dictating what he wants) and knowledge of the literature is nothing short of amazing. We’ve done American in Paris many times for New Years’ Eve, but this year we rose to a level that I have not heard from our ensemble. When a true leader with a clear vision is leading an ensemble (and holds the musicians to a demanding standard), it’s amazing what can be achieved. I’m just blown away by this announcement.
Here’s a snapshot of Cal’s bio:
- Mr. Kellogg conducted 24 opera productions over 16 consecutive seasons for the Washington Opera at the Kennedy Center, Washington D.C. He has also conducted performances at the Teatro d’Opera di Roma, Teatro San Carlo Opera of Napoli, Teatro Reggio di Parma, Teatro San Carlos Felice di Genova, San Francisco Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Montreal, Canadian Opera Company, Houston Grand Opera, Utah Opera, Portland Opera and Seattle Opera.
When I talked with Cal at the first rehearsal back in October he told me that after he got married later in life and had two little boys he decided that he needed to slow down and focus more on family. Well, his decision to slow down is such a gift to our community. I can easily see our ensemble grow in leaps and bound musically under his musical leadership! I will now be held to the same standards as the trumpet sections from Washington Opera, Santa Fe Opera, etc. Wow! I’m certainly looking forward to be held accountable for the best musical product that I am capable of!
I just had to share this amazing turn of events!