Submitted by Anonymous: Hello Jason. #askaconductor was great fun - hope you enjoyed it, too. Love your tumblr site, and many of the pics. Do you chase guest conducting arrangements? If so, is it through people you already know, or do you 'submit' materials? I simply don't have the contacts in the US, nor sufficient recent professional experience. Stephen http://stephenpbrown.com
Thanks, Stephen, and likewise – #askaconductor was indeed a blast.
I generally don’t pursue many one-off appearances, as I believe the prevalence of guest conducting [the bulk of which is agent-driven] and the concurrent reduction in the activities of music directors with orchestras they lead are generally counter to ensembles’ artistic health and the goals they should be striving to achieve in their communities. There are certainly exceptions to this point of view, but everyone – from audience to performers – seems to benefit most from artistic relationships that are formed and deepened by repeated collaboration. When I do look for guest gigs, they tend to be things like all-state orchestras which feature different conductors [and players] from year to year.
I also believe very much in the idea of ‘fit’ as it pertains to leadership at performing arts organizations, so along those lines I try to learn as much as I can about the history and culture of an orchestra and its community before I pursue a job there. Generally speaking, when quality opportunities arise for me they often do so because of a connection with someone at or close to the organization, and in almost all cases that connection leads to a good fit with the orchestra.
Now on to more important issues: since you enjoyed your stop over here on Tumblr perhaps we need to see you on the Dashboard …
