EDGAR HERRERA

energy for both musicians and audiences in new, modern, and better ways."

He's excited to bring contemporary technologies, experiences, and unconventional partnerships that will enhance each performance. "I want everyone who comes to our performances to be amazed. I want them to feel the music and fall in love with it like I have."

introduced a five-year plan with an overarching and ambitious goal: to introduce More Music to More People in More Places. Negotiating with the Music Center at Strathmore to bring the ASO's Masterworks performances to the larger venue was a start. A concert tour of Spain in July was another exciting yet complex project. A new contract with musicians that increases salaries is a significant move that will ensure the ASO brings the area's best musicians to each performance. A three-album recording project, digital performances, and a documentary will help the ASO achieve its multi-dimensional, multifaceted expansion goals.

Edgar sits on his deck, contemplating the challenges of promoting and selling performing arts in an entrepreneurial way. "Past assumptions about musical programming, entertainment, and marketing reflect a world that doesn't exist anymore," he says. "We're challenged by the reality that we must create and stimulate

If you ask Edgar what kind of music he likes, he'll tell you plainly and simply, good music. "There is only good music or bad music," he says. For him, good music is intense, interesting, intelligent, and full of surprises. "Bad music is just noise. That's perdition".

When Edgar, Luz, and their daughters moved from Mexico City in 2020, they settled in Crofton on the advice of people who said it was a good spot for families. "It's very different from Mexico City. It's like an American suburban city. We love it. We are amazed at how big the bugs are. Flies, bees, and crickets are much bigger than in Mexico. The trees are huge," he said. He plays with his 4-year-olds in area parks when he comes home from work. His wife takes his phone, gently telling him to step away from work. When that happens, he retreats to his leafy deck to dream, to read, and of course, to listen to good music.

If you want to connect with Edgar, email him at EHerrera@annapolissymphony.org.