NC State Welcomes New Director of Orchestral
Dr. Peter Askim NC State’s new director of orchestral studies, Dr. Peter Askim, is as vibrant, talented and unique as the ensembles that he began directing Fall Semester 2014.
Askim, a conductor, composer, bassist and educator, is excited about his new role as the conductor of the Raleigh Civic Symphony and the Raleigh Civic Chamber Orchestra. He looks forward to continuing previous conductor Randolph Foy’s emphasis on cutting-edge performance and musical exploration. Askim said, “These orchestras have a history of adventurous programming – a wide range of music is already in the DNA of the groups. I don’t have to squeeze myself into a box here and it is really exciting. This is the kind of music that makes me tick. Playing a wide variety of music is important and it changes the way you play. If you play contemporary music, it changes the way you play Beethoven and vice versa. I look forward to diving in!”
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Prior to his arrival at NC State, Askim served as music director and composer-in-residence at the prestigious Idyllwild Arts Academy in California. At Idyllwild, Askim taught phenomenally talented young high school students who had already committed to pursuing music careers. At NC State, Askim will conduct and teach talented musicians who are all students majoring in something other than music. “You get a more intense experience when people from different backgrounds come together and harness their energy. It makes for more interesting music and people.” Askim said. “I have a liberal arts background. My college orchestra was made up of majors of all different fields and I think it makes for smarter, more engaged musicians. My colleagues from my undergraduate music ensembles have gone on to make major contributions to science, medicine, law and the humanities, in addition to music,” Askim said.