1. What is your favorite composer or work (not on the concert you’re conducting) and why?
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As a flute player, I was exposed early and often to French music. Naturally, I am drawn to wonderful colors French composers make.
2. If you were not a conductor, what would you have pursued as a career?
Zookeeper (for Capybara or Sloth) or maybe a Vet
3. What has been your worst travel experience?
Traveling to Japan with a 3 year old who drank too much orange juice on the plane. (I’ll spare you the details.)
4. What are you listening to when you’re not streaming classical music?
True Crime podcasts (don’t judge me)
5. If you could spend a day with a famous composer or musician (living or dead) who would it be and why?
Rossini- I hear he was a great cook, or at least loved to eat!
Roger Kalia, Oct. 3031
1. What is your ultimate comfort food?
My wife Christine makes a delicious jambalaya, which is my ultimate comfort food.
2. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
I would love to live in Italy, particularly in a city like Florence or in Tuscany. The history, wine, and food are extraordinary.
3. If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Play with my dog Burney (named after music historian Charles Burney) or study the many scores on my desk at any given moment.
4. If you were not a conductor, what would you have pursued as a career?
I have always been fascinated by investigative crime shows, so I would probably be a detective of some sort. Likewise, Anthony Bourdain has always been an inspiration for me, and I would love to have my own show where I could travel the world, experience different cultures, and sample a variety of different cuisines.
5. If you could spend a day with a famous composer or musician (living or dead) who would it be and why?
I would love to have dinner and a drink with Leonard Bernstein. I would pick his brain about conducting, particularly his approach to the music of Gustav Mahler.
Geneviève Leclair, Dec. 10 12 19
1. When driving or traveling, do you prefer music or podcasts, and what’s your go-to choice?
Music. Usually something not classical, especially if I’m driving, since classical will distract me from the road! My go-to is my own personal list in which I have about 800-900 songs… my personal nonclassical best-of!
2. What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Jumping in my car with my right foot in a cast and driving 6 hours in a freezing rain storm to go take care of my mom’s dog who developed a life-threatening illness while at the doggy hotel because my mom was overseas for the week.
3. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
Ideally, close to my family and friends. Alternately, anywhere where I feel a sense of belonging and community. And finally, any place where I have the opportunity to make good music with others!
4. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
Ideally, close to my family and friends. Alternately, anywhere where I feel a sense of belonging and community. And finally, any place where I have the opportunity to make good music with others!
5. What is your ultimate comfort food?
I have a sweet tooth. I love mochi ice cream, sorbet, ginger or spruce beer, jelly beans and desserts in general. I also love a good lasagna, gnocchis or French onion soup… if it involves cheese, it’s usually pretty comforting!
