Our Very Own "Music Man"

Having sung with him in many Pops concerts since I joined the May Festival Chorus in 1981, I can now only sing his praises. While sometimes his concerts were a bit kitschy, and sometimes over the top, they were always energizing and fun.

I will never forget the concert that celebrated his 40th anniversary with the Symphony. He chose the works of his favorite composer, Brahms, and a small group of us sang the lovely Liebeslieder Waltzes as we gathered around him in front of the orchestra. It was one of the high points in my May Festival Chorus career.

I will also never forget a time when I auditioned for him, over 25 years ago. I was terribly nervous and told him so. He reached across the music stand and held my hand while I sang. I didn’t get the gig, but his generosity and kindness to a terrified singer meant more to me than anything else at that moment.

Here’s to a future “Erich Kunzel School for the Creative and Performing Arts!”

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112443937

This NPR link will let you read about Erich Kunzel and hear some of his music.