We are busy putting the final touches on the 08/09 orchestra season here in Iowa, culminating the annual process of selecting guest artists, initiating collaborations, building musically rewarding programs, balancing costs and strategizing marketing. If you have heard me speak about my work in person you already know that I believe the contemporary music director's most essential responsibility – along with engaging the local community – is creating subtle, novel and enlightening musical programs that underscore and advance the orchestra's mission.
Perhaps next season I'll offer a blow-by-blow of the entire process in Iowa. In the meantime, a look into how it works in and around the Bay Area.