In 2000 I participated in the inaugural National Conducting Institute, a groundbreaking conductor development program created by Leonard Slatkin. Over subsequent seasons I covered a number of concerts for Leonard at the National Symphony Orchestra.
Learning under his direction and observing him in Washington taught me a tremendous amount about the ways a music director can foster engagement both within an orchestra and between it and its community.
Now Detroit and its superb symphony are fortunate that he's at it again.