Page 37 - Phil Holiday Pops 2025 digital program book

Percussion is a very visual part of the orchestra. Do you notice the audience
watching?
Absolutely. There’s a lot of movement happening back there, and I’ve even heard
from people who specifically buy seats close to the percussion section so they can
watch us work. It’s flattering — and it keeps us on our toes!
Do you have favorite pieces to perform?
I love Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz for its orchestration and story line; and
The Planets by Holst for its scope and sheer beauty — both are full of challenging,
rewarding percussion writing, too. I’m also a big fan of film music. There’s over a
century of incredible film composers and their scores to choose from.
The experience is very different between concerts. Pops concerts involve playing
numerous percussion instruments and movement. Classical concerts involve more
sitting and waiting — and then suddenly you stand up and play, and everyone is
watching and listening. It’s mentally intense, and you have to stay fully engaged
no matter how long the rests are.
What do you think makes percussion such an expressive art form?
Even when we’re not playing, we have to be mentally, musically, and emotionally
inside the piece. The soul and heart of the music we play has to come through in
how we bring the black notes on the page to life — with balance, nuance, texture,
and touch. It’s all about making the orchestra sound whole.

Your grandson seems to enjoy your concerts too!
Yes! My grandson Oliver is three, and he’s already a little musician at heart.
There’s a video of him at the Fourth of July concert imitating Steven Karidoyanes
conducting — it’s priceless. He came to the All Ages concert in March and when
we were playing Wagner he was completely still, just absorbing everything. It was
fascinating to see that. He still enjoys conducting music on YouTube videos.
What makes the Plymouth Philharmonic special to you?
The Phil is a unique artistic and cultural gem in this region. It’s not just the
musicians — the Board, staff and volunteers work incredibly hard. Together, we
create something meaningful for the community. During our concerts I think the
orchestra pulls audiences into the music, and they allow themselves to be carried
away by the music.
You also feel the difference between classical and pops audiences. Classical
audiences listen with deep intensity. Pops audiences often burst out with
appreciation — and we absolutely feed off that energy.

Season 2025/26 ~ 35