Page 189 - GTMF 2024 Season Program

musicians and audiences alike are variety of programming is amazing. the amazing music making on
reminded of the most precious Additionally, since I spend the rest stage. Along with my role as the
thing we have in the universe: of my year performing opera and Principal Librarian, I’ve played
one another. ballet, GTMF provides a valuable dozens of concerts and had the
opportunity to experience the good fortune to play under the
Thalia Moore symphonic repertoire at the very three longtime GTMF Music
Cello highest level. Directors. While it is hard to
I will never forget the sense of I was so thrilled when Maestro choose a favorite performance,
wonder that I felt as we drove into Runnicles became Music Director in 2014 the orchestra performed
the valley for the first time—the at GTMF! Performing with him Mahler Symphony No. 5 with
sight of the mountains looming at the helm at the San Francisco Donald Runnicles. The beautiful
above, the tranquil fields with Opera had always been a highlight depth of sound of nine double
hundreds of cows and horses of my career there, and I was sad basses (four of which date from
th
grazing, etc. I couldn’t wait to when he left. However, it is my the 17 century) still resonates with
explore everything. Every year good fortune to be able to continue me to this day. I would be remiss
since my first GTMF season in performing under his leadership to not mention last summer’s
2000, I experience the same at GTMF! When selecting the performances of Puccini’s Madama
excitement and joy as we drive weeks when I can attend GTMF, Butterfly as they were transcendent
over the pass and into the valley. I always make sure to include and radiated perfection.
When the first rehearsal started, I “Runnicles weeks.” In my role as Principal Librarian,
was amazed at the glorious sound I look forward to this season at I’ve worked directly with many
and the tremendously high level GTMF, and to (hopefully) several of the world’s great conductors,
of playing. It was an honor to be a more after 2024! soloists and composers. Working
part of this fabulous group. I with Donald directly and making
experience this feeling every year! Robert Stiles music with him on stage has been
In addition to the wonderful Librarian; Double Bass one of the great joys of my career.
musical experience, the Festival What an incredible honor and Beyond the music, I’ve made
provides us with the opportunity great fortune to have participated many lifelong friends at GTMF.
to spend valuable time with our in the Grand Teton Music Festival Spending time with the musicians
families. Our kids have been to the (GTMF) for 25 years—nearly half and staff (who are like family)
Festival every year since their birth of my life! I first came to Jackson floating down String Lake, hiking
and view their time in the Tetons in 1991 for the Grand Teton Music to Table Mountain, or enjoying a
as the highlight of their year. We Festival Seminar. I fell in love with meal (especially parking lot pizza!)
always spend time exploring the the area, the experience of the are always a yearly highlight.
breathtaking scenery via hiking Festival, and hoped to return as a Ultimately, my favorite part of
and camping during the breaks professional in the future. That first being a part of GTMF is having my
between weeks. trip connected me with Paul Ellison, family join me every summer. In my
In 2000, we had just found out who then became my double bass early years, my parents were able
that we were expecting, and along teacher at Rice University (and to enjoy the magic of the Festival
with my partner Anna Kruger, who still performs in the Festival), and the Tetons. Now my wife, son
spent many hours of our free time thus opening doors to a career and dog look forward to enjoying
watching “The Miracle of Life” that I could have never imagined. the music, mountain biking and
and other childbirth-related shows Not long after beginning my experiencing the serenity of nature
on TV. position with the Detroit Symphony, (and we’ve mixed in a few winter
there was an opportunity to return ski trips!). What a privilege to be a
I feel that GTMF is “The Miracle of to GTMF in the summer of 2000, part of GTMF!
Music” in many, many ways. The and it has been my great thrill to
orchestral and chamber music return every summer since.
concerts rank among my very
favorite musical experiences ever. Each summer provides renewal
The colleagues are fabulous, the of mind, body and soul. There is
cello section stellar, and the a magic that is indescribable, not
only in the scenic beauty, but in

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