Jacob Walsh / CITY
Originally published on January 27, 2021 10:01 am
Andreas Delfs, the seasoned maestro who the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra named Tuesday as its new music director, is a conventional choice to lead the organization into its centennial year. But there will be something unconventional waiting in the wings of each concert.
“After a long performance, a beer very much revitalizes and re-energizes me,” he said. “I normally have a deal with the stagehand to have one ready for me right when I come offstage. I haven’t established that rapport here yet.”
Delfs, 61, leaned back in his chair as he spoke, a knee resting on a table, a blue sweater over a dress shirt with French cuffs, projecting an air of casual refinement and the confidence of a conductor at a point in his career at which, as he put it, he has nothing to prove to himself or others.
PHOTO BY JACOB WALSH Andreas Delfs has been named the 13th music director of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Andreas Delfs, the seasoned maestro who the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra named Tuesday as its new music director, is a conventional choice to lead the organization into its centennial year. But there will be something unconventional waiting in the wings of each concert. “After a long performance, a beer very much revitalizes and re-energizes me,” he said. “I normally have a deal with the stagehand to have one ready for me right when I come offstage. I haven’t established that rapport here yet.”
Zdeněk Mácal, one of the most prominent Czech conductors of the present day, first gained recognition abroad, and only later shone on the music scene in his native country.
UPAFâs New President, Patrick Rath, on Sustaining Milwaukeeâs Performing Arts in Turbulent Times
Illustration by Ali Bachmann
For obvious reasons, 2020 was not the best year for the performing arts in Milwaukee. Beyond the risk of COVID-19 infections for audience members, staff and performers, such gatherings go against instructions from Gov. Tony Evers. By August, 33.9% of Wisconsinites working in the arts, entertainment and recreation had filed for unemployment, according to data from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. This is a challenge; working to overcome it is the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) that supports some of the biggest names in local entertainment through fundraising. At its helm is Patrick Rath, its new president named in October 2020.