I was doing live weather at the Oregon Symphony’s Concert In The Park this week. Â
There were thousands of people there.
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It was a perfect Portland summer night at Waterfront Park. 75 degrees as the Orchestra started to play and 68 when the 1812 Overture and Fireworks finished.
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And I had the chance to interview the man who runs the show with enthusiasm, passion and a huge head of hair. I could use some of that hair for sure!
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In my ongoing series of Friday interviews, I’m talking with Oregon Symphony Director Carlos Kalmar. He grew up in South America but his parents were Austrian. The end result is a really cool accent….that you can’t hear on the blog. So sorry!
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#1 To be the director of something like the Oregon Symphony, you must have played music from early on. How old were you when you started and what did you play?Â
I started to play violin when I was 6 years old
I started to play violin when I was 6 years old
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#2 What do you like best about your job?
The moments in a concert when the entire room full of people (the audience and the orchestra together) breathe in such a way that we are unified. It’s magic!
The moments in a concert when the entire room full of people (the audience and the orchestra together) breathe in such a way that we are unified. It’s magic!
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#3 How many people are in the Oregon Symphony–and do the musicians get paid?
Considering all the people with an income, (musicians and staff) we are a bit over a hundred people. Of course the musicians get paid!! This is a highly trained orchestra, the musicians have invested a lot of time and effort until they got to this job. Like myself, they all have started at a very young age to commit themselves to this great profession.
Considering all the people with an income, (musicians and staff) we are a bit over a hundred people. Of course the musicians get paid!! This is a highly trained orchestra, the musicians have invested a lot of time and effort until they got to this job. Like myself, they all have started at a very young age to commit themselves to this great profession.
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#4 What’s the most important thing you’d tell a young person who dreams of playing in a symphony some day?
 Practice, Practice Practice!
 Practice, Practice Practice!
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#5 You’ve had great weather the last few years for the Concert In The Park. Is it true you’re bribing the weatherman?
The weatherman is new friend! No bribes needed… He does a great job!
The weatherman is new friend! No bribes needed… He does a great job!
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Sure, sure. Carlos, I’ve heard it all before. As soon as it rains on your summer concert you’ll be running me out of there. Let’s hope this never happens!
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You can find the Oregon Symphony on Facebook and Twitter.
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