ROCHESTER, NY — Two new faces, which no doubt will become familiar to Rochester concertgoers in the months and years to come, will take the Eastman Theatre podium in the coming weeks to lead two of the Eastman School of Music’s premier ensembles.
Mark Scatterday makes his official debut as conductor of the renowned Eastman Wind Ensemble in the group’s first concert of its 51st season at 8 p.m., Friday, September 27. The all-Czech program features Janácek’s Sokol Fanfare from Sinfonietta; Dvorák’s Serenade; Lobos Fiser’s Report; and Karel Husa’s Music for Prague 1968. Scatterday, an Eastman alumnus who replaces emeritus Wind Ensemble conductor Donald Hunsberger, returns to his alma mater after chairing the music department at Cornell University since 1997.
“I am thrilled to be only the fourth conductor in 50 years of undoubtedly the finest wind ensemble in the world,” said Scatterday. “Although I’m an Eastman and Wind Ensemble alumnus, the feeling that this is all new again — combined with the incredible energy and talents of the students will make for an incredible evening for all.”
Neil Varon, who comes to Eastman after a prominent European conducting career for the past 30 years, will lead his first concert as conductor of the Eastman Philharmonia, the School’s acclaimed symphony orchestra, at 8 p.m., Friday, October 4. The program includes Bach’s Toccata & Fugue in D Minor (arranged by Stokowski); Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis; and Brahms’ Symphony No. 4. Earlier that week, at 8 p.m., Monday, September 30, he will conduct the Eastman School Symphony Orchestra for the first time. The program includes the music of Mozart, Smetana, and Dvorák.
“I am pleased to be working with Eastman’s talented young musicians, and giving them the benefits of my professional experience,” said Varon upon his arrival at Eastman. “I hope to enrich our musical community not only with our performances, but also to reach out for meaningful dialogue with other artists and the public.”
Both concerts are free and open to the public, and take place in Eastman Theatre (60 Gibbs St.).
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Note to editors: Photos of and interviews with both conductors are possible.