Michael Korn has been the Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra’s Music Director and Conductor since 2009. As we approach the WPO’s Holiday Pops performance on Sunday, December 1st, we wanted to get Michael’s personal perspective on making music with the WPO.
Michael, how would you describe your experience conducting the Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra? It has been several exciting years! The orchestra has grown in size and, most importantly, in artistry. And last but not least, we became really good friends!
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You conduct, perform as a violinist, and teach. Do these different roles complicate your life, or do you see them as all merging to create a “whole” life as a musician? In fact, I tremendously enjoy doing all three things. Perhaps, sometimes it makes me feel just like the "Old Guard" did. People like Benjamin Carr or William Billings*; I like being able to create music in a number of different ways and pass the thrill of it to others: musicians, students, and the audience.
* Benjamin Carr (September 12, 1768 – May 24, 1831) was an American composer, singer, teacher, and music publisher. [From Wikipedia.]
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William Billings (October 7, 1746 – September 26, 1800) was an American choral composer, and is widely regarded as the father of American choral music. Billings created what is now recognized as a uniquely American style. Billings was born and died in Boston, Massachusetts. [From Wikipedia.]
Your wife, attorney Beth Nussbaum-Korn, and your father, Maxim Korn, are also violinists, who have played occasionally with the WPO. What does it mean to you to have music as a "family affair"? It really is a wonderful family affair! In addition to my wife and dad, my mom is a musicologist, and my kids play instruments. And my wife's family is very musical, including one of her brothers, who just so successfully performed on a vacuum cleaner with the WPO!
[Blogger’s note: If you didn’t come to the WPO’s concert, Zombies! Witches! Vacuum Cleaners! in October, you really missed something! This was a tribute to Michael’s very creative programming!]
The WPO’s annual Holiday Pops is coming up soon (December 1). What’s different about the Pops from the rest of the season, and what do you especially enjoy about that difference? Oh, every time [we perform the Pops] is a bit different and yet, “Let It Snow,” and more holiday favorites will be played again. I am pretty sure that Santa may visit once more. He tells me that he likes it here, at the WPO: "The audience is fun, the musicians are cool, and the food is great!" [Blogger’s note: How great to get an endorsement from Santa!] However, a couple of new things are on the plate this time: my 7-year-old son will play a lovely violin piece with us, and the orchestra will play "Russian Christmas Music" for the first time in many years. It is a powerful piece (like everything Russian!) to make us feel warm in the winter time.
What would you like to tell members of the public who might not ordinarily consider attending classical concerts that might entice them to come to the WPO’s live performances? Come to hear us, check us out--we are awesome!
Thank you, Michael!
The WPO really is awesome, and has entertained and instructed music lovers and “newbies” in Waltham and the surrounding areas since 1985. We give musicians and audience members a warm welcome, and are pleased that our organization and audience keep growing.
Keep in mind that the forecast has some stormy weather coming during the week before Sunday—so think about getting warm and cozy at the Pops! It’s the perfect place to bring visiting friends and relatives, and it’s a great time for kids! Not to mention that it’s a perfect way to treat yourself, to get infused with the holiday spirit, and relax before you get into serious shopping mode!
Reserve now, while seats are still available!The WPO Holiday Pops is sponsored in part by People's United Bank, who we gratefully acknowledge for their generosity.
Sunday, December 1st
2 p.m. Reception ~ 3 p.m. Music Program
American Legion Post 440
295 California Street, Newton MA
Tickets: $30 per person; $250 Table for Ten
Ticket Line: 857-919-1385
or order online: www.wphil.org
