WOW!!!!

Really tough questions. LOL

This year they are having 26 different conductors. Considering that we reuse many of them year after year I would say that I have probably played with at least 10 new international conductors per year. Probably at least 150 in Malmo, not to mention the extra jobs with less professional conductors. Maybe 50 in Gavle the previous years and possibly 50 here in Florida. I guess I've played with at least 250 different conductors in my life.

It makes a huge difference who the conductor is. If they are good they can direct the orchestras, direction, tempo, phrasing, articulations and feelings for the music. The rehearsals are a big part of the performance as well.

• A good conductor gives you the tempo and conducts the way they want it to sound but doesn't try to over control the orchestra.
• A good conductor doesn't mind the orchestra playing after their beat as long as the orchestra plays together.
• A good conductor gives tempo but cares more about phrasing and music than control. A great orchestra plays together even if they have a bad conductor.
• A great conductor makes you feel like we are all one in the music.

Thanks for the question. I could probably go on forever about this. Unfortunately there are more bad conductors than good. We have a lot of frustrated bad ones out there as well.