Making Oregon Home

Dear Friends:

When I accepted the position of Resident Conductor with the Oregon Symphony, I felt that it was going to be one of the best decisions in my life. Beautiful place, nice people, and a vital art scene. And I am also just a flight away from Europe, where I spent the first 29 years of my life. The more I learn about the excellent arts institution that is the Oregon Symphony, the more I know I will not regret my decision to move here.

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Carlos, for whom I have tremendous respect, and all of the hard-working musicians in the orchestra. While you don't always see me on stage, I am always in the hall. My job is to listen, to consult with Carlos on how the concerts are developing and to be ready at a moment's notice should Carlos or a guest conductor not be able to conduct. I also oversee the production of our radio broadcasts, which I enjoy very much.

Keeping a symphony orchestra and, with its help, classical music alive gives you a special connection to the world. You are a link in a worldwide communication chain devoted to supporting this great artform. My career is just beginning, but if you look at my bio you'll see that in addition to my work in Portland I have also conducted in Atlanta, Cairo (Egypt), Berlin, Budapest, London, Milwaukee, Montreal, New York City and Paris. I am thrilled to share the great work being done here in Oregon with everyone outside of Portland and the United States who know me and like what I am doing.

We musicians are doing a hard job. The benefit of this job is that we are doing what we love to do—our job is truly a passion. But it is hard work, because in every second every of every rehearsal and concert we must give our best. In any given moment of a performance, you are hearing the results of many, many decades of collective training and experience. Our whole body and mind, our entire personality needs to be behind every note we play.

And this 24/7 work for me is GREAT FUN with Carlos, the Symphony musicians and staff! Even just after a few months I feel at home In Portland. I'd like all of you to take my Classical series debut as a big thank you for making this possible! I am at home in Portland.

Fondly,

Gregory Vajda