Want to help DSO choose its next music director? Here's how to learn more

For years, people have asked if I take long vacations after the Delaware Symphony Orchestra season wraps up in the spring.

While the staff and I do find moments to unwind, summer is actually one of the busiest times for the DSO — and orchestras everywhere — as we prepare for the upcoming season in the fall.

Our musicians remain very active, often traveling to perform at prestigious music festivals across the country. DSO musicians are highly sought after, contributing their talents and expertise at venues such as the Colorado Music Festival, Glimmerglass Opera, Luzerne Music Center and Santa Fe Opera.

Our small but mighty staff is also very busy with the attendance at industry conferences, creation of new marketing materials, updating mailing lists, securing concert sponsorships, writing grants, and the design and production of two volumes of concert programs, all tasks that must be completed by the end of August.

However, by the third week of September, we will all reconvene in Delaware to start rehearsals for the opening concert of our 119th season.

This upcoming year is particularly special as we embark on the search for our next music director — a pivotal moment in any orchestra's life. Our first four concerts of the season will feature the finalists for the position conducting the DSO, and letting us all witness history in the making.

This is a rare and significant occasion that we should all feel privileged to be a part of. The DSO has had only five music directors over the past 119 years, each leader leaving a lasting impact on the orchestra. The opportunity to be part of selecting the next one is both exciting and momentous.

Several people have asked, "What exactly is a music director, and what do they do?"  A music director's role extends far beyond what most might imagine. According to the official job description, their primary objectives are to "enhance the orchestra's artistic potential and deepen its connections with the Delaware community and beyond. Duties include selecting repertoire, programming concerts, overseeing artistic production, and actively participating in fundraising efforts — each supporting the DSO's core values and mission."

While this description covers the basics, the music director also serves as the orchestra's principal conductor and artistic leader, guiding the musical experience our musicians bring to life and our audience hears. They collaborate with the board's artistic steering committee on music selection and the choice of guest artists.

This programming process is collaborative and complex, balancing the diverse tastes of our community while acknowledging that it's rarely possible to please everyone. In addition, the music director also has a vital role in the orchestra's development efforts and strategic planning and holds the final say in auditions when positions in the orchestra become open.

Beyond these musical and administrative responsibilities, the music director serves as one of the primary ambassadors for the DSO. They must be positive and charismatic communicators capable of engaging with the community and sharing their passion for our work in a way that resonates with all. At the DSO, we're searching for someone whose passion and energy can inspire our musicians and our audience, both on the stage and in person-to-person interactions with all the communities we serve.

One exciting aspect of this season is that our patrons will have a voice in the selection process. All concertgoers will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on each candidate via an online survey, contributing to this important decision. Your impressions, reactions and thoughts about your experience with each finalist will inform and guide us as we proceed.

However, the most significant part of this selection process will be gauging the success of the relationship between the candidate and the orchestra musicians. Ultimately, this will show us all that we need. The relationship between the music director and the orchestra is often likened to a marriage — if the chemistry isn't there, it simply won't work.

Having been a working musician in many orchestras, I can tell you that it becomes apparent quickly when that connection isn't there. But when it is, the results are nothing short of magical.

Over the next season, we will all be watching and listening closely. I can assure you that all four of our finalists —Mélisse Brunet on Sept. 20, Filippo Ciabatti on Nov. 15, Taichi Fukumura on Jan. 24, and Michelle Di Russo on March 28 — will bring their best to the table.

We are very happy to welcome them all to the First State, and look forward to finding the perfect fit for our orchestra, our audiences, and our community.

So, while summer is coming to a close and I've not taken any big long vacations, I am preparing for a nine-month journey that will be unforgettable, challenging and immensely rewarding.

J.C. Barker is chief executive officer of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Want to help DSO choose its next music director? Here's how to learn more