The Post-Concert Greens

Some conductors have the post-concert blues.  I have the post-concert greens—green for green light, green for well done, green for bravo!

That’s partly because I have such a wonderful bunch of singers.  They are dedicated to delivering absolutely the best they can at our performances, and to having fun at the same time.  This enjoyment of the music and of the art of performing spins back and forth between me and the singers during a performance through small smiles, twinkling eyes, intensity of expression, rhythmic body responses, thumbs-up signs from me, in an unending flow.  It’s part of the delight of performing.  You in the audience probably don’t see more than a fraction of the communication that goes on between conductor and singer. 

It’s also because it’s so satisfying to work together to create something of beauty.  You plan, rehearse, revisit, rehearse, train, plan, rehearse, and then it’s time to step on stage, inspire the singers, and make it happen.  And it does!  And it is electrifying, a real rush of pleasure and joy.  That was especially true for me as we performed Betelehemu, an African Christmas number which involves rhythmic swaying and hand motions, not always easy for white singers!  We worked very hard on it, and the singers performed beautifully.

The perfect green moment for the season!

Dr. Linda Gingrich, D.M.A
Artistic Director/Conductor

Master Chorus Eastside