Precision, Passion, & Perfection

My Journey with the Austin Symphony Orchestra

There’s something truly electrifying about being on stage with a full symphony orchestra. The sheer power of 80 musicians moving in perfect synchrony, the ebb and flow of sound, the conversations between instruments—this is music at its most profound. Over the years, my career has taken me to jazz clubs, festival stages, and recording studios, but performing with the Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO) under Peter Bay stands apart as an unparalleled artistic experience.

A Commitment to Excellence

I've long admired Peter Bay’s masterful leadership of the ASO. His ability to shape every phrase, guide each section, and draw out the subtlest details in the music is astounding. Watching him conduct George Gershwin’s "An American in Paris" from my seat at the piano was a revelation. The score itself is a masterwork—constantly shifting tempos, textures, and emotions—but in Bay’s hands, it became something even more alive.

So often, orchestral music is viewed as rigid, bound by the notation on the page. But with a conductor like Peter Bay, it breathes. It flows. It transforms with every gesture of his baton. Precision, passion, and perfection—this is the standard he upholds, and as a musician, it’s both humbling and exhilarating to be a part of that process.

🎶 Inside the Orchestra: A Musician’s View

Here’s an exclusive look inside the **Austin Symphony Orchestra**, from the pianist’s perspective. Experience the power and precision of a **live 80-piece ensemble** as we rehearse for an unforgettable performance.

Step into the heart of the orchestra and witness the magic unfold.

A Thriving Musical Legacy

In a time when orchestras across the country—and indeed the world—struggle to survive (as we recently saw with the heartbreaking closure of the San Antonio Symphony), the Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO) continues to thrive. It has grown, evolved, and elevated its artistry, becoming a beacon of excellence.

I’ve had the privilege of witnessing this firsthand. Since my early encounters with the ASO in the 1970s, I have watched it flourish into the world-class ensemble it is today. Austin itself is a magnet for top-tier musicians, a city brimming with creativity and culture. The ASO has the luxury of selecting the finest musicians, building a symphonic force unlike any other. It’s no wonder that Maestro Peter Bay calls Austin home.

I’ve had the privilege of witnessing this evolution firsthand. Since my early encounters with the ASO in the 1970s, I have watched it flourish into the world-class ensemble it is today. Austin itself, a city brimming with culture and artistic energy, naturally draws some of the finest musicians from around the world—artists who choose to make this city their home. This is the secret to ASO’s excellence: an orchestra that can handpick the very best, creating a symphonic force unlike any other. It’s no wonder that Peter Bay himself calls Austin home.

The Artistry of Peter Bay

There is something mesmerizing about watching Peter Bay conduct. His hands move with a visual poetry, transforming the score into something alive and deeply felt. His nuance, precision, and sheer passion are nothing short of astounding.

Recently, I sat at the piano, immersed in the orchestra as we rehearsed Gershwin’s An American in Paris. It’s a piece many know and love, but when you truly examine the score, you realize its brilliance—every few measures, the tempo shifts, the character evolves, the notation changes. Under Peter’s direction, each transition felt effortless, every phrase carried fresh energy.

🎶 The Art of Conducting – Peter Bay in Motion

Step inside the **Austin Symphony Orchestra** and witness the brilliance of **Maestro Peter Bay** in action. From delicate nuances to sweeping grandeur, his conducting is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Watch as he shapes every note with passion, precision, and artistry.

A Symphony of Soloists

But it’s not just the conductor—it’s the orchestra itself that leaves me breathless.

🎵 The soloists! The oboe, the two flutes, the violin, the entire string section, the brass, the soaring trumpet solo, the depth of the bass clarinet, the warmth of the trombones, the intricate textures of the percussion—each musician contributes to a grand tapestry of sound.

To be seated among them as principal pianist is an honor I have cherished since my earliest dreams as a college student in Austin. Now, fifty years later, I am here, in the midst of this splendor, living that dream.

🎶 Austin Symphony Orchestra – Gershwin Rehearsal

Experience the **power and elegance** of the **Austin Symphony Orchestra** as we bring Gershwin’s *An American in Paris* to life. The energy, the artistry, the precision—this is music in motion.

Take a **front-row seat** inside the orchestra and feel the music unfold in real-time.

The Gift of Improvisation

After a recent rehearsal, Peter Bay took a moment to speak with me. His words were simple but profound: beyond technical perfection, the most important thing in my performance must be beauty and love in every note.

Then, he did something remarkable—he invited me to improvise. Three times, within the elegant architecture of Duke Ellington’s Three Black Kings, I had the freedom to bring my own voice to the music. I approached the task with reverence, striving to honor Ellington’s legacy while weaving in my own perspective. It was an experience both exhilarating and humbling.

A Dream Fulfilled

To perform as a soloist with the ASO is one of the greatest pinnacles of my career. It is a challenge, a privilege, and a joy. And to be part of this orchestra—a beacon of excellence in a world where so many struggle—is something I will never take for granted.

🎩 Hats off to the ASO.
🎼 Hats off to Peter Bay.
🙏 With deepest gratitude—thank you.