Sometimes your perspective can be invisible. It’s hard to see, sometimes, that we even have a perspective. The way I see things is influenced by my experiences, my past, my values – and ideally I understand that that perspective exists.
Take a concrete example. Some of the singers in the chorus I prepared for the Grand Rapids Symphony concerts this weekend were very anxious about the size – 19 people. Indeed, some of my colleagues were, too. I never was, and I admit that at first I thought it was simply because I’m optimistic by nature. I even considered that those perspectives were right, and I should be worried about potential musical failure. (They weren’t – the ensemble performed this weekend to acclaim and positive comments from audience members, symphony musicians, and most importantly the conductor.)
The truth is, I was coming at a 19-voice ensemble with a different perspective. I’ve had a career mostly working with ensembles of around a dozen, plus or minus. To me, a 19-voice group is actually on the large side. But those chorus members who are used to singing in ensembles with well over 100 members, 19-voices can feel scant. It was the perspective, not the reality, that shaped our different viewpoints.
When I understood that, I relaxed and helped them make music together. Our viewpoints were different, but we came together to an outstanding conclusion.
Thanks to the Grand Rapids Symphony and Symphony Chorus for having me as their guest conductor this weekend. It was a lovely chance to work with some lovely people and make some really excellent music.