Composing To Save Your Life
Marlene’s Musings April 3, 2018 Shostakovich 1906-1975 Shostakovich was recognized from an early age as one of Russia’s great composers. He completed his first symphony at 19 and by 26, […]
Entries by Melissa Kalal
I Adore Our Audience!
Marlene’s Musings January 1, 2018 I adore our audience! Late last year, Simon Sperl (our fabulous new executive director) and I met a few members of our loyal audience at […]
Ann Bancroft, My Hero
Marlene’s Musings November 1, 2017 Years ago when I was conducting family concerts for the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, I had the idea to ask Arctic Explorer, Ann Bancroft, to […]
Excited for My 8th Season
Marlene’s Musings August 20, 2017 The Wayzata Symphony Orchestra is a unique orchestra. None of its members get paid to play. Their dedication to the orchestra, their disciplined personal preparation, […]
Holst, The Planets – Astrological and Astronomical
Marlene’s Musings April 11, 2017 Holst, The Planets – astrological and astronomical I have been wishing for the opportunity to conduct The Planets by Gustav Holst ever since a friend […]
Youthful Inspiration
Marlene’s Musings July 25, 2016 During the summer when the WSO is off, I do other fun stuff. For the past 7 years, I have been very fortunate to […]
Pondering the Mystery
Marlene’s Musings January 9, 2016 Music is for the people. For all of us, the dumb, the deaf, the dog & jays, handclappers, dancing moon watchers, brainy puzzlers, abstracted whistlers, […]
I Hold In My Hands…
Marlene’s Musings October 26, 2015 It is a humbling thing to hold a score in my hands for the first time. I know it sounds a little crazy but it […]
Out of This World!
Marlene’s Musings September 1, 2015 On October 11, the WSO will be performing Orbit: A Symphonic Fantasy by Karim Elmahmoudi. I found out about Karim and this piece from the cover […]
2015-16 Season Preview: Climbing Higher
Marlene’s Musings July 5, 2015 The WSO has so much in store for the 2015 – 16 season: A world premiere, a composer in residence, well-known soloists and as always, […]