My Broadway debut
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- I had the honor to conduct the Play-out music for the November 30, 2017 performance of Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic Theater, Broadway, NYC. This video was taken by Mr. David Lai, Music Director- Thank you
Having heard many different performances of the Exit Music across the years, it never ceases to amaze me how different conductors interpret maybe one of the most familiar pieces in musical theatre. There are performances where it sounds scrappy and rushed, pretty workmanlike performances, and then there are performances like this... What can I say, but Bravo? You make it positively luxurious. You shape the piece so that yes, it's essentially a piece that says "OK, it's over, get out!" but also that recalls the opulent romanticism of the show. You're in control, not just beating time but shaping the performance. Elegant, warm reverie in these familar melodies. Just magnificent. In awe, and envy.
Thank you very much, it was. a thrill of a lifetime. The pit musicians were awesome! They have a great music director. Too bad it has closed.
@@ViolinRepairGuy It's running for a bit longer in London - albeit in a neutered, penny-pinching production with half the orchestra missing. :(
@@glagolitic That's a shame what a great show
I wolf so love to do this, for almost any musical. Mazel Tov on getting the opportunity. @@ViolinRepairGuy
Bravo! What a swell thing to pop up on my opera feed.
✨
Years ago, I attended a performance of Phantom at the Majestic with a friend. We both knew someone who worked backstage on the show and got those nice plush seats up in the balcony box; we had a great view of the stage and orchestra. Since both my friend and I were musicians, it wasn't hard to notice when the actor who was playing the Phantom at the time got a little ahead of the orchestra - we both watched the conductor trying to get his attention, lol. The audience would have been unaware as it was subtle. It was cool to watch the conductor keep everything on track even with that small challenge. Even professionals have their off-days ;-)
Wow what a dream. I’ve always wanted to play in a pit orchestra. Sounds great!
Thank you
What an amazing feeling this must have been for you, congratulations!
Thank you
wow this awesome! your cues are so clean & clear, my goodness. i'm guessing that comes with experience but i can only dream of becoming that good at conducting (currently a music ed major!) I was a violist in my high school production of phantom, and finally saw the show on broadway after waiting 4 years, and got to talk with Mr. Lai after the show! however, it was quite embarrassing, i got so emotional that i could barely get any words out through my tears haha but he was so nice!
Thank you
is amazing, congratulations.
Literally got chills!! Amazing job, man!! 😁🤘🏼
Thank you
and this sounds nice. i'm not afraid of this at all, unlike the show itself.
Thank you, I am a teacher and youth orchestra conductor. Repairing instruments is just a lot side line.
Amazing! So beautiful!
Thank you
Bravooooo!!!
Such a great show to debut in
I'd go to every show just to spend the whole time in the pit 🥰
im crying. this is so amazing. i love the play out.
Thank you
Don't know you but as a Pro muso this must have been a big night for you & ON BROADWAY.......CONGRATULATIONS
Thank you
fantastic!
This is amazing! Wow
Congratulations!
great job!
Bravo, Sir. Great job! :)
very clear conducting, i’d love to know what this man’s doing now
Hello, Thank you very much, The orchestra was sensational. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to conduct on Broadway. I am the Music Director of the Harford Youth Orchestra, in Harford County MD. www.harfordyouthorchestra.org/
i know my reply is late. but congratulations. what was the whole thing the guy was telling the audience at the beginning of the video. i was cracking up at it. lol
The Phantom was talking about donating to Actors Equity program fighting AIDS and other issues. Also selling memorabilia. Great night
did anyone play an acoustic guitar in this orchestra? i think i almost heard it.
No but there’s 2 keyboard players. Could’ve been them
@@ViolinRepairGuy Love it!
There should’ve been an electric guitarist for the title song though
@@adamdrummer1991 There is. It's pre-recorded. (Note that the first 20 measures of the overture are also pre-recorded exclusively, then the orchestra joins in).
How many years have you been conduction shows?
are you a regular musician in the pit?
Hi, No, I am an instrumental music teacher and conductor. This was a 60th birthday present. It was a premium for a donation to Actors Equity's against AIDS fund. It was a blast.
@@ViolinRepairGuy I can tell it was a blast. I would love to do that kind of stuff. I am a violist.
i'm guessing like all the others who came before you, you didn't have the luxury of having the sheet music in front of you?
Danny Eyheralde I had a lead sheet and a good recording. I had most of the cues and tempo changes memorized so I could enjoy the moment. The orchestra was fabulous and their music director was great to work with.
@@ViolinRepairGuy any recollection on who the MD was at that performance? "Phantom" to my knowledge is the only show on broadway to have more than 1 full time music director , I think Broadway has 4 in addition to the assistant who plays keyboard.
@Jacob Reesorah ok. that makes sense since he's top-billed for that department.
@Jacob Reesorindeed I was lucky enough to chat a bit post-show with Kristen Blodgette back in 2010 )I had seats in row BB on the Friday before father's day. I had a great time that night. years later I discovered this: th-cam.com/video/0qw_oFguagY/w-d-xo.html
@Jacob Reesoroh wow I didn't know she went that far back witrh the show (I know when it came to Broadway in '88 she started with that production as a Keyboardist and associte MD.
Seems to me you are a little more than a “violin repair guy” 😊 🫡
Thank you