Karina, on her Tanglewood Fellowship Experience!

I have just completed 8 weeks as a conducting fellow at Tanglewood. To describe this experience in words is virtually impossible, as it encompassed so many different and memorable musical experiences.  It is a truly incredible place where the most inspiring musicians come from all corners of the world to perform, rehearse, and listen to one another’s performances. I had the opportunity to work closely with Charles Dutoit, Emmanuel Ax, Andris Nelsons, and many, many other incredible artists.  Having John Williams come up to me and say, “I saw some of your rehearsal the other day, you are fantastic!” was a pinch-me moment that could only happen at Tanglewood, where you never know who might wander into one of your rehearsals!  Memories of my performances and the friendships I made this summer will remain close to my heart for a very long time.  I’m so grateful to the amazing administration of the Boston Symphony, as well, for including the conducting fellows in their lives for the summer, and for always making us feel that we are colleagues of the visiting artists, introducing us to everyone, and listening to all of our performances.  This summer surely was transformative in many ways, I worked hard than ever, and I’m sure I will continue to realize the results of my time at Tanglewood in the coming months.

Here’s a photo of my debut conducting in the Shed, at Tanglewood on Parade. Other conductors of the evening were Daniel Cohen, Leonard Slatkin, Stephane Denève, and John Williams!  More later from Dallas, where I’m conducting a full program including music by Dvorak, Chavez, and Haydn on September 4th!  —Karina

karina tanglewood