Tacoma Symphony: Harvey Felder 'brings to the podium a refreshing combination of talents.'

[Harvey Felder]

Maestro Harvey Felder will be Guest Conductor for the Chicago Sinfonietta's April 19 concert, “Past Tense, Future Tense.” Here is a brief introduction to his career in conducting, from his bio at the website of the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra in Tacoma, Washington:

Tacoma Symphony Orchestra

Harvey Felder, Music Director

“Harvey Felder, described by Symphony Magazine as 'one of America's promising conductors,' brings to the podium a refreshing combination of talents. He is known for his deeply moving performances of the great 'Classical' repertory as well as his entertaining performances on Pops stages across this country. Mr. Felder has distinguished himself as a leader among his generation of conductors. 'Felder is widely regarded for his effective and quality programming and performances' (Saint Louis Star). He has been characterized as having an affable and magnetic podium demeanor which helps audiences feel immediately welcomed, comfortable, and connected to his performances.

“Mr. Felder is entering his eighteenth season as music director of the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra. He has also served as assistant conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony, Resident conductor of the Saint Louis Symphony, conductor of special projects with the Atlanta Symphony, and artistic adviser/conductor of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. Additionally, Mr. Felder has held the post of music director with the Fox Valley (WI) Symphony, the Johns Hopkins Symphony (MD), and the Ann Arbor Summer Symphony (MI).

“During the 1991 'Carnegie Hall at 100' celebration, Mr. Felder was invited to make his Carnegie Hall debut, conducting the American Symphony Orchestra. The success of these performances led to the beginning of an exciting and active guest conducting career.” “Mr. Felder has studied conducting with Max Rudolf, Gustav Meier, Gunther Schuller, Elizabeth Green, Zdenek Macal, David Zinman, Gennady Rozdestvensky, Kurt Mazur, and Seiji Ozawa. He attended the Festival at Sandpoint, the Conductor’s Guild Summer Institute, and the Tanglewood Music Center. Felder holds degrees in music from The University of Wisconsin-Madison and The University of Michigan.”