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The Maestro Returns
 Former President of the Bellevue Philharmonic Board of Directors and current BBRC member John Sheeran introduced what has become one of the most looked-forward-to programs of the year at the BBRC. It was the return of Fusao Kajima for another invigorating glance at the world of classical music.
Mr. Kajima is conductor and music director of the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra, long a mainstay on the Eastside. Arriving to take the helm of the organization over three years ago, great strides have been made to give the orchestra greater professionalism and the ability to perform great classical works. Kajima came to the United States when he was 16 and earned his music degree at the University of Michigan. BBRC member Lorraine Gunderson serves on the Philharmonic board, and Rotarian Wendi Fischer has helped to produce television programs about the orchestra.
Newly-minted member Sayoko Powell was called upon to interpret Fusao’s opening remarks. It all boiled down to, “I’m very honored to be here.”
“Many orchestras are having problems during economic downturns. The Toronto symphony is in a serious crisis. I hear some people saying, ‘How much merit is there to present classical music in the 21st Century?’ This music has gone through many years of scrutiny. It’s old and it’s good and it’s worth performing.”
Last year’s visit by Fusao was a clinic on conducting. “Let’s review what we learned,” he said. “Vertical strokes by the conductor shows the beat, while the Horizontal is a matter of density and cues when the performers come in. Conducting shows how the conductor manipulates the musicians to play as one.”
Now comes “Conducting 102!” “The subject is Cueing: bringing in the various instruments, based on their structure within the orchestra. It’s very much like inviting the instrument in … entrances are different depending on the instrument. Players are different, too. Some have to be told to enter, some invited, some ordered! For instance, French Horn players are quite intellectual – they don’t need any help! Oboe players might be insecure. I have to spoon-feed some of the members of the orchestra. In many cases, we need to customize each entrance. Just as you Rotarians use management techniques, so, too, does the conductor.”
Density is described as “stretching and phrasing … every instrument needs a human touch to produce harmonics and phrasing. To show that I’m not a fake, here’s a video of one of our performances last year.” He then showed the video of himself conducting the Philharmonic. He gave a play-by-play to illustrate what he meant by bringing in each instrument and blending it all together.
From the audience came questions: How often do you rehearse for a performance? Answer: “Generally, about four times just before concert. The musicians get their music about a month before performance and we put the program together in these four rehearsals.”
Question: What is the make-up of the orchestra, i.e., where do the musicians come from? Answer: “About a third of our orchestra are professional musicians, who make a living playing in other orchestras and doing other musical gigs. Another third are teachers who have a stable of students and may also be teaching at a regular job. And, a combo of musicians who have day jobs, as well, as play in other groups.”
Question: How do you fund the orchestra? Answer: “Thirty-five percent of our budget comes from ticket sales, with the balance from grants, foundations, corporate contributions. We’ve made dramatic improvements in the structure of our orchestra and its funding. I would hope for a Performing Arts Center on the Eastside someday soon. The exciting time is the near future (the next five years).”
Question: What’s your favorite music? Answer: “North African pop music. But, I like most kinds of music.” Rob Lemmon wrapped up Fusao’s BBRC gig with a remark that conducting isn’t what it used to be: “No more throwing of chairs or throwing musicians around a la Toscanini, eh?” Fusao agreed that they don’t do that anymore!
President Goldfarb thanked Mr. Kajima with a contribution to Rotary First Harvest in his name.
The orchestra’s next performance is the Festival of Lights at the Wintergarden of Bellevue Place this Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. A program of holiday music, it is designed especially to entertain the younger set. Westminster Chapel is the scene of the performance of The Messiah on Saturday, December 15, featuring the voices of the Bellevue Chamber Chorus. You may find out more by calling (425) 455-4171, or emailing info@bellevuephil.org, or visiting the website at www.bellevuephil.org.
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