A Conversation with Guest Conductor Nicholas Wallin

So far this season, we have performed under three guest conductors. Each has brought their own personal artistic perspective to the podium. On May 3, the fourth and final guest conductor, Nicholas Wallin, takes the stage in a program entitled Appalachia. 

Q.  Can you share with us an early memory that helped inspire you to pursue music?

 As a highschooler, I spent four summers at music camp at Interlochen in my home state of Michigan.  It’s a magical place!  Being surrounded by other musicians, practicing, rehearsing, performing every week – that’s when I knew that I needed music to be the focus of my career.

Q. If you weren’t a music professor and conductor, what would you be?

 Well, this is much more of a dream than reality, but if I hadn’t had that formative experience at Interlochen, I’d like to think that my baseball career would have taken off and I would have ended up as a slick-fielding utility infielder for the Chicago Cubs!  At my age, my playing days would be over so I’d like to imagine myself as a manager or coach by now.  I got to live out this fantasy a bit as a Little League coach when my sons were young boys.

Q. While the audience might already be familiar with Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, can you tell us a little about William Schuman’s New England Triptych and W.G. Still’s Poem for Orchestra?

 William Schuman used music written by a colonial-era composer, William Billings, as the source material for the Triptych.  It is a colorful, dramatic set of three short pieces that displays (as Schuman wrote): “the sinewy ruggedness, deep religiosity, and patriotic fervor that we associate with the Revolutionary period in American history.”

William Grant Still composed his Poem during World War 2.  It is a journey from darkness into light that represents the hopes of a Nation re-born into a state of grace.

Q. Your day job is as Professor of Music at Lake Forest College, where you conduct and teach. What draws you to the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra (besides the convenient commute!)?

I’m interested in strengthening the ties between the College and the Community.  I’m also interested in creating an ever-widening circle of artistic excellence, kindness, and togetherness.

 Q. Why are community orchestras like the LFCO important today?

Where else can folks from a variety of backgrounds come together to learn and work, with the opportunity to make something beautiful?  Community orchestras have that opportunity every time they rehearse.  The added bonus is that we also have the opportunity to share that beautiful experience with our community, families, and friends.

 Each LFCO concert this season is followed by a reception with light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the conductors in person. Join us!