An Interview with guest conductor Ben Firer
The Lake Forest Civic Orchestra welcomes its first guest conductor and music director candidate of the season, Ben Firer. Get to know Ben a little better in this short Q&A with him.
Q: Please tell us a bit about yourself!
I’m originally from New York, so it felt like the stars aligned with the title of this concert. I began my musical journey as a trombonist, studying at SUNY Potsdam and later at Yale. When my passion shifted toward conducting, I earned a second master’s degree at Penn State and went on to complete my DMA at Northwestern. I’ve recently joined the faculty at Roosevelt University.
Q: What made you decide to pursue conducting?
From my very first orchestra rehearsal as a musician, I was hooked. But as a low brass player, I spent more time counting rests than actually playing. I wanted to be more involved in the music, and that’s what led me to conducting.
Q: How do you create a musical relationship with the orchestra?
I have a very particular sound I want to help the orchestra achieve. In rehearsals, I ask the musicians to be deeply attentive to the context of the music around them, especially as they shape phrasing, articulation, and dynamics. Building that sound requires trust; the players need to believe that everything I ask of them is always in service to the music.
Q: What are some innovative programs you’ve developed with orchestras and could bring to the LFCO?
I enjoy thinking thematically about a season so that there is a sense of continuity in the stories the music tells. I have programmed sensory-friendly family concerts for several years with another orchestra, and those performances are incredibly meaningful and enriching. Giving people who might not be able to attend a loud, crowded concert the chance to hear beautiful music is a true gift, and it’s something I would love to bring to this area.
Q: What excites you about leading the LFCO?
This orchestra is in an exciting period of growth, both musically and as an organization. The audience is clearly engaged, and attendance is on the rise – I’m thrilled that the October concert is sold out! The energy and enthusiasm from both the musicians and the audience make the prospect of conducting here incredibly exciting.
