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Maestro Barry M. Volkman's References

References for Maestro Barry M. Volkman

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Red 32nd note From Martin J. Naas, President, Board of Directors and Principal Trumpet, Community Orchestra of the Portland (Maine) Symphony:

The Community Orchestra of the Portland Symphony was very fortunate to acquire the services of Barry M. Volkman as guest conductor for its 1998 summer concert series. Barry was invited, following an extensive search by our music director and conductor Dr. Lawrence Golan, to undertake the formidable task of preparing the orchestra for six summer concerts in four different venues in only two rehearsals.

Maestro Volkman won our respect quickly as we rehearsed for the first time under his direction. We found his conducting style to be technically accurate and easy to follow while still conveying exactly his musical ideas and expressiveness. His rapport with the orchestra was outstanding. Barry communicated his musical expectations with the kind of friendliness, sensitivity, and sense of humor that is so important when working with a community group.

The Orchestra was particularly impressed that Barry took the time to check out each concert site before the event to make sure there would be no surprises for himself or the Orchestra.

Our other wonderful surprise was Maestro Volkman the entertainer! The audiences loved the way Barry delivered concert notes with stories, wit, and humor. Everyone, audience and musicians alike, thoroughly enjoyed each and every performance.

We would be glad to welcome Barry back in Maine at any time and sincerely hope that others will have the opportunity to enjoy the outstanding talents of this wonderful person and musician.

Sincerely,
Martin. J. Naas
President, Board of Directors
Principal Trumpet
Community Orchestra of the Portland Symphony

Red 32nd note From Richard Wagner, Clarinet, N.Y. Metropolitan Opera Orchestra:

I write you on behalf of Barry Volkman, conductor. In my twenty years as a clarinetist in New York City, including playing with the Metropolitan Opera under internationally acclaimed conductors, I have had a wide range of musical experience with conductors.


In my two seasons with Mr. Volkman in Florida, what stands out is his ability to elicit consistently fine performances from his orchestra. This he achieves by applying sound theoretical and stylistic knowledge in rehearsal, and by taking time to fully answer each musician's questions. This concern for the individual players, and sections, under the pressure of always limited rehearsal time, is executed with aplomb and a wonderful sense of humor. Because of this preparation, performances are enjoyable, and frequently surpass the highest expectations.

Barry Volkman is a conductor with solid musicality and it is a pleasure to play under his baton.

Sincerely,

Richard Wagner

Red 32nd note From Manuel Zegler, Solo Bassoon, N.Y. Philharmonic:

In my opinion Barry Volkman is a very talented musician. I have performed with him on many occasions and have been impressed with him and his performance. He is always well-prepared. He has a good beat, and good rhythm, and is a very sensitive musician. He has a good ear for the intonation within the orchestra.

He will be an asset to any musical organization.

Manuel J. Zegler
Solo Bassoon, New York Philharmonic Symphony (retired)



Red 32nd note From Demetra George, soprano:

I would like to recommend Maestro Barry Volkman to you for conducting. I was engaged by a local symphony and had the pleasure of working with Maestro Volkman, along with a tenor and a violinist.

I must say, much to my surprise, it was a highlight of my professional career. Maestro knew our music, conducted us as if he were singing it himself, brought out the best in the performers musically, and was respected and loved by orchestra and artists. That was a special union and a magnificent performance we presented.

I have sung with major orchestras in this country and abroad and worked with some big names. None were more talented, knowledgeable, or any nicer than Maestro Volkman. He would be an asset to any organization and community, and always with a surprise or two up his sleeve.

I am listed in Musical America and appear in the Opera News listings every year for performances. Recently, I sang a big concert in Bulgaria and a CD was made of it. I perform in large concert halls most often with symphonies of 70-90 members. As a classical singer with a pops crossover, I highly recommend this maestro for any of your needs and you may feel free to call me regarding any personal questions pertaining to Maestro Barry Volkman.

My sincere good wishes.

Demetra George
Soprano

Red 32nd note From Allan Small, composer:

For the past five years, Barry Volkman has conducted my symphonic compositions (one or two each season) with the Hallandale Symphonic Pops Orchestra. I found him to be a meticulous musician with a keen ear for details without sacrificing the overall design.

In one composition (Balkan Rhapsody) he suggested some important additions which I later added to the original score.

I believe he would be an important addition to any symphonic group.

Allan Small
Composer, Arranger, Pianist
Member of ASCAP and AF of M, Local 802 (1995)


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