Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, November 13, 1995 TAG: 9511140002
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The field of candidates for the post of conductor of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra has been narrowed to five finalists, each of whom will conduct the orchestra in one concert during its 1995-96 season. This feature is intended to give readers and concert-goers a personal glimpse at the man behind the baton while the orchestra and its board are evaluating his professional capabilities.
Name: Stephen Stein
Current job: Conductor-in-Residence, Houston Symphony
Age: 37 (``But I think this job keeps one young.'')
Marital status: Single
Is there one accomplishment, musical or non-musical, of which you are most proud?
``One of the biggest dreams, perhaps the most sentimental dream, has just come true. The orchestra I heard first, as a sixth-grader ... I've just had the opportunity to conduct: the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.''
Do you have a favorite non-classical artist or composer?
``Yes. Barbra Streisand ... she possesses one of the greatest voices in this century, period, classical or non-classical ... I really applaud her goals in striving to perform art on the highest level. And it really is a struggle.
``And besides Barbra, it's Bette Midler.''
If you hadn't wound up with a career in music, what do you think you would be doing?
``I think in a profession, somehow, that would help people, either one on one, like in a legal setting, or in groups. I very much believe in people and the quality of life we are all entitled to in this country ... I think music greatly affects the quality of life.''
What do you do for extra-curricular activity?
``I have two dogs (Schatzi and Tommy) to whom I am very devoted. I spend a lot of my free time with my dogs. We go to the park and they chase tennis balls and sticks and hunt squirrels.''
During your performance here, you'll be conducting a piece commissioned for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. In your note for the symphony program, you say you are a dedicated Olympics fan. Are you an athelete yourself?
``When I was in high school, I played a lot of ice hockey. I've always really enjoyed the Olympics, especially the Winter Olympics. These young people are so pure and talented ... and in the winter games, you get more events that have an artistic component.''
ROANOKE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Tonight at 8 in the Roanoke Civic Center auditorium. With the Roanoke Valley Choral Society. Program of works by Mozart, Dvorak and Torke. Tickets $14-$22. Call 343-9127.
by CNB