ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, April 1, 1996 TAG: 9604010112
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
The field of candidates for the post of conductor of the Roanoke Symphony recently was increased to six. This feature, by Staff Writer Chitt Mattum, is intended to give readers personal glimpses of the candidates while the orchestra and its board are evaluating their professional capabilities.
Name: LEOPOLD
Current job: "I've got a good gig at Warner Brothers."
Age: "I've been at it 24 frames per second for 56 years."
Marital status: "I'm the world's most eligible single rabbit - with more kids than a rabbit can count."
What's up, doc?
"Quit stealin' my lines! Now, if you got some real questions, go ahead. I'm all ears."
What's your favorite book?
"Nyaaah, that would have to be 'Rabbit Run,' by John Updike. It's practically my life's story."
What do you do when you're not playing the maestro? Do you do other types of music?
"I dig holes, trick hunters. On occasion I dress like a female rabbit, but only when it's practical. I called a square dance in drag once. Had Punkinhead and Tater completely fooled."
Lots of other conductors are going to great lengths do draw new people into the concert hall. Some are even dressing like Batman and Superman, just to be zany. What would you do along these lines to get new folks into classical music?
"I'm already a cartoon, Mac. What else do you want? Seriously, I think if you write funny words for the songs and put some animation with them, people will go for it a little easier. Look at me. I've practically made a career out of it."
Any favorite compositions?
"Nyaaah, yeah. I once did 'The Barber of Seville' with my own English words."
What about "Kill da Wabbit"?
"No comment."
Ever been to Roanoke before?
"Yeah, by accident. I missed a left turn at Albuquerque on the way to the Coachella Carrot Festival."
What do you have that the other candidates don't have?
"Nyaaah, I come with my own top hat and tail. And I'm clearly the best man for the job."
But you're a rabbit.
"Now, let's not start splitting hares!"
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Leopoldby CNB