This was a great experience. I look forward to playing the Bruckner with Edwards later in the year. . .
Tonight the orchestra was privileged to work with former conductor Huw Edwards. From the time he walked in, stretching in preparation for the rehearsal to the very end when he just sat and talked with a few musicians before everyone parted ways, he gave absolutely 100% of his energy into the rehearsal. Not long into the music Edwards birthed a ring of sweat around his brow and he never slowed once with his enthusiasm or determination. I spent the evening sitting next to Tom, our principal Clarinet, and he and I both just looked at each other after the rehearsal and were both jaw-dropped impressed with how intense, and yet fun, rehearsal was. There was a level of commitment and passion and understanding that came from Edwards that seemed to emanate from every motion of his arms that captivated and drew us closer to his guidance and closer to the music as a whole. By the end of the rehearsal we sounded really good. It was obvious that there was indeed music coming out of us. Though PYP is known for its excellence it was very reassuring to see how he could take a piece that was relatively new to the majority of the musicians and turn it into a presentable work by the end of the night in just three to four hours.
Josh John, Bassoon, Co-Principal