Personal Artistic Statement

1. Artistic Vision Statement
My artistic vision is based upon the deepest belief that music is created by emotional inspiration.
The music director/conductor has to discover and transmit the expressive content of the score through the
orchestra and out into the audience. We have to explore the emotional context in every score, and our
mission is to motivate musicians to illuminate the sense and spiritual recreation of the musical substance.
My goal as a music director/conductor is to be very close to the score and the composer’s intent.
In my opinion, the music director is the person who is responsible for the artistic vision of the
organization. There should be a general strategic plan and a written direction for the organization, which
is linked directly to the music director and that artistic vision. The music director is the artistic CEO, with
different managers and departments under his or her direction. While conducting, it is the responsibility of
the music director to see that the musical product has the highest standard. I empower all of the
musicians, but I put the majority of responsibility on the shoulders of my principal players, to demand a
certain level of performance from their sections.
I believe programming is the backbone of an artistic organization because it defines your profile
to the public and sets you apart from every other organization. I believe it is my responsibility as music
director is to facilitate ideas and to commit to the highest artistic standards possible in the presentation of
quality music. Regardless of the types of concerts we present, audiences should leave the concert hall
with newfound curiosity and appreciation for the music. Today, more than ever, I believe the music
director when considering programming must consult with the entire management team regarding
budgets, soloists, and whether ideas fit with what the organization has in mind.
For several generations, orchestras have failed to cultivate and educate new audiences. We
need to grow audiences and to find new audiences in younger and diverse parts of the community. We
want to provide education for all people, not just people who are interested in learning the details of
classical music, but those with a more casual interest as well. We must try to do it in a fiscally
responsible way, using good business practices. Through outreach and education we can begin to build
new audiences to ensure we will survive for future generations.
The relationship of conductor and orchestra today resembles a marriage. All the musicians and
employees involved need to feel that they are part of the process, that they are contributing, that they are
vital, and that they are irreplaceable. I do believe that all the musicians on stage are important, both as
individuals and as musicians. Throughout the years, my parents, family and teachers have stressed this
importance of treating individuals with respect at all times.
In closing, I believe music directors must be aware of how the arts, and in particular - music, fit
into our society – our dramatically changing society! We cannot be an elitist organization sitting in an
“Ivory Tower”. Today, music directors must be in the trenches. Our job is to do whatever is necessary to
get our message across, and you have to be willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done right.
Music directors have to be able to outreach, to fund-raise, to develop public-relations, to research the
particular taste of the audience, and to create a vision as a spokesperson and public ambassador for the
orchestra. This is the task at hand, and I welcome that challenge and look forward to working with you!
Best Wishes,
Bruce Lauffer