It's Kimbo!

The secret is no longer a secret. Kimbo Ishii-Eto is the Symphony's Music Director and Conductor Designate.

We welcomed him to our orchestra and our community in a grand event last night attended by over a 1000 patrons and curious community members. Many exclaimed that this best kept secret in Amarillo was revealed with the best event in Amarillo.

Making the decision (thankfully I didn't have to choose!), keeping the secret and producing the event was an intense process. One that warranted much celebration and that is certainly what we did.

The Music Director Announcement event began by featuring the members of our brass section performing Dukas' Fanfare from La Peri. The brass fanfare segued into a video that gave a brief history of the symphony and retold the story of the 18-month search process. Following the video a brief speech was made and during a magficient theatrical lighting reveal the identity of our new MD was first revealed to the orchestra, then to the members of the audience. Wow. The air was electrified. Kimbo was welcomed to Amarillo with a standing ovation that lasted several minutes. It was clear that the musicians and audience approved of our choice.

Following the applause, the orchestra performed a few selections under the baton (err, he didn't use a baton...only his hands) of Kimbo. More speeches by important people, presentations of gifts (including Kimbo's first real cowboy hat) and more applause. Following the concert event and many photos, the party relocated to the lobby for the members of our audience to meet Kimbo. Not able to stop the party at the GNC, we relocated to Kabuki where we were graciously hosted by the owners.

Now we can all rest for a day or two.