Deck the Holidays! A guest conductor's perspective

Pam Hahn and Chuck Stewart

Our Music Director, Vanja Nikolovski, is getting ready to conduct our four Nutcracker performances later this month, so Guest Conductor Chuck Stewart will be on the podium this year for our annual Deck the Holidays! concerts. I asked Chuck some holiday-related questions so you can get to know him a bit better.

PH:  The orchestra has been having a lot of fun preparing for the upcoming Deck the Holidays! concert under your leadership. What has been your favorite part of rehearsing for this concert?

CS:  I've loved the festive mood that rehearsing the music of the season has put everyone in! For me personally, the rehearsals have put me in a joyful mood during what can be a stressful time of year for musicians.

PH:  When you aren't guest conducting, what keeps you busy?

CS:  When I'm not guest conducting I can usually be found chasing our 18-month-old son, Gavin and our 7-year-old Vizsla, CG. As a horn player, I and my wife Karen, who plays the oboe and English horn, also enjoy playing with a variety of orchestras throughout the Valley, including the Chandler Symphony Orchestra! During the day you will find me teaching 6th-12th grade orchestra at BASIS Phoenix.

PH:  If you could have anything you wanted, what would you like to see under your Christmas tree this year?

CS:  Isn't the expected answer "World Peace" or something like that? Joking aside, I think we would all love to have a little more peace and calmness in the world this holiday season. I'd also love a few extra minutes to breathe, relax and spend with my family. Oh, and I wouldn't mind a new refrigerator for my kitchen!