News

Guest conductor Kaufman keeps the music going

Conductor Richard Kaufman talks with members of the Boys & Girls Club.

By , Published: September 6, 2012

HSO rehearsal opens its doors to new guests Sept. 6

When Richard Kaufman visited Hendersonville in July he made a stop at the Boys & Girls Club. While there, he provided an audience of around 130 children with an overview of his career in music, but even more, he created a foundation for interest in the arts. He was so moved by the positive response given to him by the kids that day that he wanted to keep the music going.
Kaufman has invited the Boys & Girls Club, and other students in the area who might be interested, to attend the symphony rehearsals for his "Music from the Movies" concert at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, at the HSO Concert Hall on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College (Blue Ridge Conference Hall).
Kaufman will have the orchestra practice the more familiar John Williams music the first hour for the children to enjoy. "Songs from blockbuster films, including 'Superman,' 'Jurassic Park,' 'Jaws' and 'Star Wars,' should really grab the kids' attention," said Kaufman. "What really grabs the attention of the younger audiences is the 'Imperial March – Darth Vader's Theme'."
Kaufman wants to get kids excited about music and the role it plays in film and television. He spent two decades as the music conductor for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, receiving two Emmy award nominations for his work there. He is also a Grammy winner and notable coach and mentor for actors playing roles as musicians.
Kaufman will be the guest conductor for the Hendersonville Symphony's first concert of the season at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8, at the HSO Concert Hall on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College. Celebrating the 80th birthday year of composer John Williams and prolific composer Franz Waxman, both notable composers of the silver screen and contemporary film, Kaufman will lead the symphony and the audience on a trip down memory lane.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra at 697.5884 or hso1@bellsouth.net.