History is being made tonight at the Prince George Symphony Orchestra show. A woman will conduct the PGSO for the first time in its long history.
Susan Klein is, of course (if you know her work), excessively qualified to break this wall down.
It's quite likely she already holds the city's record for most hours of professional conducting of an orchestra, by virtue of her many years at the helm of D.P. Todd Secondary School's many band programs. It has been an award-winning career, in that capacity.
Due to a shortage of violins for this weekend's event, artistic director Jose Delgado-Guevara opted to set down his baton and temporarily return to his former role as concertmaster. He pointed, without thinking of the historical benchmark, to Klein who is a regular member of the PGSO brass section.
"It was my idea, and she had to be convinced, but we all saw it as how it would benefit this particular concert," said Delgado-Guevara. "We weren't looking to involve Susan just to make a statement with that. It was about who was best for the positions for this concert, and Susan doing this just made the most sense out of all the scenarios."
Cellist David Dahlstrom, among the longest-serving members of the PGSO dating back to its beginning, said the orchestra was in full support of the moves. Delgado-Guevara wanted to make before the light bulb went off that history was being made.
"I don't think any of us thought of it when those decisions were being made," he said. "She's just so much a part of the orchestra and so completely known for her skills as a conductor that it was the natural thing to do. But then, the realization started to take hold. What a long time it's been for that to happen, and we couldn't be happier."
Dahlstrom pointed out that sexism in the world of symphony orchestras is not just perceived, it was actually mandated. Only in recent times have some of the biggest orchestras in the world erased rules prohibiting women. As a community orchestra from the start, the PGSO was always inclusive if only for practicality: they needed the players. Women have populated the ensemble for decades, and almost all sections have been led by at least one women over those 46 years.
But Dahlstrom said no woman has even applied, the times when the conductor's chair was vacant. Klein has always been qualified, but she has a fulfilling full-time day job as a conductor already.
"I am thrilled to be given this opportunity," Klein said. "Yep, I'm nervous, but nerves are not always a bad thing. They just mean you really care about what you are doing."
In full honesty, even she wasn't talking about breaking a gender wall, made by no one currently involved in the orchestra. She is focused on the music and the performance. The showstopper is Ravel's Bolero but also on the bill is The Fisher Who Died In His Bed by Herberman, Shenandoah by Tichelli, Adagio From Spartacus by Khachaturian and the centrepiece of the night is the appearance by critically acclaimed and award-winning cellist John Friesen, the night's featured soloist, performing Dvo k's glorious Cello Concerto In B Minor.
"Working with our soloist will be especially exciting," she said.
"There is so much give and take when working with a soloist. I look forward to learning his cues and being able to communicate that to our orchestra.
"Thanks to all the musicians, especially Jose, for trusting me. I'm lucky to be conducting Jose on violin for sure. The tireless team work and community spirit that provides such fine music to our community is truly exceptional. I am proud to be part of the team."
Also part of the team - and it's a point that makes the happenstance of Klein as conductor almost prophetic - is the District 57 Honour Band making an appearance. The members of this youth group typically sit alongside the veteran members of the PGSO so the youth get hands-on and up-close practical knowledge.
However, before Klein was in the conducting picture, it was decided to pull them out of their co-pilot chairs and let them have a couple of numbers on their own. Shenandoah and Spartacus are their contributions to the night, and who better to stand before them, baton in hand, than the conductor most synonymous in this city for building musical excellence in youth.
"In 'taking the baton,' my job is to support and highlight all the incredible talent we have on stage - to allow and encourage them all to share their incredible music to our audience," Klein said.
"Honestly the music of this concert, especially the Dvo k cello concerto - is a big reason we go into music in the first place. It's been a fantastic challenge for me. Conducting is what I do - every day! - but conducting orchestral music allows me to grow and learn my trade within another genre. In the fall, the orchestra approached me to be their associate conductor. Since September, I have been taking a back stage role, learning the scores, ready to conduct if needed. I have had a couple of opportunities to conduct rehearsals but this will be my first performance."
The show happens at Vanier Hall at 7:30 p.m. and it is already sold out.
