It is easy for the tuba to outdo the orchestra. The challenge is to create a blend with the trombones, basses, bassoons and tympani.

The director talks about Bernstein’s Candide, her inspirational parents and running two major opera companies.

This is the story of two national anthems proposed for Italy.

“While it’s flattering, I don’t want to be compared to other composers, I want to write my own kind of music.”

"Playing violin in an orchestra gives me a distinct advantage for conducting. As an orchestra member, I understand what musicians want and need...