I had the honor to conduct the Play-out music for the November 30, 2017 performance of Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic Theater, Broadway, NYC. This video was taken by Mr. David Lai, Music Director- Thank you
Having heard many different performances of the Exit Music across the years, it never ceases to amaze me how different conductors interpret maybe one of the most familiar pieces in musical theatre. There are performances where it sounds scrappy and rushed, pretty workmanlike performances, and then there are performances like this... What can I say, but Bravo? You make it positively luxurious. You shape the piece so that yes, it's essentially a piece that says "OK, it's over, get out!" but also that recalls the opulent romanticism of the show. You're in control, not just beating time but shaping the performance. Elegant, warm reverie in these familar melodies. Just magnificent. In awe, and envy.
Years ago, I attended a performance of Phantom at the Majestic with a friend. We both knew someone who worked backstage on the show and got those nice plush seats up in the balcony box; we had a great view of the stage and orchestra. Since both my friend and I were musicians, it wasn't hard to notice when the actor who was playing the Phantom at the time got a little ahead of the orchestra - we both watched the conductor trying to get his attention, lol. The audience would have been unaware as it was subtle. It was cool to watch the conductor keep everything on track even with that small challenge. Even professionals have their off-days ;-)
wow this awesome! your cues are so clean & clear, my goodness. i'm guessing that comes with experience but i can only dream of becoming that good at conducting (currently a music ed major!) I was a violist in my high school production of phantom, and finally saw the show on broadway after waiting 4 years, and got to talk with Mr. Lai after the show! however, it was quite embarrassing, i got so emotional that i could barely get any words out through my tears haha but he was so nice!
Hello, Thank you very much, The orchestra was sensational. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to conduct on Broadway. I am the Music Director of the Harford Youth Orchestra, in Harford County MD. www.harfordyouthorchestra.org/
i know my reply is late. but congratulations. what was the whole thing the guy was telling the audience at the beginning of the video. i was cracking up at it. lol
@@adamdrummer1991 There is. It's pre-recorded. (Note that the first 20 measures of the overture are also pre-recorded exclusively, then the orchestra joins in).
Hi, No, I am an instrumental music teacher and conductor. This was a 60th birthday present. It was a premium for a donation to Actors Equity's against AIDS fund. It was a blast.
Danny Eyheralde I had a lead sheet and a good recording. I had most of the cues and tempo changes memorized so I could enjoy the moment. The orchestra was fabulous and their music director was great to work with.
@@ViolinRepairGuy any recollection on who the MD was at that performance? "Phantom" to my knowledge is the only show on broadway to have more than 1 full time music director , I think Broadway has 4 in addition to the assistant who plays keyboard.
@Jacob Reesorindeed I was lucky enough to chat a bit post-show with Kristen Blodgette back in 2010 )I had seats in row BB on the Friday before father's day. I had a great time that night. years later I discovered this: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0qw_oFguagY.html
@Jacob Reesoroh wow I didn't know she went that far back witrh the show (I know when it came to Broadway in '88 she started with that production as a Keyboardist and associte MD.
