PRESS RELEASE: Pullman & Comley, LLC Hosts Hartford Symphony Orchestra's Carolyn Kuan and Guest Conductor Alexandra Arrieche
HARTFORD,: The Women’s Leadership Initiative at the law firm Pullman & Comley, LLC hosted a lunchtime discussion with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director, Carolyn Kuan and Guest Conductor, Alexandra Arrieche at The Hartford Club on Tuesday, February 12. Both Kuan and Arrieche discussed a range of topics spanning the importance of mentoring in musical and leadership development, the skills required of music directors in the 21st century to the larger role music can play in society.
With few female conductors of leading orchestras, both Kuan and Arrieche shared the important role that mentoring has played in each of their careers. “They don’t teach you how to be the face of an orchestra,” expressed Kuan. “Good mentors have the right attitude and are willing to share their experiences.”
Arrieche, whose one week appearance as guest conductor is sponsored by Pullman & Comley, spoke of the challenges she faced as a female conductor in Brazil and how she overcame the stigma of being a woman in a male-dominated profession by “always being well-prepared.”
A key theme throughout the discussion was how music can bridge the gap between cultural and social issues. Kuan cited many examples of how the Hartford Symphony Orchestra (HSO) was “more than just a symphony, but is an organization that wants to make a difference.” She described her work with the CityMusic program and how students who have never experienced music learn valuable life lessons such as working in a group, being part of a team and accomplishing something together. “As a society, we need to figure out what’s important to us,” expressed Kuan. “The arts and music can bring a whole new dimension to our lives and enrich our souls.”
“Hartford Symphony Orchestra is a jewel in the city’s arts community,” commented Diane Whitney, chairman of Pullman & Comley’s Women’s Leadership Initiative and HSO board member. “Pullman is proud to spread the word of just how good and how important it is.”
Pictured, from left to right: Alexandra Arrieche, Guest Conductor, Hartford Symphony Orchestra; Diane Whitney, partner, Pullman & Comley, LLC; Carolyn Kuan, Music Director, Hartford Symphony Orchestra.
About Carolyn Kuan and the Hartford Symphony Orchestra:
Carolyn Kuan is increasingly recognized as one of the most innovative conductors of her generation and was appointed the 10th Music Director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra in January 2011. Carolyn is the first woman and youngest person to hold this title.
The Hartford Symphony Orchestra is Connecticut’s premier musical organization and the second largest orchestra in New England. It is widely recognized as one of America’s leading regional orchestras and is marking its 69th season in 2012-2013. For more information, please visit: www.hartfordsymphony.org.
About Alexandra Arrieche:
Alexandra Arrieche is a young, Brazilian conductor who is the fourth recipient of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Peabody Conducting Fellowship and the 2011 Taki Concordia Conducting Fellow. The Taki Fellowship is a unique opportunity for young women conductors to immerse themselves in the art and business of performing classical music. Alexandra is Guest Conductor for the Hartford Symphony Orchestra February 14-17.
About The Women’s Leadership Initiative and Pullman & Comley:
The Women’s Leadership Initiative at Pullman & Comley is committed to advancing women’s careers by providing seminars, networking events and awareness-raising programs for women in the firm’s local communities. Pullman & Comley, LLC, provides a wide range of legal services. The firm’s major practice areas include corporate and business, environmental, health care, litigation, public finance, real estate, property valuation, and trusts and estates. The firm has offices in Bridgeport, Hartford, Stamford and Waterbury, Connecticut and in White Plains, New York.