Symphony Audience and Musicians Pay Tribute to
With the news that Allan Pollack has stepped down from his position as
Music Director and Conductor of Symphony of the Redwoods after 32 years
on the podium, messages of thanks and appreciation have poured into the
Symphony office.
I was astounded when I discovered the quality of Symphony of the
Redwoods. I have lived in larger communities around the country who had
symphony orchestras far less impressive than ours. Allan always seemed to pulsate with passion, which brought a smile to my
heart. Your gift to us of live concerts of the world’s most beautiful music is beyond
remarkable. You didn’t do it alone, but it wouldn’t have happened without
you. I remember the joy and satisfaction of watching all those folks leaving
Cotton with happier hearts and smiles on their faces.
Every Symphony rehearsal was a music lesson. In between our efforts to
improve a tricky passage, Allan often tossed off deep and meaningful
insights about the composer or the music. I learned something new at every
rehearsal. Allan has an uncanny ability to awaken the very soul of the music in both the
players and the audience. I have many times scribbled his quips and
comments in the margins of my music so I can remember them and use
them with my own students. Allan ingrained in me a commitment to the highest standards of
performance. This formed the cornerstone of my musical education. One of
my greatest joys of returning to the Mendocino Coast has been to participate
again in making music under his baton. I'll never forget one of my first rehearsals, when I looked at the music and
told Allan I didn't think I could do it. He said not to worry, that we'd take it
apart and work on it bit by bit, and that it would all come together in the
end. And amazingly, it did! I loved that Allan never let the orchestra settle for mediocre.
Allan relentlessly stretched our skills at the rehearsals, and then inspired us
to play our hearts out at the concerts. His pursuit of excellence made us all
better musicians. It’s been a thrill to work at this level. He knows his scores inside out and he knows what he wants from the
orchestra. A compliment from Allan is a big deal. Best of all, Allan is not
afraid to make fun of himself. Allan is one of the hardest working people I know. He always emanated
energy, confidence, and inspiration to a group of players who oftentimes had
never played with each other. And without fail, Allan always delivered
electrifying performances, for both audience and orchestra members.
I left each rehearsal with gratitude, each performance with joy at what we
had collectively achieved. Every concert was a charge to victory. Allan has a unique ability to rally the
forces, with humor, exuberance, and passion. With Allan at the helm, the
community, the orchestra, and the audience came together in a triumph
greater than the sum of its parts. Mostly, we had a hell of a lot of fun.
When I would make the long drive late at night from Sacramento or
Berkeley, I remember thinking it was well worth it because we had Allan to
lead us. Thanks to his leadership, this small rural community has been
blessed with glorious symphony concerts for years. It has been a joy.
Boundless appreciation & standing ovation to you, Allan, world-classiest rural
maestro, molto vivace dancer on the podium, savvy educator, soulful
interpreter, tuner of chaos. Go well, be well, with our bravos ringing in your
ears.
A Thank You
