Timothy Huntsman is used to high-pressure situations.
But the Nanaimo lawyer and member of the city’s coast guard auxiliary is facing an entirely unique high-pressure situation: conducting a professional symphony orchestra.
Huntsman won the right to guest conduct a piece for the Vancouver Island Symphony at the organization’s annual Symphony Sizzle fundraiser. Each year the symphony auctions off the chance to conduct the musicians at one of its concerts.
“I’m the somewhat frightened lucky boy,” Huntsman said. “I haven’t chickened out yet.”
The concert is the symphony’s second annual tribute to heroes – police, firefighters, paramedics and more.
Artistic director Pierre Simard chose music which tells a story of courage, from Elgar’s Nimrod, Dvorak’s A Hero’s Song and Egmont and Symphony No. 5 (The Fate) by Beethoven, with his own story of triumph over hearing loss.
Huntsman will be conducting Schubert’s Marche Militaire and already received some lessons in conducting from Simard. Prior to the Saturday (Jan. 28) performance, Huntsman will rehearse with the full symphony.
“I had some pointers from Pierre,” Huntsman said. “He’s going to throw me in front of the orchestra and see how it goes.
“I’m going to strive for basic conducting.”
Huntsman joined the coast guard auxiliary in 2003. He is keenly aware of the sacrifices made by Nanaimo’s emergency personnel.
Huntsman plans to conduct the symphony not in the traditional white tie and tails but rather in his coast guard auxiliary uniform.
To see Huntsman conduct Schubert’s Marche Militaire, head to the Port Theatre Saturday (Jan. 28) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $52; $49/seniors; $20/students.
Please call 250-754-8550 or visit www.porttheatre.com.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com