World-renowned conductor in residence at Kennesaw State
By Kasey Carty-Campbell
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Bridget Reischl
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Bridget-Michaele Reischl, music director of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music Orchestra and associate professor of conducting will spend Oct. 20-26 with Kennesaw State University School of Music students as part of a KSU residency program. The first American to win the Antonio Pedrotti International Conducting Competition in 1995, Reischl brings a world of experience to share with KSU students.
During her time at KSU, Reischl will teach conducting classes in addition to a general session for the entire School of Music. “The focus of her time will be interacting with students, giving them the opportunity to have exposure to someone who works at one of the country’s leading conservatories,” says KSU Director of Orchestras Michael Alexander.
Reischl received a bachelor of music degree from the Eastman School of Music and has served as a director and conductor for more than 20 years. In addition to serving as the music director for the Oberlin Conservatory Orchestra, she has also served as the director of the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra since 2001. She has guest conducted on stages in Greece, Italy, Brooklyn and Milwaukee, and with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
Alexander believes that this opportunity to work with Reischl is a unique experience for all music students. “She is an amazing artist and she brings a lot of professionalism and intensity. She has very high expectations which will be a great encouragement to students.”
A highlight of Reischl’s time at KSU will be conducting the world premiere of Associate Professor of Music Laurence Sherr’s composition, “Flame Language.” The performance by the KSU Orchestra will take place Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. at the Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center. The piece was written to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust, and is made even more personal because Sherr’s mother was the sole Holocaust survivor of her family. “I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with a conductor who has the skills and accomplishments of Reischl,” says Sherr.
“One of Reischl’s specialties is promoting new music, so her involvement with ‘Flame Language’ is especially exceptional,” says Alexander. Reischl’s international recognition and experiences in guest conducting across the world make her a natural part of this unique event and the continuing growth and recognition of the School of Music.
For more information about the activities Reischl will be involved in at KSU, visit the Events page at www.kennesaw.edu/arts.