Orchestrating Leadership: A Reciprocity of Dedication and Service

Sponsored by Denver Water, Orchestrating Leadership features Conductor Laureate Marin Alsop, the recipients of the Taki Concordia Conducting Fellowship, and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.

Funded by Alsop, the Taki Concordia Conducting Fellowship offers outstanding female conductors, who demonstrate commitment and tenacity, an opportunity to master the art and business of performing classical music. The fellowship seeks to “promote, present, and encourage talented women conductors at the beginning of their professional careers.”

At the event, the CWCC gets a ‘behind the scenes” glimpse of a rehearsal where Alsop is guiding the Taki Concordia fellows in conducting the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. The event fosters a spirit of mentorship, perseverance, and entrepreneurship. With the counsel of Alsop and workshops provided by the CWCC, the conductors have the opportunity to fine tune the art of conducting while gaining valuable communication, business, and presentation skills. Furthermore, CWCC guests experience the essence of effective leadership from a new perspective.

What most people don’t know about the Taki Concordia Fellowship is that mentorship was in play even at the formation of the fellowship, but this time Alsop was the recipient. When Alsop decided to develop the fellowship she engaged the guidance of Tomio Taki, a talented businessman who agreed to mentor her through the process. While speaking at the Orchestrating Leadership luncheon, Alsop reiterated a comment Tomio Taki once made while working with her— “it was harder for me so it could be easier for you”. She challenged the audience to go forth with Taki’s commitment to mentorship, service, and giving back to the community.