Conductor from Hawaii Casts Belarusian Soloists for Future Musical Production

Philip Simmons rehearsing with Mariinsky Theater soloist Larissa Yudina for June 10 open air opera concert

The artistic director of American Music Festivals and founder and music director of the Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra, Philip Simmons, visited Minsk on June 5-11, 2011. The U.S. conductor based in Hawaii came to Belarus at the invitation of the Belarusian State Musical Theater (BSMT) to take part in a joint production of the musical Westside Story.  The premiere of the first ever full scale American musical is scheduled for May 2012.  During this planning visit, Mr. Simmons took part in casting soloists for the production as well as familiarizing himself with the orchestra and local conductors with whom he will be working next year.  Philip Simmons’ program in Belarus also included participation in an open air opera concert, where the American conductor led the BSMT orchestra and a soloist from Russia in performing several pieces by Mozart.  The audience of over 500 music lovers gave a warm welcome to the joint performance of everlasting classics by the American, Belarusian and Russian musicians.