Harmony of praise for Brevard’s ‘perfect’ maestro

Christopher Confessore [Photo provided]

Christopher Confessore has been making beautiful music with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra for 25 years, an occasion which was celebrated in a most unusual way and one aptly suited to the playful and good-natured conductor: a murder mystery whodunit dinner “Maestro & Mystery.”

The event, held recently at Crowne Plaza Melbourne-Oceanfront, brought celebrants and supporters together to not only hear praise of Confessore’s steady guidance as conductor and music director of the 66-year-old orchestra, but to also have fun.

“He’s down to earth and perfect for our community,” said Dr. Rich Weber, who led the search committee that hired Confessore. “I think the years have shown that he was the perfect choice. His musicality is unsurpassed, and his professionalism is exemplary.”

The love is felt by Confessore as well.

“It’s been a great adventure,” Confessore said. “I think in most respects it’s gone by in a flash. It’s always been fun and enjoyable.”

Confessore graduated from Florida State University where he studied the bassoon. He received a master’s degree in instrumental conducting from the University of Southern California. He was working in the education department of the Sarasota Orchestra when he heard that Kypros Markou, the former BSO conductor, was leaving.

So Confessore became one of 20 who applied and one of five who were seriously considered for the position. To help make the right choice, the search committee asked the five applicants to each conduct a concert for the season.

Confessore’s musicianship, communication skills and warm, engaging personality lifted him to the top of the ranks.

“I was the first one to go in October,” Confessore said. “Kypros had set up the program for everyone. I felt one of the pieces on my program was awfully challenging – the Rachmaninoff 2nd Symphony. So I asked the BSO to consider the Tschaikovsky 4th Symphony. At the end of my 10th season, we finally did our Rachmaninoff 2nd.”

In addition to serving as conductor and music director for the BSO for 25 years (a rarity in the field of symphonic orchestras), Confessore is a resident conductor and principal POPS conductor for the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. He frequently conducts for the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and at Walt Disney World.

He’s also been a guest conductor for numerous organizations including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. His international debut was in 2004 when he conducted the Sibiu Philharmonic Orchestra in Romania.

Some of his favorite concerts with the BSO over the years include the 50th anniversary season when virtuoso violinist Itzhak Perlman performed.

“It was a big deal,” Confessore said. “How cool it was to get to work with one of the finest and most respected musicians on the planet. And it was such a big moment in our orchestra’s history.”

Another favorite was the performance of Peter Boyer’s “Ellis Island, the Dream of America.” That work brought up some of Brevard’s most respected actors to interpret essays with themes echoed in the music. There have also been concerts with famed violinist Joshua Bell and celebrated vocalist Art Garfunkle.

Under Confessore’s leadership, the BSO has performed with the Space Coast Ballet, greatly expanded its Fifth Grade Concert Series, commissioned work and expanded into Vero Beach.

“We look forward to continuing to perform at our home base,” he said. “But I think we’re excited about continuing to find offsite venues both for the full orchestra and smaller groups as a way to connect more and more with the community.”

It’s this personal connection with the community that makes Confessore an unusual maestro. He’s not shy about donning a Darth Vader costume and brandishing a light sabre, nor is his wife, Bethany. Moreover, Confessore is not above allowing others tease him.

That was the idea behind “Maestro & Mystery.” Since fun is something Confessore takes very seriously, organizers came up with the idea of making sure there would plenty of that at Sunday’s celebration. So in addition to the speeches and sumptuous meal, a lively whodunit was also presented … for the fun of it.

Darcia Jones Francey, a longtime supporter of the BSO and member of the search committee that found Confessore 25 years ago, said the maestro is a “breath of fresh air” and someone with whom the entire community can relate.

“He is not a prima donna,” she said.

Weber agrees with Jones Francey.

“I think the world of the man,” said Weber, who, along with his family, sponsored Sunday’s celebration. “I love the way he deals with the community, relates to the musicians and works with the BSO. That’s very important for our community.”

Praise like this and speeches that were made Sunday have an expected effect on Confessore – discomfort. Rather than being singled out, he’d rather see all the praise heaped upon the musicians and the music they perform.

Moreover, he laughed, a celebration of 25 years might sound to some that he’s saying goodbye.

“I’m not,” he said. “This has always been perfect for me. I’ve loved the people, both on stage and behind the scenes and the people out in the audience and the community.

“I didn’t expect the recognition, but I of course appreciate it.”

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