The Aspen Music Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious summer music festivals in the United States, bringing in artists from around the world to perform in their venues. This past summer, I had the privilege of stage managing the Aspen Chamber Symphony, the festival’s second-largest orchestra after the Aspen Festival Orchestra. The Chamber Symphony comprises a mix of tenured faculty, long-standing artists, some of whom have been part of the festival for decades, and many students.

In this role, I collaborated closely with the orchestra manager, librarian, and various crew members each week. I also had the chance to work with eight diverse conductors and over a dozen guest artists. This experience enriched my skills and deepened my understanding of the intricate dynamics involved in managing a world-class ensemble.