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A Few Words From Esprit's New Operations Manager, Rachel Gauntlett

It’s been almost two months since starting my full time role at Esprit as Operations Manager. Time has gone by so fast, as it always does in the summer months, and I can’t believe it’s the end of August already!

photography by greg locke

It’s been almost two months since starting my full time role at Esprit as Operations Manager. Time has gone by so fast, as it always does in the summer months, and I can’t believe it’s the end of August already!

You may remember me from Esprit’s concerts last season. I was fortunate enough to assist with marketing and production for each of the four season concerts, as well as help facilitate some of Esprit’s outreach programming and audience access programs.

I first became familiar with the orchestra through Esprit’s principal cellist, Paul Widner – he was my cello teacher for a portion of my undergraduate degree, and I continued taking lessons from him at the Glenn Gould School, before completing my graduate degree in cello performance.

Like many of Esprit’s musicians, Paul has been playing with the orchestra from the very beginning. I remember being mesmerized at the first Esprit concert I ever attended, Penderecki Plus, in January 2010. Paul was one of three cello soloists in this concert, and the orchestra’s performance was electrifying. I’ll never forget it.

That leads me to now, where I’m behind the scenes and busy preparing for our fast approaching upcoming season. A typical week of mine at the office includes ordering and receiving music scores, e-mailing composers and soloists to confirm details for their performance/commission, and corresponding with the staff at Koerner Hall to discuss ticketing and production details.

I’m excited for you to see Esprit’s new Season Brochure, which announces the full line-up of music at each concert. I’m tempted to tell you what I’m most eager to hear this season, but that could be a whole blog post of its own! Stay tuned…

Until then,
Rachel

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