Three Minutes, Three Questions

It's quiet now in the symphony halls of Northwest Arkansas.

But behind the scenes, there's a cacophony of work going on in the offices of the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas:

Under the baton of music director Paul Haas, the orchestra is preparing to celebrate its 60th season (counting its previous incarnation as the North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra).

On July 7, subscribers received the offer to buy the 2014-15 season, which includes three "masterworks" concerts; a Christmas performance; a family concert, "The Snowman," set for Dec. 14; and "A Night at the Movies," the season finale on April 25.

And Matthew Herren, although already integral to the symphony's success, has taken on a new role as executive director, effective July 1.

"I've been privileged to work with Matt, both as cellist and SoNA's personnel manager, and I have the utmost regard for him as a musician and leader. SoNA is poised for its next growth stage, and I couldn't be happier to be working alongside Matt as we enter this new and exciting terrain," Haas says of his colleague.

Herren comes to the job armed not just with knowledge of this orchestra but with bachelor's and master's degrees in music from the Juilliard School, 20 years of work as a musician and arts administrator and teaching experience at the university level. He's played under many of today's most distinguished conductors, including James Conlon, James Levine, Roger Norrington, André Previn, Simon Rattle, Gerard Schwarz and Michael Stern and with the likes of Metallica, Peter Gabriel, Sting, Billy Joel, James Taylor and Vanessa Williams.

Asked to answer three questions for What's Up!, Herren also proved he's humble. "Can you make me sound smart," he asked.

Q. How did you chart your course toward a career in classical music? What was your goal and how did it turn out like/differently than you expected?

A. I knew pretty early on that I wanted to play music professionally. My only goal was to remain in the business, which can be quite challenging. I am very fortunate to have made my living in music all these years, and my career has been even more varied than I expected.

Q. As the new SoNA executive director, how do you see your role in the symphony's season and future?

A. As a musician in an administrative position, I aim to bridge business and art in a uniquely useful way. I know why music is important in every life, and what power it can have. I now work mainly on what happens behind the scenes, and it's my hope to continue to make great music that's viable and relevant. SoNA is growing steadily with the help of so many amazing individuals and organizations here in Northwest Arkansas, and that's very exciting to be a part of.

Q. What are the three things you're most excited about in the 2014-15 season?

A. This is SoNA's 60th season, which is something Northwest Arkansas should be proud of. I'm really looking forward to "The Snowman," our first family concert, in December. And I'm especially looking forward to getting to know all of our SoNA fans!

-- Becca Martin-Brown

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