This article introduces one of the six finalists for the position of Music Director of The Syracuse Orchestra. We profile the finalists before the first of two concerts each is to conduct. The finalists will be presented to the public at events that are listed on the orchestra’s website, where professional biographies can also be found. The successful candidate will be announced at the end of the 2025-26 season.
“It’s a bit of magic,” Stilian Kirov said of the moment when everything — studying scores, planning, working with musicians and rehearsals — finally comes together in a live performance.
Local audiences will have three opportunities to experience this magic as Kirov conducts Syracuse Orchestra January 24th at the Masterworks concert and again on February 28th and March 1st in the Casual series shows.
Kirov, music director of the 48-year-old Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bakersfield (California) Symphony, founded in 1932, began his professional music career as a piano major and was internationally recognized for his talent. After having the opportunity to lead ensembles, he decided to focus on conducting as he enjoyed the experience of connecting with other musicians.
“Professional piano performance and conducting have in common that they both provide an opportunity to create music,” Kirov said. “I’m drawn to conducting because even if I don’t play a single note at the concerts, I’m in unity with the other musicians, I’m open to their interpretations and ideas, I react to everything that happens in the orchestra. Basically, as we go along, we build the show together.”
Kirov said he believes music organizations have a responsibility to serve their communities not only through staged concerts, but also in ways that are creative and inclusive. For example, he notes the Bakersfield Orchestra’s focus on young people, including encouraging them to attend regular concerts, an incentive that involves thousands of children each year.
Under Kirov’s baton, the Illinois Philharmonic completed its commercial debut available on CD or streaming platforms. “Children’s Stories” is based on the fairy tales of Leo Lionni and the poetry of former American Poet Laureate Gwendolyn Brooks. Literature is set to music by classical composers Michael Abels and Augusta Read Thomas.
“I recognize that it is a privilege to pursue this profession, to be involved in artistic activity,” Kirov said. “An important part of our work is to reach out to all people in our communities.”
The Syracuse Orchestra Masterworks concert on Jan. 24 will be preceded by a social gathering at 6 pm in the Oncenter’s Banner room, where refreshments will be served and visitors can meet Kirov and the musicians. Tickets for special events can be purchased online.
The concert program will open with “Pagodes” by Claude Debussy, the first of three pieces in which the young French composer tried to convey the sound of Asian gamelan music, which is played on woodwinds and strings along with gongs, marimbas, drums and rattles, on the piano. Kirov refers to it as a unique work that connects with the current concert that will follow.
Tan Dun’s 22-minute “Trombone Concerto” with Ben Dettelback, principal trombone of the TSO, is one of the few works to feature a brass instrument. The 2021 three-part piece titled “Three Muses in a Video Game” conjures up the muse Bili, muse Xiqin and muse Sheng, imaginary gaming icons. Principal percussionist Michael Bull will perform together with other percussionists on both traditional and exotic instruments.
After the intermission, Kirov will lead the orchestra in a performance of Johannes Brahms’s (1833-1897) Second Symphony.
“He wrote it in just three months in the summer of 1877,” Kirov said. “It’s remarkable considering it took him 21 years to write the first one.” Primarily a work that conveys a sunny, pastoral mood, suggests a realistic view of life, and also harbors dark themes.
When Kirov is at home between shows, he loves spending time with his wife and their 11-year-old son. Kirov’s wife, a professional pianist, will perform at the Illinois Symphony Orchestra’s Valentine’s Day concert with Kirov conducting. Soon after, Kirov will head to Syracuse to meet with musicians and community members before his TSO debut.
After several rehearsals, the day of the concert arrives. Kirov will follow his quiet, normal schedule. He will eat lightly and deliberately to gain energy. And if time permits, he spends the last half hour in simple meditation before taking the stage, welcoming the audience, and taking the stage to join the other artists in creating a meaningful shared experience that evokes that “little bit of magic.”
“Music,” Kirov said, “makes us all see the world from a higher perspective.”
VIEW DETAILS
What: Masterworks “Brahms and Debussy”, conducted by Stilian Kirov
Where: Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theatre, 421 Montgomery St.
When: Saturday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m
Running time: Two hours with one break
Tickets: From $17; Free for 18 and under; $5 with college/university ID
Syracuse Orchestra Unlimited: $19.99 per month for one or $29.99 for two adult tickets to regular series concerts (kids are free)
Community Come back: Call for free tickets if you need financial assistance (no proof required)
Purchase: 315-299-5598 or syracuseorchestra.org
Shuttle service: See website for pay-as-you-will shuttles from DeWitt, Camillus or Liverpool.
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