A musical conductor faces a group of competent musicians. Each one knows a different instrument, but they are all working on the same musical content. As director, the conductor must inspire the musicians to create by challenging them individually while pursuing a common goal. Our conductor coaches, counsels, teaches, and interprets the contents expressed in the score. Though at the center of the operation, the conductor doesn't deliver the content, the musicians do. Using sound, graphic symbols in the shape of notes, gestures, and intent the conductor emphasizes this phrase, diminishes that one, encourages the woodwinds, restrains the cymbal player. Working together, the musicians learn to interpret the content as the conductor wishes, and when the conductor leaves, they are all still musicians.

Dr. Sebastian Foti,
Bolseiro Fulbright
Universidade do Porto