Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) Home Page

Having won WHAM’s right to air the RPO’s concerts live, the production fell to Walter. The orchestra needed to be properly miked and a script had to be written which brought to the listening audience an interesting and informative narative about  the composers, conductors and perhaps the solo artists for the evening’s performances.  Walter spent many hours reseaching in preparation for each concert.

However, Ruth Watanabe,  head of the Eastman School of Music’s Sibley Library, could always be counted on for a bit of information or a story not available from any other source.   Her additions to his narriative never failed to be substantive and graciously offered.  Walter was always grateful for her refreshing additions to his comentaries.

One never knew when an unexpected moment might occur. Walter had to be preparded to ad lib for as long as needed whenever  nothing was happening or when something unexpected did happen.

One night, some disgruntled Eastman students positioned themselves high above the stage.  Just before the conductor’s downbeat a huge net full of ping pong balls fell upon the orchestra and conductor.  The flustered conductor left the stage for a few moments.  Walter did not know if or when he would return.  He also had no wish to inform the listening audience of this insult to the conductor and orchestra and so he had to ad lib for about 10 minutes until the conductor returned to the stage.

Having won WHAM’s right to air the RPO’s concerts live, the production fell to Walter. The orchestra needed to be properly miked and a script had to be written which brought to the listening audience an interesting and informative narative about  the composers, conductors and perhaps the solo artists for the evening’s performances.  Walter spent many hours reseaching in preparation for each concert.

However, Ruth Watanabe,  head of the Eastman School of Music’s Sibley Library, could always be counted on for a bit of information or a story not available from any other source.   Her additions to his narriative never failed to be substantive and graciously offered.  Walter was always grateful for her refreshing additions to his comentaries.

One never knew when an unexpected moment might occur. Walter had to be preparded to ad lib for as long as needed whenever  nothing was happening or when something unexpected did happen.

One night, some disgruntled Eastman students positioned themselves high above the stage.  Just before the conductor’s downbeat a huge net full of ping pong balls fell upon the orchestra and conductor.  The flustered conductor left the stage for a few moments.  Walter did not know if or when he would return.  He also had no wish to inform the listening audience of this insult to the conductor and orchestra and so he had to ad lib for about 10 minutes until the conductor returned to the stage.