Before each Masterpiece performance in the Cape Symphony Orchestra’s 2024/25 concert season, I’ll introduce our guest conductor and Music Director candidate here in the Concertmaster’s Corner. Today we got to know Darko Butorac, who will conduct “Passport to Rome” on January 25 & 26, 2025.
As you know, the search for Cape Symphony’s next Music Director is well underway. Our Search Committee of musicians, Trustees, Symphony staff, and a community representative narrowed a field of over 200 applicants to a few outstanding finalists who will each conduct a concert in our 2024/25 season. Our Masterpiece repertoire features warhorses from the Western canon chosen to showcase the talent and skill of these fine conductors.
Praised by the Westdeutsche Zeitung for his “exceptional combination of passion, elegance and well‐timed pacing,” Darko Butorac has established himself as a conductor in demand with orchestras both in Europe and the Americas. He currently serves as the Music Director of the Asheville Symphony and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra.
Jae Cosmos Lee: Welcome, Darko, and thank you for the opportunity to help our audience get to know you. There’s nothing like starting at the beginning: What was your original instrument as a musician, and how did you start conducting?
Darko Butorac: My instrument is the cello! I adore its rich tones and vibrant timbre, so evocative of the human voice. I began conducting at 17, fortunate to be part of one of the country's best public high school orchestra programs (Garfield HS in Seattle, WA). My first experience was conducting the first movement of Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony, and I felt a true calling—this was something I had to pursue.
JCL: What led you to apply to be our Music Director?
DB: I heard wonderful things about the Cape Symphony from my musical colleagues and have been very impressed by the organization's history. Looking at past programs and seeing how the organisation has grown is inspiring! I am excited and honored to be part of this process and to have the opportunity to get to know the Cape Cod community.
JCL: How do you approach working with a new orchestra and getting to know a new community?
DB: From a point of curiosity! Every conductor has a clear vision of how a piece should be performed, yet every orchestra also has a "collective" interpretation. Rehearsal is the fusion of these two perspectives, and it is different every time. Discovering that magical balance is what makes my profession so inspiring.
I love exploring and learning about new places I visit. I look forward to meeting people from the Cape, a unique part of the country with such a rich history and spectacular natural beauty.
JCL: What’s special to you about the pieces you’ll conduct on the Cape Symphony stage?
DB: My concert is the "Passport to Rome,” which just happens to be my favorite place in the world! Having the opportunity to musically evoke the beauty and history of the Eternal City (Respighi’s Fountains of Rome and Pines of Rome) is something I am absolutely thrilled about!
JCL: Conducting is hard work! What are your favorite foods to eat after a concert?
DB: Being around musicians means you always discover where the good food is. I tend to seek out creative local cuisine wherever I travel. In Asheville, the Polynesian Chicken Sandwich at the Rankin Vault is the best late-night option for conductors!
JCL: What entertains and inspires you? Do you have favorite movies, books, sports?
DB: All of the above! I love attending the NY Film Festival and discovering new films each fall; I really enjoyed "The Brutalist" and "Anora" this year. As for books, Robert Harris and Ken Follett are my recent obsessions. When it comes to sports, tennis and basketball are at the top of my list, both playing and watching.
JCL: What do you like to do outside of work?
DB: Spending time with family and friends is something I value more and more in this digital age (this is where my love of cooking comes in very handy!)
I truly love walking in nature. Some of my favorite memories outside of music are trekking in the Himalayas and walking the Via Francigena in Italy.
JCL: Thanks for helping the Cape Symphony community get to know you. We look forward to seeing you at the concert hall!
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The public is invited to observe Darko Butorac in rehearsal with the Cape Symphony Orchestra from 6:30 – 8:30 PM on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center. There is no charge to attend, but we ask that you RSVP here.
Passport to Rome ticketholders may also attend a preconcert Q&A session with Mr. Butorac, led by Assistant Conductor Joe Marchio one hour before showtime.
