PHX Reporter

Ken's journey with classical music began in his childhood in New York City, where early experiences at Lincoln Center left a lasting impression. "My parents took me to see Swan Lake and The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center when I was about 12," he recalls. These performances ignited a passion that has now come full circle as Ken works closely with the musicians he once admired.

His role provides insight into the teamwork required behind the scenes of a symphony performance. Ken observes, "People don’t realize the amount of work that goes into every performance—setting up the stage, trucking equipment, adjusting lighting and backdrops. The smoothness of the cooperation here is better than in the military, honestly." He adds, "And everyone just loves their work."

Ken finds inspiration in connecting with musicians and learning their stories. "Their backgrounds are so rich. I study the programs and love talking to them face-to-face," he says. This personal connection enhances his appreciation for the music.

A memorable moment for Ken occurred during a performance involving Maggie, a violinist. "There was this incredible thing with Maggie," he shares excitedly. "During a performance, she broke a string. The other musicians passed a string up to her from the third row. Maggie quietly changed the string, tuned it, and jumped back into the performance without missing a beat."

Ken admires not only the musicians' talent but also their dedication to their craft. "The teamwork here is unbelievable," he notes. "No complaints—people just get it done." He appreciates witnessing the cooperation and effort involved in each performance.

Working at Symphony Hall has deepened Ken's appreciation for both music and its creators. He states, "Knowing the musicians personally makes it even more special." For him, attending performances now means seeing familiar faces along with hearing incredible music.

Ken emphasizes the importance of exposing young people to live music: “Classical music is a timeless art form,” he says, “and it’s important to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience its power and beauty.”

Ken's story highlights not only what happens on stage but also behind it—a testament to passion, precision, and collaboration making each performance extraordinary: “It’s worth every penny to see what happens on both sides.”