The woman behind the scenes at the KSO

Speaking of great marketing ideas for symphonies, did you see the story about the Kentucky Symphony last week?

Here's a note from Angela Williamson, general manager of the KSO (and Mrs. J.R. Cassidy). She's been employed by the KSO since 1996, starting as an intern. She's been an accountant, and a CPA in Florida, before coming to CCM to get her MBA/MA.

She sings AND does accounting...

"When I left public accounting 13 years ago I thought I was giving up all the late night deadlines, crazy tax season, etc. Little did I know then that I would spend the next 12 years with more grant, report, and show deadlines imaginable and would trade a tax season for a major fundraiser(gala).

I must second Carol Sparks comment, it is both exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. When the letters start pouring in from students after every education concert, I always think "Wow we are making a difference and I wouldn't trade this for the world." Thanks for sharing the story with Greater Cincinnati.

The A.S.O.L.(I know they changed their name) tells orchestras to try what J.R. has been doing for the past 16 years. I often wonder if he should become a programming consultant. But where in the world would he find the time?

One reason I began working for the KSO so long ago, was the vision that music is too important to be saved only for people who know about its history. Sunday's show was a fine example. Most in the audience don't attend Opera and would know little or nothing of the story line or what is going on in the soprano's mind (even with surcaps in English). Obviously the gentlemen reviewing was looking for more avant-garde images -- he missed the point. It was about making the music more accessible to average everyday folks. Oh well, the audience loved it, and that's what matters, right?"