Wars, interminable lines at airports, unbearable heat in the West, continued chaos at the Kennedy Center, and so much more. What can we do to alleviate some of this tension? And how fortunate are some of us to be able to bring solace and comfort through music?

March turned out to be an extraordinary month full of wonderful surprises and memorable moments. At first, I was dreading this nine-week European tour without a meaningful break between engagements. The trip comprises eight countries and seven different languages, if you count the Scottish dialect. Fortunately, I am giving repeat performances of several works over this timeframe and only conducting two pieces that are new to me.

Not much happened in February. Oh, wait. There were a couple of things.

Let’s start with the announcement of my new position as music director of the Nashville Symphony. This past summer, I was named artistic advisor, but as we reviewed the scope of the ensemble’s activities in Music City, it became clear that a more active role for me was needed.

Following the seven-week Asian tour of the past year, 2026 started off calmly. I was at home for a while, recuperating from jet lag and getting used to winter weather. For those of us from Los Angeles, this is no easy task.

As the month progressed, the news from Washington kept piling up. My colleagues at the Kennedy Center could not have truly anticipated how the transformation would disrupt their lives to the extent it has. I don’t want to dwell on this too much here. You all know what is going on.

We made it! Somehow, we managed to get through 2025 and are heading into the New Year with hopes that may or may not be dashed by the many variables in our lives now. But at least for this musician, the year ended on several notes of optimism contained within the piece I led in Tokyo.

The month started off in a city that I had never heard of, much less conducted in. Takasaki is located in the Gunma Prefecture, about an hour’s train ride from Tokyo Station. The Gunma Symphony Orchestra was kind enough to ask me to be part of its eightieth anniversary celebrations.

The last two months of 2025 were primarily centered in Asia, with stops in four countries. But one event on the first of November generated much excitement, and it was not in Taiwan, Seoul, or any place outside the United States.

The time for taking it easy appears to be over. Conducting and other activities filled up the calendar in October. Sadly, this also marked the end of barbecue season. The cover will adorn my Big Green Egg until March or so.

Musical matters began in New York with a week at the Manhattan School of Music. This annual trip is always enjoyable, as each year brings new students. Programming a concert without knowing the skill set of an ensemble can be tricky, but all the pieces worked well because this crop of young musicians at MSM is excellent.