Ever since she was a young girl, Gina Provenzano has loved music and being front and center.
Nobody ever told her that by being a conductor she could combine both of her passions together.
So, she became a music teacher and discovered that along the way.
“It never even crossed my mind to become a conductor,” said the musical director and conductor of the Warren Symphony Orchestra (WSO), who will be performing the first concert in a series kicking off the season at 3 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in Clinton Township.
“There weren’t any at the time that I knew of or there were very few,” she said. “It’s very disappointing that I was never encouraged.”
But in following her heart, Provenzano created opportunities that led to her becoming a conductor.
“When I was a freshman in high school my band director was absent and I was asked if I would like to take over for him,” Provenzano said, which she gladly did.
“I don’t remember the music. It was just something we were working on,” she continued. “But I remember being on the podium and thinking, ‘I love this.’ It was fun telling people to play softer or play louder.”
After graduating high school, which included a summer at Interlochen Arts Academy, Provenzano went on to attend the University of Michigan where she earned a bachelor’s of music in both clarinet performance and music education. As a college student Provenzano had the privilege of studying with notable conductors such as Robert Reynolds, Donald Schleicher and John Mohler. She also performed with various ensembles and had the honor of marching in the Rose Bowl parade.
After graduating from college, she went on to become a music educator at various public and private schools. Her enthusiasm for her work also led her to be involved in other musical endeavors including the establishment of several youth orchestras that she went on to direct. After she and her husband moved to Maine, and became the parents of triplet girls, Provenzano’s career took a backseat and when she was ready to return to work her interests changed.
“I decided I wanted to play professional clarinet,” Provenzano said.
To her surprise she not only nailed her audition but was given the position of principal clarinet for the Bangor Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Lucas Richman.
It was there, under the guidance and encouragement of Richman that she honed her skills as a conductor and eventually became the co-founder and conductor of the Bangor Symphony Youth Orchestras.
Since she and her family returned to Midland, Michigan she not only operates a private clarinet studio but has turned her passion into a career and as the conductor for the WSO and the orchestra in her own community of Midland.
Provenzano admits she’s not the most flamboyant conductor but she’s very clear in her delivery.
“I’ve had musicians tell me, ‘I can read you very well or I can follow you easily,’” said the WSO conductor, who is now among the women in her field paving the way for future generations who might wish to make a career out of orchestral conducting.
Historically, only one woman rose to lead a top-tier ensemble and that was Marin Alsop, whose tenure as music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra ended in August 2021.
Alsop said in an interview that she was surprised the statistics remain “so shockingly brutal.”
However, she does feel the current moment could be different.
“I hope that we’re past the tipping point,” she told The New York Times. “It feels that way. But I’ve been naïve in believing that before.”
Among those tipping the scale is Provenzano, who has confronted stereotypes that make sexist comments about her appearance or dress rather than her performance on the podium.
“That kind of thing is very frustrating,” said Provenzano, who believes one way to bring about change is through exposure and awareness. The WSO is doing its part in that regard with a standing offer to allow all students in K-12 free tickets to any of their concerts. “It’s the same with female composers. I think people just need to be aware that it’s possible.”
Experience the WSO
Warren Symphony Orchestra, now in its 49th season, will perform the first of a three concert series at 3 p.m., Nov. 13 at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in Clinton Township.
Audiences of all ages are encouraged to attend this patriot performance featuring a collection of compositions written by American composers including, “Good King Charles’s Golden Days” composed by Linda Robbins Coleman.
“I always thought that this music would be a most appropriate way to celebrate the ascension and the reign of King Charles III,” Coleman said in a news release. “The Warren Symphony Orchestra is one of the first orchestras to perform my overture following these recent events (death of Queen Elizabeth). Thank you to Gina Provenzano and the WSO for their belief in and support of the music of living composers.”
A State of Michigan Legislative Tribute will also be given to the late Dave Daniels, who was the founder and original conductor of the WSO and Laura Sias, a teacher and bass player with the WSO.
Being a patriot tribute the first concert is being offered free to veterans.
Directed and conducted by Provenzano, who is among the few female conductors in the country, WSO has served as a cultural force in southeast Michigan for more than four decades.
Provenzano said the orchestra is also taking an active role in youth education and its local community, continuing to cultivate interest for the future by offering free tickets for students aged kindergarten through 12th grade throughout the season to encourage music appreciation.
Tickets are $23 for adults, $20 seniors, $10 for college students and K-12 are free.
Audiences can purchase tickets for one show or all three performances in the “American Made” series.
These are available from the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts box office or by calling 586-286-2222. Veterans interested in receiving a free ticket to the Nov. 13 performance can avoid lines and call the box office in advance.
For more information, visit warrensymphony.com or contact the orchestra at warrensymphonyorchestra@gmail.com. The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts is at 44575 Garfield Rd. in Clinton Township.
