HOW TO: Tie a bow tie with Christopher Seaman (and a fond farewell)

Sure Christopher Seaman is a world-renowned conductor, who's led some of the finest orchestras on the planet.  But he has another special gift outside the realm of music.  He can tie a bow tie.  Some people can just do it all!  Could a person be any more amazing?  As it turns out, yes - he's also British.

All the more reason to celebrate Seaman's 13-season tenure as Music Director of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.  A tenure that came to a close Saturday, as he took the stage of the Eastman Theatre for the final time as music director.  RPO fans know how fortunate they are to have had the pleasure of hearing an orchestra perform under the command of this man.  They also know how fortunate this city has been to have recruited and retained such talent.  To have a conductor who is in demand around the world.  Who has conducted all of the major orchestras in London, in addition to orchestras in Israel, Australia, Budapest, Prague, and Warsaw...to name a few.

While other orchestras across the country have declared bankruptcy, including the SSO in Syracuse, the RPO has held its own. The donors came through, and the patrons came season after season to watch and listen - to the orchestra, and to Christopher.  They came to learn about the music in his pre-concert chats.  They came for the passion he brought to the stage.  Seaman will return for guest appearances in the future - as Conductor Laureate, a special title created just for him. And come next season, an equally accomplished conductor will take the helm - and will bring his own unique vision to the orchestra.  But Christopher Seaman will be fondly remembered - in the halls of the Eastman Theatre, and in the mirror the next time we have to tackle a bow tie.

To learn more about Christopher Seaman's career, Click HERE to view his biography.