Music Masters
Dylan Thomas Chmura-Moore, Music Director
Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Board of Directors is pleased to announce Dylan Thomas Chmura-Moore has been named the new Music Director, effective July 1, 2019.
Dylan is Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh where he is Associate Professor of Music and tenured. In addition, he is the conductor of the Symphony Orchestra at Ripon College (a college/community ensemble) and a President of the College Orchestra Directors Association.
As a performing trombonist, he has performed with Madison Symphony Orchestra, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and Madison Opera. As a conductor, Chmura-Moore focuses on ensemble listening and encouraging chamber music skills. He has an understanding of many rehearsal techniques and musical styles but with widely differing ideas for engaging with audiences and members of the orchestra.
Dylan is looking forward to his role as Music Director with MSO. “My family and I are overjoyed to join the maritime community of Manitowoc and meet the many partners and friends of the MSO. As the new music director, my goal is to connect people. It’s my belief that a symphony is a vehicle of the community, a place for family and friends to congregate, a place to share and feel so that as one community we are enriched. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the wonderful musicians and talented members of the MSO team in this, my first, season. With reverence for the past, I’m humbled to continue the tradition of beautiful music making in our community.”
Dylan is married with two children.
Website: dylanchmuramoore.com
Carrie Kulas, Concertmaster
Concertmaster Carrie Kulas has graced the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra with her superlative leadership and bowing precision since 1992. As the principal violinist, Mrs. Kulas strives to cultivate the best sound that can be achieved for every musical selection.
At age nine, Mrs. Kulas developed an unexpected fondness for what some consider the most human of all instruments, setting aside her clarinet and picking up a bow. The challenges of competition and developing muscle memory heightened her interest. During high school, grieving the tragic loss of her dearest friend, Mrs. Kulas immersed herself in practicing. “I learned how to express myself through the violin music,” she says. Her burgeoning love of playing the violin motivated her to save every dime from her first job to send herself to a six week orchestra camp.
Mrs. Kulas earned her Bachelor of Music Performance from UW-Stevens Point. She credits her success to a number of fine and gifted teachers, including Everett Goodwin, Margery Aber, and Vasile Beluska.
Mrs. Kulas also served as concertmaster for the Green Bay Civic Symphony from 1996 to 2003. She has performed with the Pamiro Opera Company, the Green Bay Symphony, the Clayton Ladue Chamber Orchestra, the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra. Since 1985, Mrs. Kulas has been teaching violin at the Suzuki Music Academy of Green Bay, and is a former member of the Wausau Area Suzuki Association.
Not only is Mrs. Kulas a strong musical leader, but she also possesses the ability to play in a wide range of styles. Mrs. Kulas’ skills and dedication as a teacher are especially valuable to the MSO as she assists players to navigate the technical hurdles of some very difficult pieces. In addition to joy and passion, Mrs. Kulas also brings a great sense of humor to her work. “The Manitowoc Symphony is truly blessed to have Carrie Kulas as our concertmaster,” says Music Director Wayne Wildman. “I’ve learned so much from Carrie over the years and am proud to have her as my partner in musicmaking.”