Michael J. Garasi is one of the most formidable and
reputable conductors in the world of brass bands.
Because of his dynamic presence and leadership, both in
preparation and performance, Mr. Garasi became the first
American brass band conductor ever to be nominated by
4 Bars Rest for the “Newcomer of the Year” Award in
2004, and the “Conductor of the Year” Award in 2006. As
an arranger, he has won the “Best New Arrangement”
Award at the U.S. Open Brass Band Championships
in both 2004 and 2005.
Along with the Brass Band of Central Florida, Mr. Garasi
continues as Music
Director/Conductor of the Florida Lakes
Symphony Orchestra in Lake County. In addition to being
the Conductor of these outstanding ensembles, Mr. Garasi
has recently accepted the position of Director of Bands
at the University of Central Florida for the 2007-2008
academic year.
Guest engagements for 2007 included
travel to England in November where Mr. Garasi
was the first American conductor to adjudicate at
the most prestigious entertainment competition for brass
bands in the world, the 2007 Brass in Concert
competition at The Sage in Gateshead. In the Spring of
2008 Mr. Garasi will guest conduct the All-County
Honors Orchestra in Polk County and the
All-County Honors Band in Duval/Nassau County.
Maestro Garasi served as Conductor of the Florida
Symphony Youth Orchestra's Philharmonia orchestra
from 2001 - 2007 and has conducted the Orlando
Philharmonic Orchestra. He annually conducts
the Epcot Candlelight Processional and the
Tuba Christmas traditional concert of Winter Park.
Mr. Garasi studied Percussion and Conducting at the
Eastman School of Music and the Cleveland Institute of
Music, where he earned Bachelor and Masters Degrees. His
continued conducting studies include two summers at the
Pierre Monteux School for Conductors in Maine, under the
tutelage of Michael Jinbo and workshops lead by Pierre
Boulez at Carnegie Hall, the famed Fredrick Fennell,
Roby George, Allan McMurray, and Joseph Kreines.
Quotes:
“A notable non
sweater was Michael Garasi who was suave and sophisticated (and with
a superbly measured conducting technique) in a manner that stood him
out from just about anyone else on the day. This was conducting of
the very highest class; superbly controlled and delicate, nothing
done for effect or crass presentation. He was the best conductor on
show all day.”
-4barsrest.com (International Brass Band website in UK)
Reviewed at the British Open Brass Band Championships
September 2005
“…what
a talent this guy is. From the moment he walked onto the stage he
exuded charisma and class at the US Open…All the technique with the
baton, his clarity of style and precision of beat were
exemplary…this is why we think he deserves to be nominated for this
prestigious award.”
-4Barsrest.com 2004 End of the Year Awards
Nominated by 4BR for “Newcomer of the Year Award”
(the only American nominated in history of awards)
December 2004
“It
was a real quality showcase production, full of excellent individual
contributions and a real warm ensemble sound. The Music Director
was also outstanding, with a real charismatic stage presence, superb
clear conducting style and the ability to control his groups
dynamics with subtle nuance. They were clear victors by some
margin.”
-4barsrest.com (International Brass Band website in
UK)
Reviewed at the US Open Brass Band Championships
November 2004
“…wonderful
show that would have done any of the world’s top bands proud...this
was band playing of the highest order…this was without doubt top
notch stuff…From an adjudicator’s point of view, this performance
was one we are always thankful for. The playing and organization of
the programme was so far ahead of the others it took away any doubt
at all as to the outcome. Even other competitiors were in awe of
Michael Garasi and the Brass Band of Central Florida.”
-Alan Morrison, Brass Band World Magazine, UK
Reviewed at the US Open Brass Band Championships
November 2004
