The Wachner Project

By Patrick McCoy

WASHINGTON, DC — The life of a conductor is sometimes perceived
to be uneventful, conservative and perhaps by some even boring. For
Julian Wachner, life is anything but boring. Between conducting The
Washington Chorus, teaching at McGill University in Montreal and
directing the Trinity Church Wall Street Choir and Baroque
Orchestra, Wachner has his hands quite full.

Recently, Wachner found himself at the crossroads of three major
projects: conducting the music of Elena Ruehr in DC, conducting the
monumental Bach at One series at Trinity in New York City and then
having to be back in a flash to begin rehearsing Mahler for The
Washington Chorus’ 50th Anniversary Gala Concert. How would he
accomplish all of these musical projects, meeting each deadline
with equal excellence?

Because I cover many of The Washington Chorus concerts, I have
interacted with Wachner on several occasions. These interactions
have been solely in the context of reviewing a concert event. But
often I still would ask myself: Who is Julian Wachner? What kind of
food does he eat? Does he listen to music other than classical? How
is he outside of the concert hall setting?

I could not pass up the opportunity have these questions
answered. It was made known to me on the popular networking site
Facebook that Wachner was looking for someone to share the drive
with him to New York to conduct Bach at Trinity and back to
Washington, D. C. so that he could be back in time to conduct the
Monday Mahler rehearsal with The Washington Chorus. When I saw the
message, I took my opportunity. Reaching out, I said “I can help
drive and review both concerts.” Wachner replied “Great!” For me,
it was a no brainer: I was reviewing the Sunday evening Ruehr
concert at the National Presbyterian Church anyway and marveled at
the opportunity to perhaps witness another side of one who I have
admired professionally from afar. Usually when I review concerts, I
come only with a pen to write my notes. This time, I was ready with
not only my pen, but also with my travel bag in tow. After the
wonderful concert, I was invited to a celebratory dinner at Chef
Geoff’s for composer Elena Ruehr, soloists Marguerite Kroll and
Stephen Salters and the conductor, Julian Wachner. After saying our
goodbyes, the maestro and I embarked on our adventure, what would
be affectionately known as the 29 hrs in the life of Julian
Wachner.