At Cirque du Soleil, the acrobatics are the spectacle, but at SFCM the music takes center stage.

This was evident when musicians touring with Cirque du Soleil ECHO visited the Conservatory to share their experience with students and offer career advice. The panel included Nicole Sauder (violin), Hua-Chu Huang (viola), Daniel O'Brian Phillips (voice), as well as Alex Wignall (keyboards), Émilie Cleuver (percussion) and Elisabeth "Lizzy" Munson (cello).

Assistant Dean and Chair of Professional Development Kristen Klehr leads the panel.

The panel discussion was eye-opening for many students. "Growing up, I thought the only options were winning a major orchestral job or pursuing teaching," Katie Urrutia, a clarinetist studying with Jerry Simas, said. "It was inspiring to hear the panelists’ personal stories and see firsthand how many unique opportunities exist for everyone."

The career panel was presented by SFCM's Professional Development and Engagement Center (PDEC) and the New Century Chamber Orchestra. "Giving SFCM students the exposure and insight into touring musicians' career paths is essential," said Assistant Dean and Chair of Professional Development Kristen Klehr. "It demystifies our varied profession and helps students envision multiple pathways forward while they are still in school." 

Held in SFCM's Bowes Center in December, the panel was designed to give students time with a unique roster of musicians to ask questions and draw connections from their training at the Conservatory into the working world. The musicians are in San Francisco on tour with ECHO through January 18th. 

Cirque du Soleil ECHO musicians speak in the Bowes Center.

"One of my favorite parts of the discussion," Klehr continued, "was hearing vocalist Daniel O'Brian Phillips speak so candidly and honestly about the importance of keeping your mental health strong when on tour—fantastic advice! I thought that honest vulnerability was so great, and helped students relate on a more day-to-day level to the experiences these musicians navigate while on tour."

ECHO is the first-ever Cirque du Soleil show to feature six main vocalists. The production consists of 14 eclectic tracks inspired by a mix of pop, electronic, vocal, and classical stylings, defying any single genre. 

"A great takeaway from this that I hope students take note of," Klehr concluded, "is that these musicians came from a wide range of backgrounds in classical training. I hope this empowers students to chase their dreams and be open to new opportunities. Music can take you almost anywhere, even the circus."

Learn more about the Professional Development and Engagement Center (PDEC) at SFCM. 
Learn more about Cirque du Soleil ECHO.