DeLeone dazzles IPO Audiences and Musicians for 25 Years

When walks on stage, his smile immediately conveys warmth and a soulful passion for the orchestra and music.

DeLeone’s presence strikes a powerful note.

“Carmon’s enthusiasm for and love of the music he selects is contagious and he is able to communicate that with audiences, across the proscenium,” said Jacqueline Bonavia, former executive director of the where DeLeone has served as music director for 25 years.

An Ohio native, DeLeone also holds lengthy tenures with the Cincinnati Ballet and Middletown Symphony. His extensive list of accomplishments and performances would be the envy of any anyone aspiring to reach his heights.

This weekend, DeLeone, 68, will take the IPO podium for the last time as music director.

While his 25-year tenure will end, he has no plans to step into the background and will conduct three IPO concerts during the 2011-2012 season as the search for his replacement continues.

Seven finalists remain in contention. The committee charged with selecting a new music director will announce DeLeone’s successor in the fall of 2012.

“I hope to be invited back again after that,” DeLeone quipped.

The Beginning of an Era

Slightly more than 25 years ago, a still-evolving professional orchestra and the curly-haired music director commenced a relationship that solidified into a commanding artistic force.

The IPO was in its infancy, having evolved from the community-based Park Forest Symphony, launched in 1954.

By 1982, the all-professional orchestra adapted its new name to reflect its area-wide reach.

Bonavia, the IPO’s first professional executive, came on board in 1985, a year before DeLeone.

“We were impressed with him as a person and musician,” Bonavia said. “He was articulate, down to earth, approachable and had great ideas to for the orchestra.

“Carmon also understands the business side, fiscal responsibilities, of operating an orchestra."

The IPO has been very lucky to have DeLeone, Bonavia said, noting, "He has always had a lot of connections in the business and even at the start was able to bring in wonderful guest professionals within our budget. Behind the scenes, many soloists came up to me after concerts and said how much they enjoying playing with him.

“Carmon attracted very good (freelance) musicians, many who have stayed because they enjoy performing and working with him.” Bonavia added.

DeLeone also possesses an extraordinary diversity in musical knowledge and experience.

“He’s a classical music conductor, a jazz drummer, plays the French horn and also composes,” she continued.

Few classical conductors have such a wide range of talents.

“Some of my most memorable moments occurred during rehearsals when I could listen and learn how a good conductor works with musicians to shape a piece of music.”

'Hard to Replace'

Veteran IPO Concertmaster boasts a resume that reads like a U.S road atlas. As first chair, he has performed with DeLeone for some 20 years in many venues.

“He has a lot of faith in me and we work well together,” Grossman said.

“We can read each other musically and (share) an understanding about how we think about music. He’s an exciting musician, full of vitality and excitement and really skilled at programming concerts.”

Echoing Bonavia, Grossman added, “His breadth of music experience is expansive and he possesses a wealth of musical abilities.”

, the IPO’s present executive director, stepped into the position early this year following the unexpected departure of her predecessor.

No stranger to the organization, Nussbaum has performed as IPO principal second violin for 14 of those years.

“Carmon brings a joie de vivre to the IPO,” she said. “The guy has such a good time (in his position).

“Throughout his career he has continued to study musical scores, looking for deeper ideas. It’s like studying the Bible or the Torah. You know you’re doing well at Torah study if you come out confused,” she quipped.

“On stage, Carmon knows how to connect every performer so we’re all on the same page. As professionals, we’ve all performed these pieces and it takes authority to say it, ‘Why don’t you try it my way.’"

Performers respect him, she said.

, veteran principal viola, said, “Carmon has great ears, can hear things to be fixed and has a good way of getting a good (musical) product,” he said. “A better product brings up the level of funding,” he said.

“Carmon also is a really good person,” Mantell said, echoing DeLeone's other colleagues.

Bonavia, who remains a devoted IPO patron though no longer in the music industry, put everyone’s comments into a simple perspective:

“It’s going to be hard to find someone to replace Carmon.”