Ice on Fire

continued from page 20 is a pretty Herculean task, but we’re going to get it done and it will be good,” Denesha said.

He will be conducting the orchestra from a stage laid over the top of a portion of the ice.

“I have played in venues ranging from small churches to some of the biggest theaters in the country, but an ice rink? That’s the most interesting by far,” said Nicholas Bulgarino, a trombonist for the LSO and player representative on LSO’s Board of Directors.

“There are a lot of challenges in performing in a space not designed primarily for an orchestra. Some instruments are very climate sensitive, as you can imagine. Everything in the venue will affect how we sound: the height of the ceiling, all the rigging and other audio equipment we will use, the number of people in the audience, and especially the ice.”

Although the stage on the ice will provide some insulation from the cold, orchestra members are already planning other ways to keep themselves warmed up.

“Finding ways to keep our fingers warm enough to tackle some of the technical repertoire might be tricky. I plan to keep hand warmers in my pockets,” said Michelle Rippey, a flute