Imagine directing nearly a hundred musicians in concert—who look to every wave of your hand for emphasis, energy, and dynamic cues—and perform in complete harmony. Moments become fleeting as so many musicians play virtually as one instrument.
It’s a thrilling experience that Thomas Heuser, director of the Idaho Falls Symphony, lives for. As he is wrapping up his 15th and final season in this position, he reflects on his tenure and what it feels like to conduct such a group.
“The experience of conducting is exhilarating. You feel the sound in a special way, like the greatest surround sound physically in your body and your heart,” Thomas said. “The musicians give so much of themselves in performance, too, that you feel incredible energy emanating from the people in the ensemble. It’s hard not to be emotionally involved.”
But putting your heart and soul into your life’s work is exactly what makes it so rewarding. He remembers a highlight performance of Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” this year, where his experience was surreal. “I found myself having an out-of-body experience, looking at myself as if from above and seeing the incredible synergy between myself and our symphony,” he said.
Spreading a wide net of influence, Thomas currently conducts two symphonies—the San Juan Symphony in Durango, Colorado and the Idaho Falls Symphony. He is also a guest conductor at orchestras around the country where he said, “every opportunity builds my experience and perspective on the music.” It’s like getting twice the experience in half the time. And he has packed an incredible amount in his career so far.
Choosing a Path
Thomas met his wife, Lauren, when they were both music majors at Vassar College. Though he was a piano performance major, she encouraged him to try conducting, which was appealing because it allowed him to work with so many people. “It’s human interactions and relationships that inspire me, and conducting opens up a myriad of ways where I get to connect with people,” he said.
After obtaining his Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting, Thomas was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to Germany where he conducted performances in Munich and Berlin. During this time, he was drawn to the position at the Idaho Falls Symphony because it offered so much community involvement.
A Vast Job with Satisfying Rewards
Conducting a symphony is far more than leading the musicians in a performance. As director, Thomas is responsible for the artistic productions, recruiting musicians, and creating musical programs, not to mention fundraising, education, and community outreach.
Working with the Youth Symphony has been an important highlight. “The level of playing by the students has risen steadily each year as we have added more resources. Whenever I have the chance to work with them, it replenishes my love of music,” he said.
Thomas is also proud of the diversity of music the symphony has performed. “We compiled a database of the repertoire performed during my tenure. The list is truly incredible, spanning centuries of history and composers from dozens of different countries.”
Another accomplishment has been the symphony’s increased professionalism. Where many musicians used to be volunteers, now everyone is paid. “We ask for a high level of commitment, musical preparation, and an excellent level of performance,” Thomas said. And this impact is felt especially because they bring that quality to the group.
A Cherished Community
It’s no question what Thomas loves most about Idaho Falls—the people. “The community of Idaho Falls is made up of some of the most generous, smart, and enjoyable people I’ve ever known. I have the utmost respect for the quality of life that folks here cultivate by their support of the arts, good restaurants, and community events,” he said. He also appreciates the wild, natural beauty that’s right outside our doorsteps. He’s spent time fly fishing on the Snake River, venturing into the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park, and skiing at Grand Targhee.
Working in the Idaho Falls community for the past 15 years, he has been astounded at his warm reception here. “I’ve been embraced by audiences and musicians in Idaho Falls to an extent that I could never have imagined. I’ve made so many lasting friends,” he said. He also feels that he was able to have a greater impact musically because of the close-knit relationships of the symphony family.
Some have even turned to emulation. One of Thomas’ favorite memories was when an audience member told him she and her family take turns “playing Thomas” in their home. “One kid stands on the couch and pretends to be the conductor while the other kids pretend to be the orchestra! It’s so rare to be appreciated to that extent. I feel so fortunate,” Thomas said.
Future Plans
As he wraps up his final season directing the Idaho Falls Symphony, Thomas intends
to remain active in the art form of conducting, and is looking for leadership opportunities that complement his work with the San Juan Symphony. He would also love to pursue teaching in higher education. “Serving as a mentor for young musicians and conductors is a deeply motivating pursuit for me,” he said.
And what of the value of music itself, that can speak across any cultural divide? Thomas explained, “It’s part of our DNA for music to infiltrate our souls. Music’s most profound function in my mind is to serve as a universal language. We are all listening, and no one can help but have a personal reaction to that listening. To me, that makes music one of the most beautiful things about our short time in this earthly life,” Thomas said.
