Pianist Laura Kargul says, “Jonathan Marro, my beloved former student, is conducting the Broadway tour of Fiddler on the Roof!” Jonathan says, “Glad I can bring this amazing production home to Portland.”
Such is the social media exchange of a teacher and former student at the Osher School of Music at the University of Southern Maine. And such is being a member of the School of Music alumni community.
This week, Jonathan Marro ’12, will conduct the Broadway National Tour of Fiddler on the Roof from the piano at Merrill Auditorium, a Portland Ovations production.
The Portland Press Herald does a good job telling the story of Jonathan returning to his academic roots at the University of Southern Maine, to what is now the Osher School of Music. Find the PPH article at https://www.pressherald.com/2023/04/25/usm-grad-returns-to-maine-as-conductor-on-national-tour-of-fiddler-on-the-roof/
In a fun exchange with another music alum, Jonathan expressed his thoughts about coming back to Portland. He said, “It was my home for so long and where I learned so much of my technique and musicality.”
When asked why he came to USM in the first place he answered, “Dr. Peter Martin conducted a combined NH High School concert band festival I was part of in 2006. The musicality I witnessed in him inspired me to audition at USM. As soon as I met Laura [Kargul] during the audition, I fell in love with the school and knew there was a lot I could learn from her and through the program. I was accepted into other schools, but the warmth and learning I felt, even just during my audition at USM, captured me.” He credits Ed Reichert as a huge influence, “opening up the door to music and theatre, musical theatre specifically, and the extensive repertoire.”
About to get on a bus to Schenectady with 50 others in the show, he continued, “Yes it quickly became my first choice over the other schools that accepted me. Truly, I love USM and wouldn’t have become who I am today without the thoughtful support and opportunities at the USM School of Music and the collaborations with the theater department.”
About the Portland Ovations Event
Broadway National Tour
“Fiddler on the Roof”
April 28-29, 2023, 8 p.m. 1 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Merrill Auditorium
Buy Tickets at: https://boxoffice.porttix.com/overview/portland-ovations-fiddler-on-the-roof-merrill-auditorium
