We were lucky to catch up with Christopher James Ray recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Christopher James, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
In the realm of professional music, I certainly hope my legacy will be that of highly expressive music making at the highest levels, but also that I was someone who left things better than I found them- whether that be the classical music industry, the places in which I lived, or my home state of Mississippi. Outside of my work, I enjoy volunteering, raising money for non-profits that are improving outcomes for Mississippians, and working to rehabilitate older homes- anything that feeds my desire to improve the world around me, I suppose.
Christopher James, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I began my life in music as a 6-year old piano student, but even before that I was asking for lessons, singing at church, and bothering people to let me play the piano with them! As soon as I was tall enough to reach the pedals, I began taking organ lessons and I picked up trombone in the school band (while also trying my hand at violin, bassoon, and the other brass instruments).
It wasn’t immediately apparent that I would pursue a career in music, but eventually I decided to go to college for a double degree in piano and organ performance. It was there at Mississippi College that I first discovered opera and, with help from my professors, began to work as a pianist and assistant conductor at Mississippi Opera in Jackson. This first exposure to the rehearsal and performance process made it clear to me that this was what I wanted to do with my life and, moreover, that I wanted to be a conductor. I immediately began pursuing summer festival opportunities and applying for graduate programs.
The process of ‘becoming’ a conductor looks different for each person and also depends on whether you’re pursuing the career in Europe, the US, or another region, but for me it’s gone something like this: rehearsal pianist, rehearsal pianist AND assistant conductor, assistant conductor, cover conductor AND conductor (helping the conductor, but also being given performances of my own), and finally JUST conducting.
I am proud to be known as someone who does quality work. That is, I do the proper research and preparation and make sure I always “understand the assignment”. People seem to trust me to come in on short notice- even when I don’t know the repertoire- and do a good job; that means a lot to me.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Non-musicians may be surprised to hear that the classical music industry is seriously competitive. There are always many more applicants than positions available. It isn’t unusual for an opening to have hundreds of applicants, offer 50-60 people an audition, and then choose just one person. To make a living from creating music is already a success, but it is very hard to see it that way when the ‘idea’ of success is wrapped up in conducting at the Metropolitan Opera or the Berlin Philharmonic and making a few million dollars a year.
So, my resilience is illustrated by the fact that I’m still here, working in this industry and pursuing my goals. And I’d say the same of any musician out there who continues to create and perform.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
There is no such thing as a non-creative!
My own creativity is not restricted to the music that I make. I design interiors and renovate homes, I imagine new giving platforms for non-profits, I plan a dinner party, etc! The more each of us bring our creativity to everything that we do, the more vibrant we make our own lives and, in turn, the lives of those around us.
There are opportunities to create and be creative every day in every sphere.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.christopherjamesray.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopherjamesray/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopherjamesray
- Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user24858969
Image Credits
First photo and photo from back of orchestra- courtesy Las Cruces Symphony two headshots with baton- Curtis Brown Photography Photo of me in the pit from audience- Bob Shomler