Steven Reineke truly believes he was born to have a career in music. As the Principal Pops Conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., as well as the Music Director of the New York Pops, here’s how he keeps a balanced lifestyle…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I create and conduct concerts of popular music featuring world-class guest artists with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO).
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I first guest-conducted the TSO in 1997 and have continued a relationship with them ever since. This will be the start of my first season as the Principal Pops Conductor of the orchestra. I’m also the Principal Pops Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. as well as the Music Director of the New York Pops. I knew since I was a young boy that I would have some type of career in music. I truly feel it is what I was born to do.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of any day is the 2+ hours when I’m actually on stage presenting a concert. The most challenging part of my job is fundraising.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I don’t like to look that far ahead in life. I’m a person that lives in the moment, concentrating on my work at hand and always trying to do it at the highest level possible. I don’t live in the future or the past. I’ve found that life has its own way of steering you on the right path if you stay focused and true to what you do and who you are.
What does success look like to you?
Being able to do (for a living) what makes you the happiest and finding a way to actually get paid to do it. Also, realizing that life is about so much more than your work. Take the time to enjoy life and be able to truly love.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Conducting my first concert in Carnegie Hall. I’ll never forget that night.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Don’t focus on money or a title as personal goals. Focus on what you would like to do with your life. Find something that you are passionate about and see where it will take you. I’ve found that if you can do this, you are a much happier and productive person and the money and positions will come because of that.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support several HIV/AIDS-related charities including Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, The Ronald McDonald House of New York, The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, The MS Foundation, among others. I support all of these charities because of friends or family that have been personally affected by these diseases. I think it’s important to help the greater good of humanity when one is capable, no matter if it’s in a big or small way.
What to you is notable?
Something that is extraordinary. Something above the status quo. Something that gets your attention and makes you sit up and take notice.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone. It has my life extremely organized and keeps me connected to friends, family and colleagues.
Photo credit: Sian Richards
To view the TSO Pops concert schedule and to get tickets, click here.