Passion, expertise, and purpose make up the heart of the Kent Philharmonic Orchestra (KPO). KPO celebrates 50 years of coming together as a multi-generational community of musicians. Dr. Libor Ondras serves as the Director of the Kent Philharmonic Orchestra, the Director for the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, as well as an Associate Professor of Strings and Director of Orchestras at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC).
Throughout his many years in the industry, Ondras has been an educator, recital violist and conductor. He credits his parents for his early childhood exposure to different genres of music. “My parents were, and still are, true amateur musicians. They surrounded themselves, me and my sister with music. That gave me such a solid foundation that in my early teens I was able to explore other types of music, including classical and jazz. It’s one of the reasons I know early exposure is so crucial. Very often it will unlock passion that otherwise could be lost.”
Musicians from all walks of life and in different phases of their career form the KPO. Ondras describes the group as a “community orchestra, first and foremost. The Orchestra offers the members that come every week, devoting their time, talent, and energy an understanding that I value their contributions. We have that healthy core that continues to grow as we value one another.”
A unique aspect of the leadership provided by Dr. Ondras, and the Kent Philharmonic Orchestra as a whole, is the ability to bridge the core of the Orchestra’s musicians: the student, the aspiring amateur, and the professional musician alike. Dr. Ondras’ approach gives each member, regardless of which category they arrive in, a chance to thrive. “When I started in the music industry, it was very competitive and a very narrow field. I learned, through my own experience, there are many ways to access what you need to grow. What we provide with KPO and GRCC is that you can find those kids that need that help.”
Through their educational outreach, KPO holds a concerto competition for high school and college students. Through the competition, the orchestra awards a scholarship to an aspiring music student. They receive an opportunity to study at GRCC at no cost to them. “It serves as a springboard to feature a youth talent that exists within the public and private schools in the area. Previous winners have gone on to have illustrious careers within the industry,” Dr. Ondras shares. He holds this key component of the KPO very dear to his heart. “No other organization can do that because we have the educational factor. The strengths lie in the expertise, passions and what the students can learn, and the fact that sometimes a student can get it for free is a bonus that is unique to the KPO and GRCC experience.”
The Kent Philharmonic Orchestra began as a semi-professional group providing the foundational core of high standards. It continues to attract musicians who are educators and highly skilled. Dr. Ondras shares the impact of the orchestra’s beginnings. “These standards have really brought a lot of talent and passion to the organization. It’s why it continues to be so healthy. It’s the combination of passion and skill.”
Along with being highly talented in their deliverance of the repertoires chosen by Dr. Ondras, the orchestra comes together as a tight knit community. No matter the age gap between musicians, they take time to invest in each other’s lives through mutual intention and acceptance. In addition to their support of one another, Dr. Ondras admits he does not shy away from presenting challenging repertoires. The orchestra holds both a kindness in coming together as a community and a high standard of professionalism in rising to the occasion skillfully. This attribute thrives under the leadership of Dr. Ondras. He believes this delicate combination helps create the uniqueness of the KPO experience.
Dr. Ondras’ intentional approach continuously brings the key component of his pedagogy to the forefront. “We focus on expression, phrasing, integrity of musicianship rather than is it perfectly in tune or its perfect articulation. You want the feeling to be there along with the delivery at the top level. As only KPO can do, with students we work toward the balance to help encourage it to develop.” As Ondras describes it, “it’s an honor and a responsibility.”
The Kent Philharmonic Orchestra, Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra and students within the GRCC music program benefit from the humble approach Dr. Ondras brings. He’s remained a working professional throughout the years to keep the experience of being a working member fresh in his mind. His desire to lead while also being led creates the mutually beneficial environment that is the Kent Philharmonic Orchestra. You get more than a well-crafted concert when you experience the orchestra. Dr. Ondras brings his years of wisdom by leading through example. “I’m trying to live life in a balance. I know there are professionals 100% devoted to their craft. I am, but there are other things I find that are important to achieve that sense of balance. Having a circle of family, friends, other passions in life. It’s an aspect that helps me learn and stay humble, like picking up snowboarding in my late 40’s because my boys were snowboarding. Whatever it is, all those things bring beauty and a different perspective.” Dr. Libor Ondras’ perspective has helped lead the Orchestra to its fifth decade of growing success providing an example to the community of what it can look like when we come together and share our passions.
The KPO performs several events throughout the year and this season holds a particularly special accomplishment of 50 years together. Visit their website kentphilgr.org for more info on how you can become a supportive part of the Orchestra and enjoy one of their upcoming concerts.
This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell.