No matter how long we prepare for it, change always feels sudden. No matter how much planning, thought, and teamwork goes into something new, there will always be bumps in the road and surprises. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.

When I started my job at the symphony, the kids had a hard time adjusting to it. I’d always pointed out where I worked previously, and when I had to work late nights it was at home, and they knew where I was. They grew to love my job, my coworkers, and everything about the music I have had the great honor of working with day after day for four seasons. They love going to symphony concerts, and cheering on their friends on stage. They consider many of the musicians and staff their friends, and they will be devastated to hear that I will no longer be working there.

I loved every minute with the symphony, and I’m thrilled that orchestra performances never lost their magic for me. In that regard, the kids and I are the same and will continue to revel in their performances. But it’s time for a change.

With the blessing of my team, I am taking on a new challenge. More responsibility, a nimble organization ready for growth, and a new group of talented coworkers and artists to astound my little music lovers. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to head back to my native art form, opera. And so it is with a torn heart and an excited mind that I leave a team that has become friends, and head into the next adventure with a dynamic group that I’m sure will become friends just as quickly.

For the kids, they will notice late nights, an unpredictable schedule, and a new version of cheering on incredibly talented people from the audience. I wonder what they’ll think of opera, and when they will be ready for main stage performances. I suspect they will be understanding and intrigued, and Dave and I will continue to do everything under the sun to make sure they know they are the most important people in our lives.

And I will continue to do what I promised, which is to live bravely and take on challenges and roles that have meaning for me. I will teach my kids how profoundly satisfying work can be when we find something that allows us to give of our best self to make the community a better, stronger, more beautiful place.

So apologies for the pause in blogs. There’s been a lot going on in our universe, which doesn’t stop here! Magical Marie’s successor arrived Friday, so the new and fun and sad and exciting changes continue.