Michael Christie is a conductor and music director of the Phoenix Symphony and the Colorado Music Festival. In July, he will become music director of the Minnesota Opera. Before participating in a panel on whether Phoenix is the next L.A., he revealed his secrets to converting people to classical music-and a surprising early musical influence.
Q. Where do you come up with your best ideas?
A. Usually the shower.
Q. How would you describe your style?
A. Positive, but I try to get things done that need to get done. Positive but proactive-I’ll put it that way.
Q. What was the first album you owned?
A. It was probably Styx, the album [Kilroy Was Here] with the single track “Mr. Roboto.”
Q. What can’t you say no to?
A. Dessert.
Q. What’s the greatest party you went to recently?
A. New Year’s Eve in Sydney, Australia in 2008.
Q. What’s your hidden talent?
A. Making breakfast.
Q. What’s the best way to introduce a neophyte to classical music?
A. The very first thing I think is to smile, because people expect classical music to be stuffy.
Q. How are you different from who you were 10 years ago?
A. Oh man. [Laughs.] I’m as idealistic, but I’m fueled more by the bumps in the road I suppose.
Q. What’s your favorite season?
A. I’m from Buffalo, New York, so it’s autumn.
*Photo by Felipe Ruiz-Acosta.