GMYS in Quebec at the Eurochestries Festival
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Bob with ARIOSO
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Conducting Biography
Robert Blais, Artistic Director of the Green Mountain Youth Symphony, embarked on a conducting career when he created the Boston-based cello orchestra Blazin' Cellos. Upon arriving in Montpelier in 2001, he founded GMYS, Central Vermont's own youth orchestra.
Together, Mr. Blais and GMYS have captivated audiences at the Vermont Statehouse for Farmer's Night, for the Paine Mountain Arts Council, the Vermont Capitol Independence Day Celebration on the Capitol Steps, yearly at Montpelier's First Night celebration, in joint concerts with the Vermont Philharmonic, and regularly at the Barre Opera House. Robert Blais and the GMYS are champions of contemporary music, having commissioned and performed world premieres of orchestral works by Dennis Bathory-Kitsz, Erik Nielsen, Laura Koplewitz, Pam Marshall, and Lydia Busler-Blais, and in 2005 produced a concert comprised of music written entirely in the last twenty years by female composers.
After more than tripling the size of GMYS, Robert has expanded the orchestra's reach, starting new orchestras at the Upper Valley Music Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Robert is recently excited by GMYS' 2011 trip to Quebec City for the Eurochestries Festival, where he and the kids joined five other young ensembles from Europe and Asia. There, Blais conducted a combined orchestra comprised of students from the Youth Orchestra of the Leipzig School of Music "Johann Sebastian Bach”, the Dalian University Symphony Orchestra from China, the University of Valence (Spain) Honors Woodwind Quintet, and GMYS. Vermont Governor Shumlin honored the GMYS and Robert by proclaiming August 14-21, 2011 Green Mountain Youth Symphony Week.
In addition to his work with GMYS, Robert Blais has conducted for the Monteverdi Music Camp, the Vermont-based School for Strings Camp, the Montpelier Capitol Orchestra, the Vermont Philharmonic, the current Blazin' Cellos based in Vermont, and is a frequent guest conductor for numerous programs and festivals. He receives rave reviews for his educational outreach concerts from seasoned performers, teachers, and students alike.
I have been playing a stringed instrument for nearly 12 years. I just realized this the other day as I was walking the streets of Florence, as I am now spending my junior year of college abroad. As I was walking, I began thinking about how wonderful playing in GMYS always made me feel. For 7 years I spent my Saturdays with Bob Blais and his amazing orchestra. Each and every time I rehearsal ended, I left with lifted spirits, a refreshed mind and a bounce in my step. I owe so much to GMYS for it was there that I really learned to play viola, in the hands of a great conductor amidst talented students of all ages.
-Sera Hyjek
That was one of the most enjoyable Winooski Valley Orchestra concerts I have ever attended. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fantastic choices for music!
Scott Wilcox, Northfield, VT Music instructor
On a student's Facebook page: C. R. misses orchestra!!! Hates school!!!
Bob's presentation made it the best interactive children's program I've ever attended. This is *not* easy to do, believe me: it was a really outstanding performance. -Louis Cornell, Upper Valley Music Center Board Member
It's thrilling to watch Bob at work! He's both a master musician and a master motivator who brings out the best in his charges with just the right balance of humor, encouragement, and rigor. -Parent, 2010
Cello Biography
Well-known cellist, recitalist, conductor, and pedagogue Robert Blais has performed in great halls with the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra and the New England Symphonic Ensemble, and as chamber musician with the Uterlinde-Johnston-Blais Trio and the Pythagorean Trio in the Columbia University Artist Series. He has appeared as soloist with the Holyoke Symphony, the Melrose Symphony Orchestra, the Guilford Festival Orchestra, and the Montpelier Chamber Orchestra. Mr. Blais has served on the faculty of the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains, NY, the Hollis Woods Music School in Queens, NY, the Chamber Music Institute at the University of New Hampshire and the Westford Suzuki School in Westford, MA as well as leading a popular cello orchestra in the Boston area. Robert presently performs throughout the Northeast as soloist and chamber musician, is the Artistic Director of the Green Mountain Youth Symphony, and boasts dozens of cello students in his home studio of Montpelier, Vermont.
Mr. Blais' students have been very successful in a wide variety of performing situations. His young students have been members of the Greater Boston, Northeast, Green Mountain and Vermont Youth Orchestras, have won auditions to participate in New Hampshire and Vermont All-State Festivals and All New England Orchestras, and have received top ratings in the New York State Music Association Competition. Mr. Blais' adult students have become members of the Vermont Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras, the Montpelier Chamber Orchestra, and other professional orchestras. Robert has had students perform on the Rosie O'Donnell show, play solo at Lincoln Center, and participate in national and international festivals.
"Blais played with a natural warmth and expressiveness and real passion. He also showed a deep understanding of the music." Jim Lowe, Times Argus
"Robert Blais' cello performances are filled with great energy and musicality."
~Elizabeth Reid, viola soloist and chamber musician
“Bob Blais is a terrific musician. He has a real gift of being able to connect not only with his students, but with anyone listening to his performances. His passion and understanding of the music he is playing speaks directly to the listener and takes them on a musical journey from the minute he sits down to the moment he leaves the stage.” Paul Reynolds, Middlebury College faculty, former principal violist New World Symphony and Sarasota Opera,
“Cellist Bob Blais exudes joy and life into all the music that he performs. In addition to bringing joy and accomplishment through conducting, he is an excellent chamber musician, helping build an inspiring ensemble.” Catherine Orr, former conductor of the Montpelier Chamber Orchestra
“What sets Bob apart from other musicians is how eager he is to not just play, but entertain. It's always fun to see him perform.” Mark Meess, Nashua Chamber Orchestra
Robert Blais, Artistic Director of the Green Mountain Youth Symphony, embarked on a conducting career when he created the Boston-based cello orchestra Blazin' Cellos. Upon arriving in Montpelier in 2001, he founded GMYS, Central Vermont's own youth orchestra.
Together, Mr. Blais and GMYS have captivated audiences at the Vermont Statehouse for Farmer's Night, for the Paine Mountain Arts Council, the Vermont Capitol Independence Day Celebration on the Capitol Steps, yearly at Montpelier's First Night celebration, in joint concerts with the Vermont Philharmonic, and regularly at the Barre Opera House. Robert Blais and the GMYS are champions of contemporary music, having commissioned and performed world premieres of orchestral works by Dennis Bathory-Kitsz, Erik Nielsen, Laura Koplewitz, Pam Marshall, and Lydia Busler-Blais, and in 2005 produced a concert comprised of music written entirely in the last twenty years by female composers.
After more than tripling the size of GMYS, Robert has expanded the orchestra's reach, starting new orchestras at the Upper Valley Music Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Robert is recently excited by GMYS' 2011 trip to Quebec City for the Eurochestries Festival, where he and the kids joined five other young ensembles from Europe and Asia. There, Blais conducted a combined orchestra comprised of students from the Youth Orchestra of the Leipzig School of Music "Johann Sebastian Bach”, the Dalian University Symphony Orchestra from China, the University of Valence (Spain) Honors Woodwind Quintet, and GMYS. Vermont Governor Shumlin honored the GMYS and Robert by proclaiming August 14-21, 2011 Green Mountain Youth Symphony Week.
In addition to his work with GMYS, Robert Blais has conducted for the Monteverdi Music Camp, the Vermont-based School for Strings Camp, the Montpelier Capitol Orchestra, the Vermont Philharmonic, the current Blazin' Cellos based in Vermont, and is a frequent guest conductor for numerous programs and festivals. He receives rave reviews for his educational outreach concerts from seasoned performers, teachers, and students alike.
I have been playing a stringed instrument for nearly 12 years. I just realized this the other day as I was walking the streets of Florence, as I am now spending my junior year of college abroad. As I was walking, I began thinking about how wonderful playing in GMYS always made me feel. For 7 years I spent my Saturdays with Bob Blais and his amazing orchestra. Each and every time I rehearsal ended, I left with lifted spirits, a refreshed mind and a bounce in my step. I owe so much to GMYS for it was there that I really learned to play viola, in the hands of a great conductor amidst talented students of all ages.
-Sera Hyjek
That was one of the most enjoyable Winooski Valley Orchestra concerts I have ever attended. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fantastic choices for music!
Scott Wilcox, Northfield, VT Music instructor
On a student's Facebook page: C. R. misses orchestra!!! Hates school!!!
Bob's presentation made it the best interactive children's program I've ever attended. This is *not* easy to do, believe me: it was a really outstanding performance. -Louis Cornell, Upper Valley Music Center Board Member
It's thrilling to watch Bob at work! He's both a master musician and a master motivator who brings out the best in his charges with just the right balance of humor, encouragement, and rigor. -Parent, 2010
Cello Biography
Well-known cellist, recitalist, conductor, and pedagogue Robert Blais has performed in great halls with the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra and the New England Symphonic Ensemble, and as chamber musician with the Uterlinde-Johnston-Blais Trio and the Pythagorean Trio in the Columbia University Artist Series. He has appeared as soloist with the Holyoke Symphony, the Melrose Symphony Orchestra, the Guilford Festival Orchestra, and the Montpelier Chamber Orchestra. Mr. Blais has served on the faculty of the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains, NY, the Hollis Woods Music School in Queens, NY, the Chamber Music Institute at the University of New Hampshire and the Westford Suzuki School in Westford, MA as well as leading a popular cello orchestra in the Boston area. Robert presently performs throughout the Northeast as soloist and chamber musician, is the Artistic Director of the Green Mountain Youth Symphony, and boasts dozens of cello students in his home studio of Montpelier, Vermont.
Mr. Blais' students have been very successful in a wide variety of performing situations. His young students have been members of the Greater Boston, Northeast, Green Mountain and Vermont Youth Orchestras, have won auditions to participate in New Hampshire and Vermont All-State Festivals and All New England Orchestras, and have received top ratings in the New York State Music Association Competition. Mr. Blais' adult students have become members of the Vermont Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras, the Montpelier Chamber Orchestra, and other professional orchestras. Robert has had students perform on the Rosie O'Donnell show, play solo at Lincoln Center, and participate in national and international festivals.
"Blais played with a natural warmth and expressiveness and real passion. He also showed a deep understanding of the music." Jim Lowe, Times Argus
"Robert Blais' cello performances are filled with great energy and musicality."
~Elizabeth Reid, viola soloist and chamber musician
“Bob Blais is a terrific musician. He has a real gift of being able to connect not only with his students, but with anyone listening to his performances. His passion and understanding of the music he is playing speaks directly to the listener and takes them on a musical journey from the minute he sits down to the moment he leaves the stage.” Paul Reynolds, Middlebury College faculty, former principal violist New World Symphony and Sarasota Opera,
“Cellist Bob Blais exudes joy and life into all the music that he performs. In addition to bringing joy and accomplishment through conducting, he is an excellent chamber musician, helping build an inspiring ensemble.” Catherine Orr, former conductor of the Montpelier Chamber Orchestra
“What sets Bob apart from other musicians is how eager he is to not just play, but entertain. It's always fun to see him perform.” Mark Meess, Nashua Chamber Orchestra
