It is fair to assume that anyone reading this column is a music lover of some degree. Take a moment to reflect, though, that there was a time in your life when you had never heard a note of music. What was it that inveigled your innocent ear? When was it? Where were you? Who introduced you?

Introductions are a vital part of the process of life, a key link in the chain of human relationships. They are no less consequential in music than they are in business, courtship or politics. Even the simple act of taking a friend to a concert elevates you for that precious period to the role of introducer.

There is no more important introducer in the world of music than a conductor. To many, he appears to wave his wand over the orchestra and conjure up the sounds which so beguile the ear and enchant the heart. This is only a part of his work though. Equally essential is the conductor's role in determining the choice of program and performers.