Best Classical Musician

Peter Bay

Since he's taken the baton as music director of the Austin Symphony, Peter Bay has led a resurgent orchestra that shows signs of ever-improving morale and stellar artistic execution. Bay has managed to program a sparkling variety of works during a time when satisfying audiences often means resorting to gimmickry. Not so for Maestro Bay, who has a knack for mixing the tried and true with the experimental, to the great satisfaction of his knowledgeable Central Texas audience. Even the work of composer Gustav Mahler, long thought taboo, saw a welcome return last season. Bay has made his mark, not only on the podium, but throughout the Austin arts scene, taking an avid interest in the city's diverse arts life. A charming and modest man, Bay is well-suited to life in Austin, and, with a new contract recently inked, is here for at least a few more years. Bravo.

Peter Bay
Austin Symphony Orchestra
1101 Red River
www.austinsymphony.org