A Maestro’s Magic

The morning starts for Aaron Collins at 5:30 a.m. His mind percolates as he studies the musical score for the upcoming performance of “Grand Canyon Suite,” explores fresh ideas for a youth education program and attends a symphony business meeting. And, that’s just before 10 o’clock. 

As the founder, conductor, artistic director and the big gun of business development for the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, the 34-year-old Collins is driven by a motor that seems to be revved up all the time. His mission is to bring innovative programming and dynamic symphonic performances to patrons in Indian River and Brevard Counties at genuinely affordable prices. Now performing year-round, the orchestra has presented over 575 concerts over the past seven years. The maestro might best be summed up as a young man in a hurry.

Two seasons ago Collins pressed four bassoon soloists to roar onto the stage on Harley Davidsons decked out in leather jackets and pants. Ready to rumble. It was the curtain-raiser to the song “Hell’s Angels,” by three-time, Grammy Award-winner Michael Daugherty in an evening performance that showcased a rich variety of American composers. The audience loved every minute of the production. 

A stocky, 6-feet, 3-inches, Collins greets me with a bright smile as we settle in for conversation. Relaxed and affable, he talks about his non-conformist style related to the adventurous programming he organizes each season. It can, at times, transform his concerts into rock-like shows where an orchestra member performs in the audience. Collins’ “outside the box” thinking brings an irrefutable excitement to his world of symphonic music.