The Never Ending Story!

Stuart Chafetz is the Principal Pops Conductor of the Columbus Symphony and the newly appointed Principal Pops Conductor of the Chautauqua and Marin Symphonies. Chafetz, a conductor celebrated for his dynamic and engaging podium presence, is increasingly in demand with orchestras across the continent and this season Chafetz will be on the podium in Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee, Naples, Philly Pops, Cincinnati Pops, Pittsburgh, San Diego, and Winnipeg. He enjoys a special relationship with The Phoenix Symphony where he leads multiple programs annually. He’s had the privilege to work with renowned artists including Chris Botti, 2 Cellos, Hanson, Rick Springfield, Michael Bolton, Kool & The Gang, Jefferson Starship, America, Little River Band, Brian McKnight, Roberta Flack, George Benson, Richard Chamberlain, The Chieftains, Jennifer Holliday, John Denver, Marvin Hamlisch, Thomas Hampson, Wynonna Judd, Jim Nabors, Randy Newman, Jon Kimura Parker and Bernadette Peters. He previously held posts as resident conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and associate conductor of the Louisville Orchestra. As principal timpanist of the Honolulu Symphony for twenty years, Chafetz would also conduct the annual Nutcracker performances with Ballet Hawaii and principals from the American Ballet Theatre. It was during that time that Chafetz led numerous concerts with the Maui Symphony and Pops. He’s led numerous Spring Ballet productions at the world-renowned Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. In the summers, Chafetz spends his time at the Chautauqua Institution, where he conducts the annual Fourth of July and Opera Pops concerts with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra in addition to his role as that orchestra’s timpanist. When not on the podium, Chafetz makes his home near San Francisco, CA, with his wife Ann Krinitsky. Chafetz holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and a master’s from the Eastman School of Music. 

Bryce Ryness was last seen on Broadway in Matilda after originating the role of ‘Miss Trunchbull’ on the first national tour. He thrilled audiences and garnered critical praise for his unique interpretation of an extraordinary character. 

Originally from California, Bryce Ryness traded coasts in 2006 to pursue his Broadway dreams. Since making “the move,” he’s appeared on The Great White Way in First Date, Leap of Faith, the 2009 Tony Award-winning revival of Hair at the Hirschfeld Theater (where he received a Drama Desk nomination for ‘Best Featured Actor in a Musical’) and Legally Blonde at the Palace.  

Off-Broadway, he’s premiered/originated roles in Milburn/Vigoda’s Long Story Short with Prospect Theater Company, Fly By Night, See Rock City & Other Destinations, Around The World in 80 Days and Crossing Brooklyn. Outside of New York, he’s originated roles in the compelling Sleeping Beauty Wakes (McCarter Theater & La Jolla Playhouse), Floyd Collins (Los Angeles premiere) and Cabaret (Reprise Theater Co., LA). He also led the national touring company of Rent in 2006, playing ‘Roger’.  

With his band, Ryness, he’s written and recorded two albums, available on iTunes. On Film: Tangled. On TV: Law & Order: SVU, Peter Pan Live!, It Could Be Worse, Political Animals, Just For Kicks, Late Show, and Tonight Show. Finally, Bryce has sung backup for international recording artists Josh Groban, Roger Daltrey and Sarah Brightman.  

Julie Reiber currently stars in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Come From Away. She is best known for playing the iconic green girl Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway. Other Broadway credits include performing the roles of Brooklyn in BKLYN The Musical, Natalie/Ed in All Shook Up, Marion in Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Medda in Newsies. 

Julie has performed as a soloist with symphonies across the U.S. and Canada as well as performing with the Korean Symphony in the Olympic Hall in Seoul, South Korea. Her debut album Love Travels can be found on iTunes and be heard on Spotify.