“Success in music is not guaranteed, but as long as you are persevering and helping others along the way, you will reach your goals.”

In this episode of MFM Speaks Out, Adam Reifsteck interviews conductor and pianist Geraldine Anello about immigrating to the United States from France in her early 20s which ultimately led to a career as a Broadway musician. Topics discussed include how she created an online community and professional development resource called Theatre Music Directors, the issue of gender inequality on Broadway, and finding a new creative outlet as a writer and poet during the pandemic.

Geraldine Anello has conducted Kinky Boots and School of Rock on Broadway, The Fantasticks off-Broadway, and played in the orchestras of Broadway’s School of Rock, Bronx Tale, Aladdin, and On the Town. She has also worked on the Broadway productions SpongeBob the Musical, An American in Paris, On Your Feet, and Matilda. Anello served as music director of We Are the Tigers off-Broadway, and of Renascence for the Transport Group, Finian’s Rainbow at the Irish Repertory Theatre, and Children of Salt at the New York Musical Festival.

Visit Geraldine Anello at geraldineanello.com

Order Geraldine’s new book of poetry on Amazon.

The following music is featured in this episode:

Opening track: “Fragmented Fractals” by Adam Reifsteck featuring Geraldine Anello (piano) and Roberta Michel (flute)

Middle track: “Wallflower” from the musical We Are the Tigers by Preston Max Allen; Geraldine Anello, music director and pianist

Ending track: “Renascence” from the musical Renascence by Carmel Dean, Dick Scanlan. Edna St. Vincent Millay; Geraldine Anello, music director and pianist