KEEPING TIME Byo's bios

Donald W. Byo's remembrances of Youngstown Symphony Orchestra conductors for whom he has played:
Michael Ficocelli: Byo not only played for Youngstown Symphony Orchestra's co-founder in the All-City Orchestra for students, but also in summer concerts around town at Ficocelli's invitation.
John Krueger (1951-65): Byo's audition for Krueger was simple: he played a solo; Krueger gave him some sight reading; then Krueger told Byo the job was his. He had a knack for working with young people, Byo said. After Krueger developed colon cancer, his attitude toward music changed, and he began to include more contemporary music in symphony programs -- much to the audience's dismay.
Franz Bibo (1965-80): The symphony's first "maestro," Bibo lived in Youngstown and was ubiquitous. He supervised the transformation of Warner Theater into Edward W. Powers Auditorium, the symphony's home. He led the symphony in opera productions, and he made the first move to hire symphony musicians from outside Youngstown when he hired Walter Mayhall as personnel director, Byo said.
Peter Leonard (1980-86): A good conductor, "He was probably the youngest. ... he couldn't have been much more than 30. He looked 20," Byo said. Leonard now conducts opera in Europe.
David Effron (1987-96): "I've rarely played under a conductor who knew the music better," Byo said. Effron had a difficult personality -- his mind was often elsewhere -- "and he knew it."
Isaiah Jackson (1996-present): He's "well-schooled, well-prepared ... he programs well," Byo said.