President Crutcher performs with Boston Classical Orchestra

President Ronald A. Crutcher is known for being a busy man. Every day, his schedule is booked solid, from meetings on campus to visits with Wheaton alumnae/i. It goes with the territory of being a president of a liberal arts college. But this April, his schedule was cleared, cell phone turned off and no meetings planned for the opportunity to perform as cello soloist with the Boston Classical Orchestra (BCO) at Faneuil Hall.

Crutcher, whose alter ego is that of a professional cellist, played Vivaldi's Concerto in G minor along with Boston Symphony Orchestra cellist Owen Young. Although both were students of renowned cellist Aldo Parisot at Yale, it was the first opportunity for Crutcher and Young to play together.

Crutcher's style is one of grace and power. Steven Lipsitt, music director of the BCO, said his interpretation of Vivalidi was "strong, dramatic, impassioned, urgently lyrical in the slow movement and deeply felt throughout."

Before his career in college teaching and administration, Crutcher played with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. He's been playing the cello since age 14 and made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1985. Despite his full schedule, he still performs with The Klemperer Trio; they perform concerts regularly in the United States and Europe. Crutcher finds time to practice long before most Wheaton students wake up. His daily 4 a.m. ritual allows him to juggle his dual career.

Many Wheaton alumnae/i, faculty, staff and students had the opportunity to hear Crutcher perform at the Faneuil Hall concerts, some for the first time. Wheaton alumna Nancy Kurson Lubin '68, who recently took up the cello, said the opportunity to see Crutcher play was "extraordinary."

"He's a musical genius," said Lubin. "It gave me such pride to see the president of my college play with other talented musicians. It is just amazing that he can be both president of Wheaton and a professional cellist."

Crutcher was pleased with his performance and was grateful to have the chance to play with Young. "It's wonderful that our paths finally crossed," said Crutcher of his musical meeting with Young. "And it was also my first opportunity to play with the BCO. I was thrilled to be a part of it."