19 Feb 2015 Person of the Month: Israel Getzov

City where you live: Conway

Work: Music director/conductor, Conway Symphony Orchestra; director of orchestras, University of Central Arkansas.

Community activities: Meshugga Klezmer Band.

Family: Wife, Akiko Fujimoto, who works for the San Antonio Symphony.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in music performance (violin), Chicago College of the Performing Arts; master’s degree in music (orchestral conducting), Cleveland Institute of Music.

Last book you read: “Parallels and Paradoxes” by Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said.

Favorite meal: A “Chicago style” hot dog. (Hold the ketchup!)

Most cherished possession: My violin, made by the renowned Carl G. Becker in 1918.

Most enjoyed weekend activity: A walk in The Village at Hendrix nature preserve.

Favorite quote: “Everything has its beauty, but not everyone can see it.” — Chinese Proverb

No. 1 vacation spot: What’s a vacation?

Favorite place in Arkansas: The stage of Reynolds Performance Hall at UCA.

What do you love about living in the 501: It’s the people that make it a special place.