In summer of 1983 Phil Kelsey came to Seattle Opera for the first time as a rehearsal pianist for the Ring. One of the few people to have worked on all three Seattle Ring productions, this self-described “Ring Junkie” has dwelt at the heart of the company’s music department ever since, as coach, accompanist, conductor, assistant conductor, harpsichord player for recitatives, and arranger of parts for offstage banda. Legendary for his “Eagle Ears,” Phil can hear one wrong note out of thousands—a skill that comes in handy at rehearsals! Learn more about this remarkable musician at http://www.seattleopera.org/discover/staff_chats/seattleopera_staffchat_phil_kelsey.pdf Photos, clockwise from upper left, of Phil awaiting a cue as backstage conductor; enthusiastic in rehearsal; at the harpsichord for a recitative; and backstage conducting the Children’s Chorus in last summer’s “Turandot.”