Gene Pokorny in Utah and Las Vegas

[Northern]

NEWS RELEASE

Gene Pokorny, principal tubist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and former principal tubist of the Utah Symphony, is visiting the state of Utah in the month of April to play solo recitals, give masterclass/clinics for brass players and give music appreciation classes for the public. His travels will take him throughout the state from Salt Lake City to Montezuma Creek and many points inbetween.

This major undertaking is one of the projects in his seven-month sabbatical that he has from the Chicago Symphony this spring and summer.

Pokorny has been playing the Chicago Symphony since 1989 with a one year break when he played in the Los Angeles Philharmonic and recorded soundtracks for “The Fugitive”, “Jurassic Park” and other movies.

He played in the Utah Symphony from 1978- 1983 bridging the gap between music directorships of Maurice Abravanel, Varujan Kojian and the start of Joseph Silverstein. “Those were exciting and growing years for the orchestra. While the Orchestra managed one international tour during that period, there were state arts grants given so that the Orchestra could tour and bring great symphonic music to the citizens of the Utah.”

That remained a poignant memory for Pokorny as he moved on to other orchestras where touring took place but not so much on the local level. “Other orchestras I have played with have performed all over Europe, Asia, the Middle East and many, many concerts on the East Coast of the US. However, it was playing symphony music for people throughout the beautiful state of Utah that I remember most. I would like to believe that the Utah Symphony playing ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ at a concert in a gym in Castle Dale, as we did over 25 years ago, had at least as profound an effect on some as playing that same music with the Chicago Symphony in Carnegie Hall. There is no reason why anybody anywhere in this country should not have the privilege of hearing great music, seeing live theater or experiencing great art. If one lives in an urban environment, it may be easier to be exposed to those things, but those who live in less populated areas should have the same opportunity.”

That is part of the reason for Pokorny coming back to Utah. He wants people young and old to travel relatively minimal distances to the various places he is performing to hear some great music performed on as unlikely instrument as a tuba. He also wants to help inspire other tuba and low brass players who might not have the chance to hear professional players too often.

The recital program is rather light in nature but includes transcriptions of music written by Bach, Grieg, the film composer John Williams, George Gershwin and others. In a special tribute to his Utah Symphony roots, he is performing two pieces written by award-winning composer Anthony Plog who previously played trumpet in the Orchestra.

A main factor is that he is waiving his own fees for performing and teaching on this tour. In April, 2009, he started formulating a plan by contacting universities, community groups, rural music teachers and the like. The monies he is taking from those sources which can afford it are being used for the expense of travel and housing to and from Chicago as well as the payment of his professional piano accompanists.

Below is a listing of his concerts, classes and presentations and other activities. All are welcome. There may be admission fees at the various locations. Check with the contact person listed.


Saturday, April 10 - Price
Performs tuba concerto with Eastern Utah Wind Symphony at 7:30 PM (Jennifer Leavitt Student Center). Contact: Greg Benson 435-820-1193

Monday, April 12 - Provo
Gives masterclass/clinic at Brigham Young University (1 PM – 3 PM)
Performs recital at 5 PM. Contact: Steve Call 801-358-2239

Tuesday, April 13 – Salt Lake City
Gives Convocation at University of Utah: (4:10 PM – 5 PM)
Performs tuba concerto with University of Utah Wind Ensemble at 7:30 PM. Contact: Donn Schaefer 801-856-7016

Wednesday, April 14 - Logan
Gives masterclass/clinic at Utah State University (4:00 PM – 6 PM). Contact: Todd Fallis 435-753-1113

Thursday, April 15 – St. George
Gives masterclass/clinic at Dixie College (4 PM-6 PM)
Performs Tuba Recital (7 PM) Contact: James Brickey (brickey@dixie.edu" target="_blank" target="_blank)


Friday, April 16 – Cedar City
Gives masterclass/clinic at Southern Utah University at 11 AM
Performs Tuba Recital (5 PM) Contact: Mark Stickney (mastic@prodigy.net" target="_blank" target="_blank)

Saturday, April 17 – Las Vegas
Performs Tuba Recital at UNLV at 7 PM (after Nevada Music Educator’s Convention).
Contact: Stephen Kunzer: (skunzer@gmail.com" target="_blank" target="_blank)


Monday, April 19 – Montezuma Creek and Moab
Gives Music Appreciation Class/Masterclass at 10 AM in Montezuma Creek (with Bluff and Blanding students commuting). Contact: Kim Schaefer : 801-633-6755 (kschaefer@sanjuanschools.org" target="_blank" target="_blank)

Gives Masterclass/Clinic in Moab at 5 PM. Contact: Ryan Morrill (ryan.morrill@hotmail.com" target="_blank" target="_blank:


Tuesday, April 20 - Ephraim

Gives Masterclass/Clinic at Snow College at 4 PM
Performs Tuba Recital at 7 PM Contact: Vance Larsen (vance.larsen@snow.edu" target="_blank" target="_blank)

Wednesday, April 21 – Salt Lake City
Travel to Salt Lake City – 2 hours, 10 minutes.
Gives Masterclass/Clinic at University of Utah (4 PM – 6 PM)
Performs Tuba Recital at 7:30 PM. Contact: Donn Schaefer 801-856-7016