ITF2008 : May 28-31 : Salt Lake City

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Trombones in Salt Lake

Note: University Guesthouse Hotel is now sold out. Spaces in dorms are still available (May 11)

After four smaller events across the globe in Brasilia, Rotterdam, Las Vegas and Beijing during 2007, the International Trombone Festival returns to one major event in 2008, this time hosted by the University of Utah in Salt Lake City from May 28-31.

In a drive to offer some artistic diversity between the festivals, ‘Americana’ is a loose theme that will bind the major elements of this conference. Artists come from North, Central and South America such as the world-renowned American Brass Quintet (which replaces tuba with bass trombone!), Trombones de Costa Rica, and the Viento Sur Trombone Quartet from Argentina.

North America will also be represented by Jim Markey – who has just made the switch from associate principal to bass trombonist of the New York Philharmonic – and Ko-ichiro Yamamoto, principal trombonist of the Seattle Symphony. From the world of jazz we welcome Robin Eubanks, Andy Martin and the hot young sensation Marshall Gilkes, all accompanied by the Salt Lake City Jazz Orchestra.

One of the highlights of the festival will be a performance of the Christopher Rouse Trombone Concerto by Larry Zalkind and the Utah Symphony Orchestra. This Pulitzer Prize-winning concerto was originally commissioned and premiered by Joe Alessi and the New York Philharmonic. Truly one of the finest works written for the trombone and it is as visually inspiring, such as the use of powerful and climactic “Mahler Hammer”, as the music itself. The concerto is also fiendishly difficult to put together with orchestra and soloist and uses huge forces, so is heard less and less as financial constraints take evermore control over artistic programming. Utah Symphony has a richly deserved reputation as one of the States’ finest orchestras and with its principal trombonist as soloist, this event promises to be a highlight of the trombone year.

Brett Baker, who serves as Secretary of the International Trombone Association, will also be forging his brass band ties with a special performance with the local brass band, Utah Premiere Brass and finally the festival will include a special tribute to Arthur Pryor, one of the instruments greatest ever soloists and performers. Of course, the usual array of workshops, clinics and the largest collection of trombone manufacturers, publishers and retailers will all be on display and following their tremendous success in 2007, we intend to continue to participant trombone choirs enabling performers and participants alike to perform together on the final afternoon.

I must admit to a tinge of sadness, as I have decided to hang-up my keyboard (?!) as ITF Director after six years and events on four continents but I have every intention of making Salt Lake City a festival to remember! I hope you can join us.

Steven Greenall
ITF Director