Classical Music Discoveries

The Orchestra of Southern Utah presents its final recital. The Musical Favorites Recital is an evening to remember, and features the talents of accomplished artists including violist Jason Bonham and tenor Benjamin Tyrrel.
Bonham’s playing has been heard throughout the continental US and Europe. As a member and substitute member of such elite orchestras as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Ars Viva Symphony Orchestra, Jason has had the opportunity to perform in concert with some of the great performers of this generation.
Bonham began his studies on the violin at the age of 8 in the public schools of Southern California and was Principal Violist with Southern California Honor Orchestra. He completed his Bachelors Degree at Brigham Young University in Viola Performance (2001) and a Masters Degree in Viola Performance at Northwestern University (2004) in Chicago where he graduated with program honors. At BYU Bonham was the winner of the concerto competition for his performance of the Bartok Viola Concerto in 2001. He was principal of both the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra and the Brigham Young University Philharmonic.
Currently Bonham is a teacher and performer in the Saint George, Utah area. He is Director of Orchestras at Tuacahn High School for the Arts, Adjunct Professor of Viola at Dixie State College, Principal Violist of the South West Symphony Orchestra and co-founder of the Chamber Music Society of Southern Utah (CMSSU). He also runs a private studio in southern Utah, and in the past has been an Adjunct Professor at Brigham Young University as well as private teaching at several music institutions in the Chicago Area. For more information of Bonham, visit his website www.jasonbonham.org.
Bonham performs “Introduction”, “The Young Juliet” and “Dance of the Knights” from the ballet Romeo and Juliet by Serge Prokofiev, “Elegie for Viola and Piano“ by Henri Vieuxtemps and “Allegro Appassionato” by Frank Bridge. He is accompanied by pianist Vernon Robison.
Tyrrel is a versatile vocalist whose styles range from opera to musical theater. Born and raised in Southern California, Tyrrel began his musical training at an early age with training in voice, piano andorgan. He received his B.A. in Vocal Performance from Brigham Young University-Hawaii in 2006. While at BYU-H, Tyrrel was a featured soloist with the BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir's 2004 Asia Tour, tenor soloist for Handel's Messiah and Mozart's Coronation Mass with the Honolulu Symphony. He performed Mozart's Coronation Mass again at Carnegie Hall in 2006 with Mid-America Productions. In 2003, Benjamin received first place in the NATSAA Hawaii Chapter vocal competition in both Classical and Musical Theater categories. After graduation, Benjamin relocated to Southern California to begin work with the top tier opera company, Opera Pacific in Orange County, CA, where he served as the Company Manager for two seasons before its closure in November 2008. Tyrrel is currently working on his M.F.A. in Arts Administration at Southern Utah University. Tyrrel sings “Una furtiva lagrima” from L’Elisir D’Amore by Gaetano Donizetti and “En Drøm (A Dream) Opus 48 Nr. 6” by Edvard Grieg. He is accompanied by pianist Gerald Rheault”
The final recital on October 6th also includes several other talented musicians from the Cedar City area.
The Robert Gordon Jazz Ensemble performs “Old Devil Moon” by E.Y. Harburg and Burton Lane and “Doxy” by Sonny Rollins. Both pieces have been arranged by Bob Gordon for this performance.
Pianist Elise Berrett plays “Prelude in C# Minor” by Sergei Rachmaninoff.
“Largo” from Xerxes by George F. Handel is performed by five students from SUU: trumpet players Robby Carnesecca and Tana Jensen, French Horn player Johnny Gallis, trombonist Bethany Brinton, and tuba player Tyician Knight.

Podcast hostess: Sandy Hedgecock
Recording/Sound: Ken Hedgecock
Photo of Jason Bonham is used by permission.