KSL – Gary Ofenloch retires after 36 years as Utah Symphony’s principal tubist

by Jacob Klopfenstein

SALT LAKE CITY — After 36 years, Utah Symphony principal tubist Gary Ofenlochhas sounded his final notes with the group.

Ofeloch, 68, has retired. The 2018-19 symphony season was his last.

“You want to be going out on top, and I feel like I’m playing well and now would be as good a time as any,” he said.

The Chicago native was set to play his final shows with the Utah Symphony this weekend, but came down with an illness that will prevent him from performing. His final appearance was the 2019 O.C. Tanner Gift of Music Concert two weeks ago at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Conference Center, he said.

He knew last September that the 2018-19 Utah Symphony season was going to be his last, so he treated every performance like it was extra-special, he said.

“I tried to be a little more prepared,” he said. “I wanted my colleagues in the symphony to ask ‘Why are you leaving?’ instead of saying ‘Boy, we’re so glad he’s going.’”

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