Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Concerto

 

Armando Ghitalla was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music through his exceptional trumpet playing skills. He was born on September 1, 1925, in New Britain, Connecticut, to Italian immigrant parents. Ghitalla's father was a trumpet player, and he introduced his son to the instrument at a young age. Ghitalla's love for music grew, and he began taking lessons from his father, who was his first teacher. Ghitalla's talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly became a sought-after musician in his hometown. He played in local bands and orchestras, and his reputation as a skilled trumpet player grew. In 1943, Ghitalla graduated from New Britain High School and enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the Army Band during World War II and was stationed in Europe. During his time in the Army, Ghitalla continued to play the trumpet and honed his skills. After his discharge from the Army, Ghitalla attended the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he studied under the renowned trumpet player Georges Mager. Ghitalla's talent and dedication to his craft were evident, and he quickly became one of Mager's star pupils. In 1950, Ghitalla graduated from the conservatory with a Bachelor of Music degree. After graduation, Ghitalla began his professional career as a trumpet player. He played with several orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In 1952, Ghitalla joined the United States Army Band as a soloist and quickly became one of the band's most popular performers. He remained with the band for 12 years, during which time he performed for several presidents, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1964, Ghitalla left the Army Band and joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra as principal trumpet. He remained with the orchestra for 27 years, during which time he became one of the most respected trumpet players in the world. Ghitalla's performances were always exceptional, and he was known for his beautiful tone and impeccable technique. He was also a respected teacher and mentor, and many of his students went on to have successful careers in music. Throughout his career, Ghitalla received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of music. In 1970, he was awarded the Outstanding Musician Award by the Boston Musicians' Association. In 1980, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the New England Conservatory of Music. In 1991, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George H.W. Bush, the highest honor given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government. Ghitalla's performances were always memorable, but there were several that stood out as highlights of his career. One of these was his performance of the trumpet solo in Aaron Copland's "Quiet City" with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1971. Ghitalla's performance was so moving that it brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience. Another memorable performance was his rendition of the trumpet solo in Mahler's Symphony No. 5 with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1975. Ghitalla's performance was so exceptional that it received a standing ovation from the audience. Ghitalla retired from the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1991, but he continued to perform and teach until his death in 2001.

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