Roger Bobo (June 8, 1938 – February 12, 2023) was an American tuba virtuoso and brass pedagogue. He retired from active tuba performance in 2001 in order to devote his time to conducting and teaching. He gave what is reputed to be the first solo tuba recital in the history of Carnegie Recital Hall.[1] His solo and ensemble discography is extensive. He was the author of "Mastering the Tuba" published by Editions Bim (CH). While living in the US, he was the resident conductor of the Topanga Philharmonic Orchestra. He has been a guest conductor with numerous orchestras and chamber ensembles in North America, Europe and Asia.

Roger Bobo
Born(1938-06-08)June 8, 1938
DiedFebruary 12, 2023(2023-02-12) (aged 84)
Oaxaca, Mexico
Alma materEastman School of Music
Occupation(s)Tubist, conductor, teacher
Years active1961–2023

As of 2023 Bobo lived in Oaxaca, Mexico, from which he conducted numerous virtual masterclasses and lessons. As of 2018, Bobo resided in Tokyo, Japan and teaching at Musashino Academy of Music in Tokyo. Before moving to Tokyo he served as faculty at the Fiesole School of Music near Florence, Italy, at the Lausanne Conservatory in Switzerland, at the Rotterdams Konservatorium in the Netherlands, and at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England. Roger held a bachelor's degree from the Eastman School of Music.

Major orchestral appointments include:

Bobo was the subject of the John Updike poem "Recital".[2]

Alexander Arutiunian dedicated his Concerto for tuba and symphony orchestra (1992) in 3 movements to Bobo.

Bobo died on February 12, 2023, at the age of 84.[3]

LPs & CDs

edit
  • Roger Bobo Plays Tuba
  • Prunes
  • Botuba
  • Tuba Libera
  • Gravity Is Light Today
  • Bobissimo
  • Rainbo-bo

With Lalo Schifrin

Sources

edit
  1. ^ Hughes, Allen (April 11, 1961). "ROGER BOBO GIVES RECITAL ON TUBA; Instrument Rarely Heard in Solo Role Is Played Here in Varied Program". The New York Times. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  2. ^ Updike Recital
  3. ^ lebrecht, norman (February 13, 2023). "Tuba legend dies".
edit