After forty-one years with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Associate Principal Trumpet Ronald Benko retired in May following the conclusion of the 2006-2007 season. Ron’s forty-one years’ membership with the LPO and its predecessor New Orleans Symphony Orchestra is one of the longest tenures of any LPO musician. He values the experience of performing with the LPO as it rose to a pre-eminent position as the United States’ only musician-owned symphony orchestra.

A native of Lakewood, Ohio, Benko started playing trumpet at the age of nine, the first step on a musical journey to becoming a master artist and prominent instructor. Ron studied with the distinguished trumpet teachers and musicians Gilbert Johnson (Philadelphia Orchestra); and Louis Davidson and Harry Herforth, (both of the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra). He holds the Master of Music degree from the University of Indiana and completed post-graduate studies at Louisiana State University, Kansas State University and Loyola University.

Benko made his debut in 1965 with the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra. He spent his entire symphony career in New Orleans where he performed with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, New Orleans Pop Orchestra and the New Orleans Opera Association. During his tenure with the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra and the LPO, he performed the world of orchestral literature under the direction of six renowned conductors: Werner Torkanowsky, Leonard Slatkin, Philippe Entremont, Maxim Shostakowvich, Klaus Peter Seibel and Carlos Prieto. Ron accompanied the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra on its tours that included the United States, Europe and Mexico. A recent highlight was the joint LPO and New York Philharmonic concert at Lincoln Center.

Adding immeasurably to the quality of music in the community, Ron has also been a member of the New Orleans Symphony Brass Quintet and other chamber music groups. Throughout his long and distinguished career, he has appeared as soloist both in recitals and on numerous occasions such as band concerts, weddings and church functions. He has performed with many celebrated artistic groups and musicians including the Bolshoi Ballet, New Orleans Opera, New Orleans City Ballet, Arthur Fiedler, and Henry Mancini.

Ron Benko’s most influential and enduring contribution has been as a trumpet teacher to generations of aspiring musicians. Ron has done much to advance the level of performance and enjoyment of music through the training of talented trumpet performers. His remarkable teaching career has spanned over fifty-one years and is still going strong. He has served as an Adjunct Trumpet Instructor for the University of New Orleans, Tulane University, Dillard University, Xavier University, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.

Ron has had many outstanding trumpet students who became prominent orchestral, jazz and recording performance artists. Former students who became symphony orchestra musicians include Rodney Mack, Barcelona Spain – 1st trumpet; Mark Niehaus, New Haven CT and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra – Principal Trumpet; and Bari Chavez, Costa Rica Symphony – Principal Trumpet. Jazz and recording artists who studied with Benko include Wynton Marsalis, international classical and jazz artist who is the Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center; Irvin Mayfield, founder of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra; Nicholas Payton, Louisiana Repertoire Jazz Orchestra; and Jeremy Davenport, jazz musician and Harry Connick Jr. band member. During the historic “All The Saints” concert at Christ Church Cathedral in November 2005, Irvin Mayfield publicly thanked Ron Benko as his first trumpet teacher and continuing influence on his musical life.

In addition to being an inspiring musician and teacher, Ron excels as a modern jewelry designer and gemologist. His exquisite and unique designs have been exhibited around the country. He is an avid sportsman who loves to hunt and fish throughout the Southern states.

Upon retiring from the LPO this year, Ron is looking forward to continuing his chamber music performance and trumpet teaching career. The next great New Orleans trumpet player may once again be one of his students.

Link:
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra