Israel Phil’s American tuba has died
RIPIn 1973, Zubin Mehta plucked Matthew Garbutt, 21, from Los Angeles as principal tuba of the Israel Philharmonic.
Garbutt held the position for three interesting years before returning to the US. He then settled in San Diego as principal tuba of the Symphony and principal conductor of the Summer Pops. He retired three years ago and died this month, aged 73.
From his retirement tribute:
During his three years in Israel Philharmonic Matt played hundreds of fulfilling concerts, went on tour six times and even conducted the orchestra once (Brahms Symphony No. 2). After Matt’s final concert during his last tour, Matt would have a conversation with Mr Mehta letting him know that he would be leaving Israel Philharmonic so he could conduct. Though the maestro was disappointed and thought he was a fool for leaving, Matt followed his heart back to California in hopes of fulfilling his dreams.
If it was him, Mr. Garbutt played his butt off on the Zubin Mehta recording of Mahler 6 with the Israel Phil. Great playing!
That was Shmuel Adi Hershko (IPO tubist 1978-2019) who played tuba beautifully in that recording.
I played second horn on the Mahler 6 recording of which you mentioned. The tuba player was Adi Hershko, an Israeli who recently retired.
Just how could Zubin say to Mr. Garbutt he thought him “…a fool…” for leaving to seek a career as a conductor when Mr. Mehta is himself a conductor and renowned music director of both opera and symphonies? Is that a way of saying to him he didn’t believe he has the talent without directly saying to him he didn’t believe he has the talent?
He probably thought that going to San Diego was a backwater move. But when you’re young, California is the more appealing choice. It’s an easy place to miss, especially if you’re from there.
A tuba had died? Is that like an American piano has died?
I think it rather churlish to omit his many years as principal tuba for the San Diego Symphony (1977-2021), as well as his many years as principal conductor of the SDSO Summer Pops (1980-2021). One can read much more fully about his career (not only in San Diego) here: https://sdsomusicians.org/wp/retirement-tribute-matthew-garbutt-a-lifetime-with-tuba-and-conducting/