15.08.2013
Slovene cellist conquered the 4346-meter-high Longs Peak in Colorado with his cello
Slovene cellist Gal Faganel, professor at the University of Northern Colorado and the Rocky Ridge Music Centre and conductor of the Colorado Youth Orchestra, has climbed Longs Peak, the highest peak of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
Gal Faganel and his musical colleague violinist Jenny Shea and also a student at the University set out to conquer the peak together. Their past climbing experiences served them well on this journey. At the top they gave fellow trekkers a concert - an unprecedented event. Despite summer weather, the strong wind did not really favour good acoustics. However, the two musicians successfully braved unfavourable conditions on a few thousand dollars' worth instruments.
The musicians gave the concert at 9 a.m. after a 6-hour trek, during which Gal's cello swayed like a sail in the wind on his back. The first 14 trekkers who were later joined by more could listen to the works of J. S. Bach, Sibelius, Dvořak, Händel and Brahms.
It seems that this performance spurred Gal on to greater goals. Next year he is planning to climb the highest mountain in the area, Mount Elbert (4401 m), with several of his students.
Linked articles
