Glenwood Springs musician Jonathan Gorst conducting Prince tribute in Europe
Kyle Mills / Post Independent
During his life in music and theater, Jonathan Gorst has traveled around the world and experienced many things.
Gorst was a touring conductor for several years before he settled in Glenwood Springs and later went into the restaurant business as co-owner of Riviera Super Club.
He spent 10 years conducting Phantom of the Opera, traveling all across America, doing more then 4,800 shows. Before Phantom, he conducted a production of Cats for five years.
Next week, Gorst opens the first of 13 tour stops across the European continent.
“I will be traveling to Europe to conduct an orchestral tribute to Prince,” Gorst said.
The tour, sanctioned by Prince’s estate, is celebrating the late pop musicians’ life through an orchestra playing his music.
The American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer and filmmaker died in 2016.
Questlove, best known as the drummer and co-front man for The Roots, curated the score for the tribute.
Gorst will conduct the symphony orchestra, which will be supported by a seven-piece rock band presenting the music of Prince.
“This is different, partially because of the European aspect of it, and partially because it is a rock band and orchestra where there is no production going on,” he said.
Surrounded by two LED video walls, the orchestra and band will all be on stage as the focal point, instead of being in the orchestra pit.
“It’s a unique and overwhelming experience,” Gorst added.
The tour opens in Paris Nov. 26 at the Palais des Sports before making stops in Brussels, Belgium; Zurich, Switzerland; Stuttgart, Germany; Amsterdam, Holland; Vienna, Austria; Berlin and Hamburg, Germany; Copenhagen, Denmark; Malmo, Stockholm and Gothenburg, Sweden; and ending in London.
This will be the third time Gorst has traveled to Europe in his career, but it will be the first time he performs in a few of the most iconic venues in the world.
“I get to play Royal Albert Hall (London), which is like playing Carnegie Hall for me,” Gorst added.
Gorst is gracious to his wife and also his business partner, Travis Owen, for letting him take part in the tour.
“I’m enjoying the element of having this in my life again — very satisfying,” Gorst said.
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