Internationally acclaimed flutist Walfrid “Wally” Kujala, former solo piccoloist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for more than 25 years and flute professor at Northwestern University since 1962, will present a recital and master class at the West Virginia University College of Creative Arts on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Kujala’s career as a professional musician started in West Virginia where he was a member of the Huntington Symphony while he was still in high school. He also spent part of his youth in Clarksburg, where his father, “Gus” Kujala, worked for Weirton Steel Co. in the 1930s and also performed as a bassoonist with a Clarksburg band and on the radio.

The master class with Kujala will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. where several WVU flute majors will have the opportunity to perform and be coached by Kujala.

There will also be a mini-recital at 3 p.m. with Wally piccolo and flute, Sherry Kujala, flute, and WVU faculty flutist Francesca Arnone. This will conclude with a discussion on careers in music led by Sherry Kujala.

Both events are free and will be held in the Bloch Learning and Performance Hall Room 200A of the Creative Arts Center and are free and open to the public.

Kujala first began playing the flute in Clarksburg, where he studied with Frank Migliaccio. He also had a pianist friend, Frank Cimino, who accompanied him in various school and music club recitals. His father was also one of the greatest influences on his young life as a musician, he said.

He moved to Huntington with his family at age 14, after Weirton Steel closed its Clarksburg plant, and his father then became principal bassoonist for the Huntington Symphony, which was funded by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).

A few young students were also invited to fill positions with the Symphony, including young Walfrid Kujala, who was still in high school.

For more information on Kujala’s life story, including his years with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, see his Web site at http://www.walfridkujala.com.

-WVU-

9/23/09

CONTACT: Charlene Lattea, College of Creative Arts
304-293-4841 ext. 3108, Charlene.Lattea@mail.wvu.edu