SORN TORKELSON
BIO
Sorn Torkelson is a classical guitarist, trombonist and vocalist who is currently studying classical guitar at the University of Utah, where he was awarded scholarships for guitar, trombone, and academics. During his time at the University, Sorn has been featured as a soloist in the University’s Classical Guitar Ensemble, Early Music Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Repertory Ensemble, and on the 2023 and 2024 school of music student showcases. Sorn is known for his energetic, passionate performances, and for his broad range of repertoire. He has played works that date back to the 1300s, and new works which were written within the last decade.
Sorn took an interest in music from a very early age. At age six, Sorn began learning the Irish tin whistle and shifted around many times from there, teaching himself piano, trumpet, trombone, and guitar as his love for music evolved. Although his musical upbringing was fundamentally rooted in Irish folk music, during his early teens, Sorn developed an intense passion for Jazz and Classical music, playing in classical and jazz bands throughout middle and high school. He also had an opportunity to begin studying music at a collegiate level while still in high school, resulting in an accelerated progression through music theory and a pronounced interest in composition and arranging. Sorn has arranged and composed numerous works for small ensembles, such as string quartet, brass quintet, and piano quintet. He also has numerous arrangements for solo guitar to his name, which he frequently features in his performances.
Sorn has an active performing and teaching career in the Salt Lake area. He currently plays lead trombone in the University’s Jazz Ensemble and is a member of the University’s Classical Guitar Ensemble. He frequently performs around campus as a member of the University’s Red Hots and does weddings, funerals, and other events as a soloist, a member of a guitar-cello duo, and a guitar duo. As far as teaching is concerned, Sorn has several private students, and also frequently volunteers at public schools to give masterclasses and lessons.
