A local musician will perform the Ukrainian national anthem before tonight's game. Photo credit: Paul Nelson.
SALT LAKE CITY — A local violinist will perform the Ukrainian national anthem before tonight’s Utah Jazz game. The performance comes the same day the Utah Jazz Foundation announced their partnership with Airbnb to provide housing to Ukrainian refugees.
Tonight’s game is between the Utah Jazz and the Portland Trail Blazers. The performance will take place before kickoff.
The musician, Gabriel Gordon, is a freelance violinist and conductor based in Ogden. Gordon also composes and arranges music, and has been performing for over 35 years according to his website.
Gordon said the NBA authorized the performance— marking a first in the organization’s history. The NBA has only played the United States and Canadian anthems in the past. The U.S. and Canada are the only countries specified in the NBA’s rulebook.
Tonight’s performance is meant to express solidarity with Ukraine, according to the musician.
Gordon said will be an honor and privilege to perform the Ukrainian national anthem tonight.