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Paul Pollei Obituary
Paul Cannon Pollei passed away on July 18, 2013. His sweet wife Norene, having left this life herself just over two months ago, clearly used her influence and chose her own birthday to bring Paul back to her as a birthday present.
Paul was born May 9, 1936 to Eric Charles Pollei and Emily Cannon Pollei. He grew up in the family home on 76 S Street and attended Bryant Jr. High, East High School and the University of Utah. He attended Eastman School of Music and received his Ph.D. at Florida State University. He was a member of the piano faculty at Brigham Young University, where he taught for over 40 years.
Paul married Norene Barrus on June 24, 1960 in the Salt Lake Temple. His daughter Emilie was born in Rochester, New York, October 3, 1962 and Mark was born in Provo, Utah, October 14, 1966. Paul was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings, including Bishop of a BYU student ward. But we heard him say that his favorite calling was as Primary Pianist, accompanying the children's singing. He served in the Paris, France mission where he enjoyed the food, culture and people of Paris.
You can't say the name "Paul" without the word "Piano" in the same breath. In 1976 Paul founded the Gina Bachauer International Piano competition, which has grown to become the second largest piano competition in the United States. He was a founding member of the American Piano Quartet and a jury member for many national and international piano competitions throughout the world. As a devoted teacher he presented workshops, lectures and masterclasses to numerous pianists around the globe. He was very active in the work of the National Conference on Piano Pedagogy, the Music Teachers National Association, and the World Federation of Music Competitions.
We love you, Dad. Wherever we went in the world there was bound to be someone, a stranger to us but a friend to you, who would ask, "Oh! Are you related to Paul?" People remembered you. You made an impression on people. You were an ambassador to the world. You encouraged so many young people to love, not just piano, but life. You were passionate and enthusiastic about life. You believed in the transforming power of art. You were an optimist, a demanding teacher, and a mentor and world traveller with a friend in every port. We will miss your laughter, your big hugs, infectious smile and witty banter.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Eric.
He is survived by his children Emilie and Mark, daughter-in-law Jennifer, grandsons Edward and Henry, and his brothers Robert and David Pollei.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 25, 2013 at the Edgemont 21st Ward Chapel, 2900 North Timpview Drive, Provo, Utah. Friends may call at the Berg Mortuary of Provo, 185 East Center Street, Wednesday from 6-8:00 p.m., and at the church Thursday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, East Lawn Memorial Hills, Provo, Utah. Condolences may be emailed to [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation. www.bachauer.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Pollei
Sponsored by Bachauer Beneficiaries.
Kay Thomas (David Thomas) who is with Paul now.
July 15, 2023
Paul will always be a beloved person in my life. I loved his talents with using the piano and bring others to enjoy it as well. I love the Gina Bachauer Competition and have hosted many of the participants in my home. Paul will always be a special and cherished memory for me.
Pasquale Iannone
July 15, 2023
An incredibly gifted and nice man who gave to the music so much.
I remember very well the first time I met him in 1986 and I was impressed by his kindness and joy.
A great loss for the entire music world.
Doug Richards
July 15, 2019
Had occasion to drive by Douglas St. a couple of days ago. I remembered a conversation Paul and I had about my desire to pursue a business career instead of a career in music. He made some comment about me then being able to eventually buy a $50,000 grand piano or something to that effect. I ended up pursuing the business career but never made enough money to buy the $50,000 piano, but I eventually ended up teaching piano part-time earning probably around $50,000 over the past 18 years that Ive taught, so I guess in one way at least his statement was prophetic :).
Karen Maxwell
May 2, 2015
Paul Pollei came to Brigham Young University a few years after my father, Merrill Bradshaw, became one of the Music Department faculty. I believe Dad had some influence on Paul's joining the faculty. His name was well-known in our home and Dad would repeat something remarkable that Paul had done or said. When I came to BYU as a piano performance major, the name of Paul Pollei seemed like excellence afar off--as if he dwelt on piano Olympus, and we mere mortals could only dream of being good enough to study with him. However, I was to learn that I was much mistaken. He loved nurturing students and performers and finding ways to open doors for their careers, allowing them to fulfill hopes and dreams. This became the great foundation of his work. One of my fellow students, Doug Humpherys, rose to stardom while I was there as the first winner in the BYU piano competition. Within a few years, the competition became the Bachauer. I did not know that Paul Pollei had anything to do with the competition at that time. By then I was busy raising children, and piano was put on hold--an outlet and a way to educate my children, but there was not much time for anything else. In 1998, my husband bought me a new Mason and Hamlin seven foot piano, and the store manager asked if I'd be interested in hosting someone for the next year's Young Artists Bachauer. I said yes. It was an amazing experience, and the following year, Paul asked if I would head the hosting committee. I felt quite inadequate, but he assured me that I could do it. This was his manner. He believed in people, and they could be swept up into activities and joys that they never thought possible just on the strength of his conviction. He was always so warm and so full of enthusiasm and I enjoyed working with him and with the staff (every one of whom he valued and encouraged) so much, and I believed in the Bachauer and the tremendous benefits to pianists, arts in the community, and to Salt Lake's people and to the LDS Church. These were beliefs that Paul built his life on--bringing benefits to many by providing a venue and hosting and judging and prizes that would allow excellence to be loved and enjoyed and honored the way it should be. Paul wove a tremendous tapestry of artists and aficionados and appreciators. He was so genuinely delighted when others were, and so knowledgeable and so congenial and so visionary. He knew the greatest people around the piano world--he was friends with everyone, and the Earth was not too large a place for the piano to encompass. When we went to elementary schools to bring excellence close up to the children, he loved to help them envision the 10,000 parts of the Steinways Skip Daynes so graciously delivered to each building. He brought the schoolchildren so much, and let them touch the strings and feel the physics of sound in action--he wanted them to want to play, to enjoy the beauty, to feel the magnificence. And it was wonderful for the artists as well--they found they could connect with the very young in unique ways--it expanded their view of audience and of voice. The Bachauer hit some difficult economic times, and as I sat on the board, there were some difficult discussions. The finances seemed to indicate that the competition should shut down for a few years. There was professional advice to that effect. I spent hours talking to Paul about things. I knew he would go back to operating out of the trunk of his car if needed to keep the Bachauer going. When it came down to a vote, Paul knew that things would come around right, and so the Bachauer went on. He asked me to be chairman of the board, and again, the strength of his belief in me carried me along. It was a fabulous opportunity--one of the most incredible of my life. To see how he worked and thought and nurtured, to see how much he cared, and how he used his influence for the good of others was such a blessing! Eventually, he even housed my senior piano recital in 2003. He and Norene were so kind to let me play on one of the Steinways in their home, clearing off the covers and cats and even providing cookies. Though people of great vision and consequence, they were always kind and gracious. To know them was to love them.
I loved working with Paul on the Bachauer and rejoicing in the beauties and the successes and the sociality of magnificent artists and their work. I remember his wonderful speeches to the community at the prize-giving ceremonies. He had so many interesting and captivating ideas. Evenings after competitions were full of conviviality. Competitors would be in a beautiful home whose hostess Paul knew, and talk shop and ideas and whatever, and mingle and even play for each other. Paul used his influence to direct conversations for the benefit of those involved. The judges would talk with competitors and community members would have a chance to break bread with the elite of the piano world. It was so uplifting, and such a breath of fresh air for anyone involved in the competition world. Paul changed, single-handedly, that world. Coming up with non-elimination until the final round so that competitors really got to play all that they had prepared, hosting in community homes to bring artists in touch with the area, judges spending time with competitors--these were a few of the things that made the Bachauer a jewel in the competition world. Instead of cold-hearted venues and nights in lonely hotels and a hermit-like existence, competitors and judges felt cared for and personally valued. I know he found places for some competitors to live to pursue their education, helped with visa issues, wrote letters and made phone calls in their behalf. They became family, and he worked on behalf of so many of them. He arranged recitals, locally and internationally, in homes, in churches, and in the great recital halls of the world. Paul's vision was what carried all of this. He was and is a magnificent human being with an eternal view of other human beings and the beauties they are capable of creating. I will be eternally grateful for his great contribution to goodness in this world. And I think he was right--if everyone studied piano, there would be no war. Thank Heaven for Paul Pollei and for his capacity to carry excellence into the homes and hearts of people around the world. May we rejoice in his legacy and celebrate his example of vision and love for the pianistic art.
With reverence and love,
Karen Bradshaw Maxwell,
Bachelor of Music, BYU 2003
Doug Richards
August 4, 2013
To me, Paul was always just Paul, probably because that's how my mom referred to him. It was only later that I heard others call him Dr. Pollei. I had the opportunity to take piano lessons from him when I was 7 when they lived on Douglas St. in Sugarhouse and then later as a student at BYU. I think the thing that I will always remember most fondly about him is how he always encouraged me to do my best, no matter the circumstances. The legacy that a piano teacher leaves in the hearts of his students is immeasureable and one that I'm sure will stretch for the eternities. Thank you, Paul, for being a part of my life and for allowing me to experience the joy of classical music through the opportunities to perform that you gave me.
Jerold Ottley
July 29, 2013
We send our boundless appreciation for a life so well and fully lived. Paul's legacy is enshrined in countless lives that continue to produce the beautiful music he loved. JoAnn has been ill so we were unable to join you in the celebration of Paul's life. God Bless You!
Mary Alice Jeppson Clark
July 29, 2013
Paul Pollei was an inspiration to everyone!
Robert Bailey
July 28, 2013
I can trace my love of classical music to my "Intro to Music" class at BYU in the spring of 1965. The class met in a beautiful room with a huge painting from the Peter Paul Ruebens' studio on the wall. Brother Pollei was an enthusiastic musical evangelist and I was one of his many converts. Thank you forever.
Mirian Conti
July 26, 2013
I will miss that smile! what a wonderful friend, musician, mentor, teacher.
Roxanne Laycock Bingham
July 25, 2013
My life is better for having had Paul Pollei as a teacher, mentor and friend. I owe him much of who I am. Thank you, Paul. My sincere sympathies to the family.
Holly (Horne) Poff
July 25, 2013
Paul was a delightful employer. I so enjoyed being involved in the Bachauer if but for a short time. He was a great artist and great human being.
Jerry and Irma Bowman
July 25, 2013
Dr. Pollei was our son's teacher, professor, champion and friend from the age of 12 years old; through his Bachelor's degree program at Brigham Young University. After our son's graduation Dr. Pollei continued to be a friend and supporter, often making himself available for guidance and counsel.
In our experience Dr. Pollei guided his students to recognize their potential in the world of music. He expected dedicated and honest hard work to achieve this potential. He continually taught the principal of hard work to achieve success; nevertheless our lessons were full of warm teaching and learning. More importantly to us, his primary teaching and maintaining was to the love of music.
During the many years that Paul taught our son, he always treated our family as friends. He never failed to acknowledge us wherever we crossed paths, even though there were hundreds, probably thousands of student's parents and siblings that he had known.
Our son Jonathan was fortunate enough to be a part of Dr. Pollei's first piano team which went on to receive first place in the Gina Bachauer Team Competition. This event was highlighted with a trip to Disneyworld. Accompanied by Dr. Pollei our memories are of much laughter and fun, along with expectations of hard work. He treated his piano team and their parents with generosity, consideration, warmth, and always attentive to all as individuals.
Dr. Pollei had a significant and permanent influence on our entire family. We recognize and express our appreciation and gratitude for many years of music and learning which has blessed our family with a deeper appreciation, enjoyment and participation in the great music of this world.
We will remember Paul Pollei as an important part of our son's life. Our life has been blessed because our lives crossed paths.
Ralph (Chip) Woodward
July 25, 2013
My first encounter with Paul Pollei was back in 1967 at a Provo reception for an eminent visiting Brazilian professor of piano. Ever since then I have marveled at his continual outreach in music education and his remarkable achievement in bringing artistic beauty to Utah from virtually every quarter of the world. But beyond such accomplishments, I see Paul as a warm, inspiring friend--someone whose delightful presence will be sorely missed but whose special influence for good is certain to be felt for a long, long time.
Kay Thomas
July 24, 2013
Such an amazing man and friend. He will truly be missed by many. My husband, David Thomas, grew up on The Avenues in Salt Lake with Paul. Many great memories were always shared when we were together with him. They are now together. Paul blessed so very many with his musical talents and business orchestrational abilities. What a privilege and a pleasure it was to know him. He has truly blessed my life. My love and prayers go out to his family at this time.
Armen Babakhanian
July 24, 2013
Great personality....strong man...FANTASTIC PERSON....entire legacy of "BACHAUER'S" will miss YOU.............
July 23, 2013
My sympathies go out to Emily, Mark and family. I will miss my conversations with your dad. I'll always remember his kindness, guidance and friendship.
Grady Garrard
July 23, 2013
Thank you Paul.
Luiza Borac
July 23, 2013
Paul Pollei was the founder of the second largest Piano Competition in the United States, a great piano teacher and human being who enriched the lives and careers of thousands. Ever since I had the privilege of becoming a Gina Bachauer medalist he has nurtured my musical path with the greatest attention and kindest friendship. He truly made the world a better place. RIP dear Paul. Heartfelt condolences to Paul's family.
Christie Sowby
July 23, 2013
Thank you Paul for your sincere kindness to a bunch of BYU students. You always offered free tickets (for the Bachauer), lectures and your time. What an inspiration you have been to so many. What a lifelong legacy! May God bless you and your family at this special time.
Joanne Rust Stohs
July 22, 2013
I never had Dr. Pollei as a teacher but he was a member of my piano juries at BYU. I was always amazed at his energy level and his love of teaching which was reflected in his students. He brought the piano world to Utah and I was in awe of the many pianists who competed at the Gina Bachauer Competition. Dr. Pollei will be missed by the whole music community and his legacy will live on forever.
Stephanie Stuart
July 22, 2013
I will never forgot the night a bunch of BYU piano majors treated you to Brick Oven in return for picking your brain on piano teaching. You loved sharing the knowledge you had about anything and everything about piano. It was a wonderful night of fun, learning, and laughter. I will always remember you telling us to build our music libraries, and that you bought a CD or a piece of music from Amazon at least once a day.
Linda Clement
July 22, 2013
I loved his lectures. So full of excellent tips and helps for teachers, and yet so entertaining. He made such an impression on me and my teaching. Sad to see him leave us.
Tamar Jergensen
July 22, 2013
Paul and my mother were alums of the French speaking mission in the 50's. He was a faithful friend of our family ever since. He was a personal hero. Wherever we met I was greeted like a member of his family. He changed my brother's life. He built a legacy of art and beauty that will be eternal.
Julie Anderson
July 22, 2013
I had the pleasure to work with Paul the last 6.5 years for the Bachauer. He is a wonderful man inside and out and always made whoever he was with feel like they were his best friend. Even in his last few months when he was fading away he still gave you a smile like "I know who are- we are friends". He will be missed and will never be replaced. Thank you Mark and Emilie for sharing your dad with us all these years.
Paola Bruni
July 22, 2013
I met Paul around 8 years ago in Holland working side by side in a Jury of an international piano competition...from that moment onwards he showed many ways of trusting me from a professional, human and soulmate point of view in such a spontaneous behavior that I'll be grateful to him for ever.
Paul is in a very special place of my heart and God has a very special place for him in heaven...rest in peace together with your beloved wife...
July 22, 2013
Dr. Pollei was in my home ward, the Provo 13th Ward. He was my amazing piano teacher during my high school years. He also taught my daughter Kelsey and my son Spencer. Thank you Dr. Pollei for blessing our lives with your gift of music. My son is starting his freshman year at byu this Fall as a piano performance major thanks to Dr. Pollei's tutelage. -- Karen Hodgson
Andrea Barnes
July 22, 2013
I had the extraordinary privilege of working with Paul at the Gina Bachauer for 3 years and then many more as a board member. It was a highlight of my life because Paul lived a life full of passion, dedication and love for music. He cared deeply for the development and promotion of young musicians and made it his mission to promote and share music throughout the world.
Pasquale Iannone
July 22, 2013
One of the most extraordinary man I've ever known! Ciao Paul
Gennady Dzubenko
July 22, 2013
Personally for me , Paul Pollei was absolutely GREAT. His talent to join musicians from all over the world is genial!!! Thank you dear Paul that you involved me in your music universe.Gennady Dzubenko,russian pianist
Massimiliano Frani
July 22, 2013
I remember when I first heard about Salt Lake City: it was about the existence of a true marvel in the world of international piano competitions: the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition. The organization was indeed international for many reasons. As life has been gracious to offer me the chance to work side by side with Dr. Pollei for many years, I have soon learned that what made the Bachauer international was Paul's spirit, knowledge and indefatigable determination to bring music and beauty to the world. Thank you dear Friend!
Nan Knoles
July 21, 2013
Paul Pollei was bigger than life. His influence around the world as a colleague, mentor, performer, organizer, professor and friend will be missed. He was always so gracious in sharing his knowledge with fellow pianists and teachers. His legacy will live on with the many students he instructed. May his family know he was loved by musicians throughout the world..
Julie Brinkman
July 21, 2013
Brother Polei was my piano teacher forty two years ago ay BYU. It was an honor to be taught by such a brilliant pianist, although I was intimidated by him! I have never worked so hard in my life or accomplished so much. I still play the pieces he taught me and am so blessed to have had him as a teacher. God bless him.
Frederic Chiu
July 21, 2013
I had great respect for all that Paul was able to accomplish, and his relentless enthusiasm. I consider myself lucky to have known him, and to have been invited to play in SLC. All pianists should be looking to Paul's legacy as a model of what influence a pianist can have on his fellow humans and the larger world.
July 21, 2013
I will miss Paul forever....but I know I'll see him again. He and Norene have long been my heroes and friends. The Paris France mission was truly blessed by his talent. His laughter and friendship and compassion were much appreciated........as were his Joan of Arc haircuts.. Those were the days! Being on the Bachauer board was a delightful way of renewing a centuries old friendship. My deepest love to his family.....
July 21, 2013
I will miss Paul forever...but I'm planning on meeting him again. He and Norene are my heroes. And the Paris France mission would not have been so powerful without him. Thank you, Paul....especially for the haircuts!!!
Alice Edvalson
July 21, 2013
What a great loss to the piano world. I've felt honored to have associated with Paul a little bit with the Bachauer competitions. We will all miss him very much.
Alice Edvalson
Kari Robinson
July 21, 2013
On behalf of the Brigham Young Family Association our deepest sympathies to all of the Pollei Family! Paul will be missed! He was always very supportive and served well within our organization. He was proud of his heritage and we are so honored to be family with him!
David White
July 21, 2013
Paul will be remembered as my friend, neighbor, choir director, confidant who always uplifted and quietly radiated as an example of a true follower of Christ. To be invited into his home to share his music uplifted me for days. May his dear children be blessed and comforted by the legacy of there parents.
George Zinn
July 21, 2013
Utah has lost a musical genius. Dr Pollei spearheaded the Gina Bacchauer competitions here, and launched many young careers. His talents, skills, and beautiful music are irreplaceable. There will be a real void in the musical circles of Utah without him. Play for the angels, Paul. You will be missed....
Bob Stayner
July 21, 2013
Paul and Eric were neighborhood kids, good ones, both my wife and I grew up with them in the same schools. They had a '35 Chevrolet as did I. We used to check on one another to see how the cars had been improved. They won the contest. Memories of the neighborhood last all of our lives. Our sympathies to the family.
July 21, 2013
Paul's Mother, Emily Pollei was a household name in our home as one of my Mom's closest friends. A beautiful lady and Paul followed in her footsteps. I thank him many times for his kindnesses to me. I send my love, Alice Creer Marsh
Kathryn MacKay Jones
July 21, 2013
Dear Pollei Family, I send my condolences to his children and his brothers and their chlldren as well. I was a friend of his parents and family members when they lived at 76 S Street in Salt Lake City, Utah. I remember actually as a baby sitter many years ago and watching him grow up practicing the piano and becoming the Organ Player in the 27th East Ward and later watching him play the Piano with his Quartet friends as well as visiting with Paul and brother Eric at the Gina Bachauer contests and performances. Those as one of the 27th East Ward who remember his great talent express our love to his family and brothers at this time of grief. Kathryn MacKay Jones.
Greg Gubler
July 21, 2013
I knew Paul well as we were both finishing our doctorates at Florida
State University. In fact, he actually typed my dissertation. What a wonderful pianist and person. My sympathy goes out to his family.
With aloha, Greg (and Betty) Gubler
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