The ensembles of The Symphonic Brass of London draw on the the following players. Click a name to read their biography:
Studied music at Bristol University and the Royal College of Music, in 1988 Paul became Joint Principal Trumpet at English National Opera, and in 1994 joined the London Philharmonic Orchestra as Principal Trumpet, with which he has also appeared as soloist. In 1999 and 2000 he was the trumpet soloist in Raymond Gubbay’s Glory of Christmas concerts national tour. Paul is a professor at the Royal College of Music (since 1995), and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama (since 1999).
Paul’s first appointment was as co-principal trumpet in the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. In 1980 he focused his work towards his group, the English Brass Ensemble and to perform as a member of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble and the London Sinfonietta. In 1984 he was a prize winner at the Toulon Prix de Concours. Other principal orchestral positions have included BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Orchestra of St John’s, Britten Sinfonia and the London Mozart Players. Paul now performs chamber music with Trio D’Art, English Brass, the Fibonacci Sequence and recitals with pianist Helen Reid. He is Artistic Director of Brass Classics, his own recording label, and his discography includes Joie de Vivre, Divertissement , Peter Maxwell Davies’ Trumpet Sonata and a live recording of Jonathan Harvey’s Other Presences for trumpet and electronics. His recording of the Shostakovich Concerto No 1 for piano, trumpet and strings with Alain Lefèvre (piano), Mathias Bamert (conductor) and the London Mozart Players was awarded Canada’s prestigious JUNO award for best Classical Album in 2010.
Alan Thomas has been Joint Principal Trumpet in the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra since 2004. Prior to this he studied at the Birmingham Conservatoire between 1996 and 2000 where he gained a first class honours degree. It was during this time that Alan won the Gold medal in the Shell/LSO awards and won the Brass prize in the Royal Overseas League. He is also a winner of the Musicians Benevolent Fund’s Charles Leggett Award. Alan moved to London to study at the Royal College of Music under the guidance of Malcolm Smith, Andy Crowley and Paul Archibald. Whilst there, he gained experience by working as a freelancer with London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia, Royal Opera House, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, London Brass and Ensemble Modern. He returned to the Birmingham Conservatoire in 2004 as a trumpet tutor and was awarded Honorary Membership in 2006. As well as his position in the CBSO, Alan currently works as a guest principal with BBC symphony, Philharmonia and LSO.
Nick studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. While a student he was Principal Trumpet of the Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra and later, of the European Community Youth Orchestra. In 1989 he won the Barry Kerry and Leonard Rice Memorial Prize for Trumpet and the Philip Jones Prize for Brass. After graduating, Nick’s diverse freelance career combined working in television, film, West End musicals as well as playing for the London orchestras. In 1995 he left London to become Principal Trumpet with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in Norway, returning two years later to become Principal Trumpet with the City of London Sinfonia. In 2002 Nicholas joined the London Philharmonic Orchestra as Co–Principal Trumpet. He performs regularly as a soloist, and in recent years has performed the Haydn and Hummel concertos
Studied music at Goldsmiths College, London and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama where she was awarded the Principal’s Prize. In 1985 she was appointed Principal Trumpet in the Royal Ballet Orchestra making her the first woman to hold a Principal Trumpet position in the UK. In 1986, she was invited to join London Brass, the successor group to the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, where she replaced Philip as the specialist flugel horn player. After leaving the Royal Ballet in 1989 she spent the next 10 years as a busy freelance player working with all the major symphony orchestras and chamber music groups as well as regularly performing as a soloist. She has premiered many solo pieces for trumpet and flugel horn. In1995 she became a Professor of Trumpet at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. In 2000 she was appointed Sub-Principal Trumpet with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Renowned for his ability to cross artistic boundaries, Noel has performed and recorded with many of the world’s finest symphony orchestras, big bands and recording artists. He also appears on many film and television sound tracks and has played in over sixty West End productions. Identified as an exceptional talent by Leonard Bernstein, whilst completing his studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1986, he quickly went on to establish himself in the profession. Today he is has been described as one of the finest cross-over trumpet players in Europe, equally at home in the recording studio, on the concert platform, as a jazz soloist or leading a horn section for major rock bands. He has led the trumpet section of every major British big band of the last 20 years including those fronted by Sir John Dankworth, Stan Tracey, Tim Garland, Guy Barker, Julian Joseph and Gwilym Simcock. Noel has also toured with international jazz stars, including Harry Connick Junior, Hermeto Pascoal, Andrew Hill, Billy Cobham and Georgie Fame. Noel Langley has been a professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama since 1990 where he has established a reputation as a thoughtful and inspiring teacher. Already regarded as a leading interpreter of the teachings of Carmine Caruso, he has recently dedicated more of his time and energy towards developing his own logical and highly insightful trumpet method. Noel’s debut solo album, Edentide, was released to critical acclaim in 2014 on Suntara Records.
Mike studied at Trinity College of Music London and was awarded the Jon Kelly Jazz Scholarship. He went on to be a featured soloist of the Glenn Miller Orchestra UK. Since then he has performed and recorded a very wide range of musical styles, orchestras, ensembles, artists and groups. These include Robbie Williams, Eric Clapton, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Quincy Jones, The Spice Girls, Oasis, The BBC Concert Orchestra, Michel Le Grand, Tony Bennett,The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Toots Thielmans, Johnny Mathis, The Michael Nyman Band, Michael Ball, Shirley Bassey, The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Crawford, The Scottish National Orchestra, Lionel Richie, The London Philharmonic Orchestra, The Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Michael Buble, Rufus Wainwright, The Royal Ballet Sinfonia, the London Sinfonietta, The Halle Orchestra, The BBC Symphony Orchestra, Hans Zimmer, The Philharmonia Orchestra, The Northern Sinfonia, The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, and the BBC Big Band. He has been a principal trumpet player in many West End musical productions including Jesus Christ Superstar, Saturday Night Fever, My Fair Lady and Sister Act. Mike is the lead trumpet in the Grammy nominated John Wilson Orchestra. He is a professor of trumpet at the Royal College of Music London. Mike is much in demand as session player and has played on many film soundtracks including the James Bond films ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ and ‘Die Another Day’, ‘Chicago’, ‘Beyond the Sea’, ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, ‘Madagascar’,‘The Corpse Bride’ and many more. In 1999 he accompanied Jessye Norman as trumpet soloist playing the Sacred music of ‘the Duke.’ This collaboration is on-going with a duo appearances that include the Tate gallery in London, the Nice Jazz Festival, and the Schleswig Festival Germany in 2005.
Sid has recorded on over 300 Album Projects in almost every genre of music as well as playing live for a very wide range of artists all over the world. He has worked with such artists as Blur, Stranglers, Cure, George Michael, Sting, Midnight Oil, Curiosity Killed the Cat, Sinead O’Connor, Stereophonics, Bloc Party, Tom Jones, Incognito, Brand New Heavies, Corduroy, Central Line, Beggar and Co, Light of the World, Snowboy and the Latin Section, Shakatak, Ray Charles, Buddy Guy, Peter Green Splinter Group, Lee Sankey, Mica Paris, Pasadenas, Mystique, Loose Tubes, Django Bates’ Delightful Precipice, Stan Tracey, Johnny Dankworth, Mark Lockheart’s Scratch Band, Issie Barrat Group, Colin Towns, Laurence Cottle Big Band, The West End Big Band, Patato Valdez, Roberto Pla, Robin Jones, Chucho Valdez, Alfredo Rodriguez, Maracas, Poleo, Hose Mangual Jnr, Henry Fiol, Herman Olivera, Azuquita. Sid has taught on many residential courses, including Wavendon and Dartington summer schools. He has also taught at various workshops at both Middlesex University - on the Jazz course, as well as Trinity College of Music. He runs the Big-Band and Latin Band workshops at London Centre for Contemporary Music and is on their board of Studies and teaches Horn Section and Trumpet.
Simon Cox currently holds the positions of Principal Trumpet with the Aurora Orchestra and Associate Principal Trumpet with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, whilst also being frequently in demand as a soloist, chamber musician and guest principal with numerous other groups.
He has performed as soloist with the Helsinki Philharmonic, the Ostrabothnian Chamber Orchestra, University of London Symphony Orchestra, King’s College London Orchestra and Cardiff Sinfonietta. Artists he has collaborated with include Leif Segerstam, Dmitri Slobodeniouk and Aleksander Toradze. Simon has performed as guest principal with the BBC Symphony, BBC Scottish Symphony and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestras, and has worked with the London Symphony, Philharmonia, Singapore Symphony and Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestras, amongst many others.
After graduating from the Royal Academy of Music with a First, Chris was appointed Principal Trumpet of the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. He regularly performs as guest Principal Trumpet for the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and many others. Chris also works as a freelance session musician in London and can be heard on many major Film and Television scores for Warner Brothers, Disney, B.B.C., and I.T.V.
He has worked with and led The Wallace Collection, London Symphony Orchestra Brass, Royal Opera House Soloists, London Brass, Fine Arts Brass, Symphonic Brass of London , The Locke Brass Consort, and the Black Dyke Mills Band.
Chris has made many solo appearances in Europe and the Far East, including Hamburg, Madrid, Hong Kong, Oslo and Paris. He had the honour of being the Trumpet Soloist at the Royal Wedding of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at St Georges Chapel, Windsor.
Christopher was elected Associate of The Royal Academy of Music for achieving distinction in the music profession and has taught and given masterclasses for the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, where he was a former Principal Trumpet.
Jason has recently been appointed to the position of Principal trumpet of the Philharmonia orchestra which makes Jason one of the Youngest principal trumpets in the UK. His emerging career has led to him performing with the Halle orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra and SuperBrass as well as playing Guest Principal Trumpet with the Gabrielli Consort, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Touring experience has taken him to perform in countries including Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Greece, China and Japan. Prior to joining the Philharmonia, Jason was on trial for the principal trumpet position in the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, being offered the principal trumpet positions in the latter two before deciding to join the Philharmonia Orchestra. As a soloist, Jason has performed the Arutunian, Neruda and Haydn Trumpet Concerti with regional orchestras, as well as many solo recitals including one at the Leeds College of Music in 2011.
After studying music at York University and whilst still at the Royal Academy of Music, Bruce Nockles began playing trumpet with Sir Peter Maxwell Davies group The Fires of London, rapidly developing a reputation as an expert in the performance of contemporary music. Soon after, he also became principal trumpet of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. He performs regularly with The London Sinfonietta and many other British ensembles, has worked in Europe with Ensemble Intercontemporain, KlangforumWien and was for many years a close associate and a member of Ensemble Modern of Frankfurt. He has appeared as soloist with many of the above groups, as well as with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra and in the Birmingham Opera Company’s acclaimed production of Stockhausen’s Mittwoch aus Licht.
Bruce has worked as a conductor assisting Franck Ollu with the Orchestra del Teatro di Bologna and with Ensemble Remix, Porto. In Britain he has conducted at The Proms, at The Southbank Centre with Endymion, for SPNM, The Manson Ensemble and at The National Portrait Gallery. He assisted on the new opera “Thanks to my eyes” by Oscar Bianchi at the Aix-en Provence festival and most recently assisted George Benjamin in the preparation of Jubilation.
He is also a composer, recent commissions including “Blast” for Bella Tromba, at the Church Stretton Festival. His ensemble piece Bass contra Bass was performed last autumn by the International Ensemble Modern Academy in the Klangspuren Schwaz Tirol Festival of Contemporary Music.
From the age of 10, Christian studied trumpet at the Royal College of Music’s Junior Department with Edgar Riches and Torbjorn Hultmark. During his time there, Christian won the Esther Coleman Prize, the Brass Prize and the Angela Bull Memorial Competition. Aged 15, Christian performed the Hummel Trumpet Concerto with the London Mozart Players. The following year he became a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. He also won a Jack Petchy Award.
In 2008, Christian was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music under Alistair Mackie and Mike Lovatt. In his first year, Christian began working with various London orchestras and ensembles including the Philharmonia Orchestra, London Sinfonietta and London Brass. By the time he left the RCM, Christian had won the Tagore Gold Medal, the Trumpet Prize and the Brass Prize). He had also been given trials for Principal Trumpet with the Philharmonia, the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
In 2012, Christian graduated with a first class degree (Bmus). He now works with top orchestras and groups including the Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, English National Ballet, RTE Concert Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Brass, Onyx Brass and the Symphonic Brass of London. Christian currently works as a soloist, orchestral, chamber and session musician.
His work includes recitals and performances for The Queen, Prince Charles, Radio 3, Classic FM, WDR Radio and BBC Television. Through his orchestral work he has taken the role of Principal Trumpet in many of the major concert halls around the world, from the Berliner Philharmonie to the Royal Albert Hall.
Toby was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music studying with Paul Beniston and Alistair Mackie. He also completed a joint principal jazz degree from the RCM studying with Martin Shaw and Mike Lovatt.
Toby performs regularly many leading UK orchestras including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philharmonia, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He also performs regularly with many other UK orchestras. In August 2018 Toby was delighted to join the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to his Orchestral work he is also a keen enthusiast of chamber music and is a founding member of the Riverside Brass Quintet and Neoteric Ensemble. He has also worked with London Brass, Superbrass and Septura. Toby’s commercial work includes large arena performances with Bastille, The Hoosiers, Public Service Broadcasting as well as commercial session work for CD releases, film scores and library music. Toby also regularly performs as lead trumpet with Oompah Brass. Toby is also a keen composer and an experienced arranger. In the past few years he has arranged Christmas carols for the Philharmonia Brass quintet’s Christmas E-card and also completed brass and vocal arrangements for Michael Mcintyre’s Christmas Show. He was also commissioned to compose a new piece for James Fountain’s debut solo album.
Jonathan graduated in 2001 after studying at Trinity College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music. Since then, he has held the position of Principal Trumpet with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Orquestra Do Algarve and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.
Whilst with HKPO, he was featured as soloist performing Telemann’s Concerto in D and Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto number 1 for Piano, Trumpet and strings. He also served as trumpet professor for the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Hong Kong Chinese University.
Since returning to the UK, Jonathan has enjoyed a diverse freelance career as an Orchestral, Chamber and Solo musician. Working with many orchestras and ensembles, including: the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Mozart Players, Navarra Symphony, and the Rambert Dance Company. In 2013, Jonathan was awarded Associated of the Royal Academy of Music ARAM, awarded to musicians who have distinguished themselves in the music profession.
Hugh studied horn at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London with Anthony Halstead, Anthony Chidell and David Cripps. At the age of twenty he joined the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and in 1979 he was appointed Principal Horn of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. In 1984 he joined the London Symphony Orchestra. He resigned his position in 1997 after twelve years as Principal Horn and he is now in great demand as a soloist, session player, teacher and brass consultant. Hugh has been Professor of Horn at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London for the past 20 years.
Frank took up the Trombone at the age of thirteen, and at 15 joined the Royal Marines Band Service, subsequently changing to the French Horn.
He left the services in 1975 to embark on a course at the Royal Academy of Music studying under Ifor James. Within three months however, Frank was appointed Principal Horn with the Scottish National Orchestra. After four and a half years he took up a post with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London. During the next 18yrs in London Frank was a member of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, the Nash Ensemble, and was for many years principal with the English Chamber Orchestra apart from regularly recording in the film music studios. In 1998 he was appointed Professor for Horn at the Folkwang University of the Arts (formerly Folkwang Hochschule) in Essen, Germany. From 2004-2006 he was President of the International Horn Society, and has this year been re-elected to the post.
He travels extensively as a soloist and chamber musician.
After studies at the Royal Academy of Music, Michael was appointed principal horn with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra at the age of eighteen. Within three years he was offered the principal horn positions of both the Philharmonia and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras. He joined the Philharmonia and remained in that post for ten years before leaving to concentrate on his solo and chamber music career. His work as director / soloist or conductor has seen him perform in Japan, Australia, the U.S.A. Europe and Scandinavia, including his debut with the Danish Radio Sinfonietta in Copenhagen, the Ostgota Winds Symphony in Sweden and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. In the UK he has directed the London Sinfonietta, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, Britten Pears Orchestra, Ulster Youth Orchestra and the Royal Academy’s Sinfonia and Concert orchestras. He has conducted a number of community orchestras and was Principal Conductor of the City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra from 2003 until 2008. Michael Thompson is a Fellow and Aubrey Brain professor of horn at the Royal Academy of Music and gives regular master-classes and lectures throughout the world.
Angela studied music at Chetham’s School of Music and at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. In January 2005, at the age of 21, Angela Barnes was appointed second horn of the London Symphony Orchestra, becoming the first female member of the orchestra’s brass section in the orchestra’s hundred-year history. She has worked regularly with most of the major British orchestras, appearing as a guest principal with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Her career combines orchestral, solo and chamber music playing. As well as featuring in the second installment of the Cala Records ‘‘London Horn Sound’’ series, she has also recently recorded Britten’s Canticle for Tenor, Horn and Piano, with tenor Allan Clayton, as part of the BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists scheme
Richard studied the horn at the Royal Academy of Music with Derek Taylor and Andrew Clark. During this time he appeared as soloist with the RAM String Orchestra in Haydn’s Concerto for two horns and Britten’s Serenade for tenor, horn and strings. Richard has performed with many of the UK’s leading Orchestras, including the RPO, LPO, BBCSO, London Mozart Players, English Chamber and Scottish Chamber Orchestras, and as a natural horn player he has performed with the Gabrieli Consort, English Baroque Soloists, and London Handel Orchestra. His interest in Chamber Music has led to recent performances of Mozart Quintet for horn and strings, and the York Bowen Quintet, and he is a founder member of the Galliard Ensemble Wind Quintet. Richard has appeared in many West End productions, and is currently working at the Theatre Royal with “Shrek”.
Amos combines the post of principal trombone with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia (to which he was appointed in 2003) with a busy freelance career in which he has worked as guest principal trombone with all the major London orchestras, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, as well as the English Chamber Orchestra, Academy of St. Martin’s, the London Sinfonietta and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. He has also appeared on several film soundtracks, including ‘Lord of the Rings’, ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Terminator Salvation’, and ‘Inception’. Abroad, he has worked with Ensemble Modern of Frankfurt and is guest principal with the Orquesta Ciudad de Granada in Spain. He is also a member of the City of London Sinfonia.
Nick studied trombone with Jim Fulkerson, Peter Goodwin, Arthur Wilson, Denis Wick and Eric Crees. Nick has worked as a freelance musician for the last 30 years. As a critically acclaimed trombonist, arranger and composer he has considerable experience in arranging, composing and performing in jazz, light and commercial music. He has produced and performed work for such luminaries as: Imelda Staunton, Alison Moyet, Shirley Bassey, the BBC, ITV, Cunard and P&O cruises, Little Star Productions, Andrew Treagus Associates and Julian Stoneman’s Act One Events, CJS event solutions, the National Cancer Research Institute, West End Cares and many more. He has played on many shows both in the West End and on national and European tours as well as with many function bands, also throughout Europe, including his own latin/funk cover band - LFX and his own big band - The West End Big Band. He has regularly been used as arranger, musical director and orchestral manager for many of these bands and shows. He’s had the odd dalliance with classical music with the Bergen Philharmonic as guest principal, The Royal Opera House, various pops orchestras around the country and Europe and has run and played in his own brass ensemble.
Simon began his playing career in the opera house at Palermo in Sicily, then at Welsh National Opera before joining the London Symphony Orchestra. While at the LSO he was also principal trombone of The Chamber Orchestra of Europe. He has worked with every British orchestra and as guest principal with many in Europe. He is well known for his work on period instruments and in contemporary music: Judas Mercator, Peter Maxwell Davies’ solo trombone piece was written for him. He has a growing reputation as a composer with work being commissioned and performed by Baden Baden Festspielhaus, Feldkirch Festival, Deutsche Oper am Rhein, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Tonhalle orchester Zurich, and the Munich Philharmonic.
Mike came to prominence winning the first ever BBC Young Musician Of The Year in 1978 and has since lead a versatile career as a trombonist, valve trombonist, arranger and composer. He is in great demand as a jazz and studio musician: his jazz career began with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and has since worked with a panoply of jazz stars. In 2006 he was featured on BBC Radio 3’s Jazz Line up performing music from Mark Lockheart and Richard Rodney Bennett. He has recorded two critically acclaimed jazz albums - ‘Menagerie’ and ‘Mr OK’. As a studio musician he has played on over two hundred film sound tracks, including The Mission, Harry Potter and Lord Of The Rings, and has recorded with many artists, including Joni Mitchell, Elton John, Bryan Adams, Mariah Carey, Tom Jones and Paul McCartney.
As a classical musician Mike has held principal positions with the Halle Orchestra, The London Philharmonic and is currently in the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden. As a chamber musician he has performed with the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble and the contemporary music group the Fires Of London. He has had many pieces written for him including a concerto by Edward Gregson. As a composer and arranger his works have been extensively recorded and performed, including the sound track to the film Hunters of the Lost Sun.
In 1980, age 20, Chris toured with the London Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Celibidache at the invitation of Denis Wick and was appointed Principal Trombone of the English Northern Philharmonia (now Orchestra of Opera North) in the following year, a seat he held for twenty seven years. Throughout this period he appeared as Guest Principal with most major UK ensembles.
Currently Head of Brass at Birmingham Conservatoire, Professor of Trombone and Brass Ensemble at the Folkwang University of Arts, Essen, Germany, he is also Visiting Trombone Tutor at London’s Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Chris gives recitals and masterclasses throughout the world and is Chairman of the International Trombone Association Executive Board. His acclaimed solo CD entitled “houlding his own” is available on the SRC label.
As conductor, Chris has directed the Bochumer Symphoniker, Duisburg Philharmoniker, Sinfonie Orchester Wuppertal, Orchestra of Opera North, Grimethorpe Colliery and other bands and ensembles including symphony, opera, chamber and contemporary.
Christian entered the Royal Academy of Music in 1998. He was appointed to the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in 2001 and was able to complete his studies and graduate with first class honours in July 2002, a month before joining the Philharmonia. He has taken a keen interest in all of the orchestra’s activities, and been continually involved with community and education and digital media projects, as well as serving on the Orchestral Committee and as deputy chairman during 2010. Christian has coached and freelanced widely and was elected as an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in 2009.
Chris completed his undergraduate studies in jazz and contemporary music at Leeds College of Music and was a full-time, performance post-graduate at The Royal Academy of Music for two years as a member of the Advanced Course, during which time he was bass trombone with the European Community Youth Orchestra.
He has worked widely as a professional performer for over twenty-five years performing extensively in orchestras, big bands, music theatre and numerous diverse ensembles including Grimethorpe Colliery Band, The Creative Jazz Orchestra, Dame Shirley Bassey’s Orchestra, the British Philharmonic Orchestra and the Michael Nyman Band.
More recently Chris has performed in the Leeds College of Music Alumni 50th anniversary Big Band, directed by Nikki Isles, become a founder member of “Ventus” a trombone chamber group, who have recently given performance classes and recitals at Salford University and for the ITA teachers symposium at Birmingham Conservatoire in the UK
Music Educator
During his career in music education Chris taught extensively in one-to-one and group lessons at all levels in both state and private schools and the Royal College of Music Junior Department. He has tutored on numerous county level courses and was Musical Director of Hertfordshire Youth Jazz Ensemble. Chris has enjoyed a variety of other music education roles including working in Local Authority Music Services as both a Leader and Manager and working extensively as a mentor and teacher trainer, most notably as part of the face to face team for Trinity Guildhall in their delivery of the Open University’s “KS2 Whole Class Instrumental Music” training program.
Chris is now Director of Education for brass education manufacturers and publishers Warwick Music Group, he had a central role in the success of pBone and was development director on the pTrumpet and pBone mini projects. He now leads WMG’s education Department and was editor of Ian Bousfield’s recent book “Unlocking the Trombone Code” and director of the accompanying video series available on Vimeo. Chris also lead the education outreach strand for Alison Balsom’s “Paris” tour in the UK. For the last four years he has delivered his “trombone circle” sessions for the Namm Foundation during the Namm Show at Anaheim.
In his role at Brass for Africa Chris focuses especially on writing and delivering teacher training and development for project alumni teachers and recruiting and training long term music leaders in Kampala alongside representing the charity as ambassador to the professional brass world and music trade.
Alongside this Chris fits in freelance teacher training and music leader projects having recently led the brass strand in a 500 strong management development event for “Pizza Hut”, delivered teacher training to various organisations including the Greater Manchester Music Hub, Sandwell Music and Arts and for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra outreach team.
Nick gained a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1985 to study the tuba. In 1987 was Silver Medallist in the LSO/Shell Scholarship and in the same year became Principal Tuba European Youth Orchestra and won the Ernest Cassel Prize for brass playing by the Royal Overseas League. He left Guildhall School of Music in 1989 and free-lanced in London working with all the major London orchestras until being appointed Principal tuba with English National Opera in 1997. He recorded and toured with Chris Rea in the early 90’s and has played on various film tracks over the last 20 years.
Oren is a pioneering player of acoustic tuba and electric tuba who, crossing between classical, jazz, improvised and world music, has collaborated with the likes of Derek Bailey, Charlie Haden, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Moondog, Radiohead, The Pan-African Orchestra and the London Philharmonic. He has played with every major orchestra in London as well as with the Bolshoi Theatre Soloists, the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Canadian Ballet. As a member of London Brass (whom he joined in 1987) he has made numerous recordings, toured worldwide several times, played 2 Proms concerts and performed for The Queen, Prince Charles and The Pope. As a soloist, Oren has played all over the world and his ground-breaking solo work lead to a nomination for the BBC Innovation in Jazz Award, 2 years running. He has also played solo support sets for artists such as Moby, Vinicio Caposella, Murcoff and Tomasz Stanko.
Adrian studied at Trinity College of Music with George Wall. Whilst still at college he began to embark on the busy freelance career he enjoys today. This has seen him perform with many of the UKs leading orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBCNOW, BBCSO, CBSO and the John Wilson Orchestra to name but a few. As well as the traditional orchestral repertoire Adrian has featured with a wide range of other ensembles including the BBC Big Band, The Aurora Orchestra and Onyx Brass. Adrian is the low brass teacher and coach at the Bromley Youth Music Trust and has coached and taught at the Junior Guildhall and Trinity College of Music.
Robin studied at the University of Aberdeen and the Royal Academy of Music. He has been Principal Tuba of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra since 1996, appearing as a soloist on a number of occasions. Robin was a member of the Wallace Collection brass ensemble from 1993-2000, undertaking a wide variety of projects ranging from concerts and masterclasses in Australia to workshops in villages in Sierra Leone. Robin has appeared as a guest player with many orchestras throughout the UK and abroad including the Philharmonia, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Mozart (Bologna) and the Berliner Philharmoniker. From 2003-2008 he was the tuba player with the Lucerne Festival Orchestra.
In addition to his work with the RLPO Robin is a tutor in tuba at the Royal Northern College of Music.
Ben studied at Royal Northern College of Music with Ewan Easton (Hallé), Brian Kingsley (Opera North), Robin Haggart (Royal Liverpool Philharmonic) and James Gourlay. He was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and then the European Union Youth Orchestra. Ben won the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist of the Year in both 2006 and 2007. Since winning the prizes he has featured as soloist with many ensembles, including the BBC Concert Orchestra live on BBC Radio 2, Black Dyke Band in Leeds Town Hall and Fodens Band in Birmingham’s Symphony Hall. Ben has also given recitals for the Manchester Midday Concert Series in the Bridgewater Hall, the Leeds International Concert Season, the RNCM’s international Festival of Brass and has performed the Vaughan-Williams Tuba Concerto with the Ulster Orchestra in Belfast. In 2011, Ben became the Principal Tuba player of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in Glasgow.
Jim Anderson joined the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra when he was twenty and stayed there for three years. After freelancing with all of the London orchestras he became the tuba professor at the Guildhall School of Music and was appointed as the tuba player with both the London Sinfonietta and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. After seven years at the BBC he left to freelance in London and has since played with most of the ensembles in Britain and several abroad including the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Scott Bywater, timpanist, studied at the Royal Academy of Music under Kurt-Hans Goedicke, and in 2007 was awarded the Associateship of the Royal Academy, offered to past students who have distinguished themselves in the music profession and made a significant contribution to it in their particular field. Scott is in demand as both a symphonic and chamber timpanist, working regularly with orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, English National Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and BBC Concert Orchestra and chamber orchestras including Britten Sinfonia, London Mozart Players and Early Opera Company with Christian Curnyn. Recent projects have included a recording of Britten’s Nocturne, one of the most demanding timpani parts in the repertoire, with the Britten Sinfonia and Mark Padmore, due to be released later on this year. Scott also recently took part in the world’s first authentic recording of Berlioz’ Grande Messe des Morts with the Gabrieli Consort and in Havergal Brian’s Gothic Symphony at the BBC Proms in July.
Jonathan studied at the Royal College of Music in London. where he won five of the College’s cello prizes, including the Leo Stern Award, the RCM’s senior ‘cello award. He has subsequently freelanced professionally as a cellist throughout the UK and abroad. Having always been interested in percussion and playing in the RCM Wind Band, he joined Aveley & Newham Band in 1999 specialising in tuned percussion. The Aveley & Newham Band played on his debut cello CD “Camaraderie” and Jonathan is particularly proud of the collaboration on the Elgar ‘Cello Concerto. Other highlights with the band include the 7th place in 2000 at the National finals (receiving a special mention for his vibraphone work) and winning the Grand Shield in 2006. He also arranges and has had his work performed on BBC Radio 2’s “Listen to the Band” as well as at many contests.
Clare has sung with Scottish Opera, Opera North and ENO and, in addition to her appearances on the main stage at the Royal Opera, Clare works regularly with ROH2 at Covent Garden on new chamber operas in development. She has also appeared in works created by William Tuckett and Ron Howell. Composer Stephen McNeff has written three solo works for her: Farfalle di Neve, Madrigali dell’Estate – which received London premieres in the Royal Opera’s Crush Room concert series - and A Voice of One Delight, premiered at the 2010 Presteigne Festival. At Presteigne Clare also gave premiere of Hugh Wood’s Three Early Songs for mezzo and strings. She has appeared with Stephen Cleobury and the Academy of Ancient Music and has performed recitals with pianists Simon Lepper, Lindy Tennent-Brown and Paul Turner in the UK, and Feriel Kaddour in Paris. Clare appears as our featured soloist in our Last Night of the Proms spectacular.
Nick is a critically acclaimed arranger and composer. He is vastly experienced in arranging, composing for jazz, light and commercial music. He has provided arrangements for such luminaries as: Imelda Staunton, Alison Moyet, BBC, ITV, Cunard and P&O cruises, Little Star Productions, Andrew Treagus Associates, West End Cares, NCRI and The West End Big Band and its many soloists and vocalists including the phenomenal Sharon D Clarke. He has also produced many arrangements and compositions for brass quintet, brass dectet, orchestral brass, orchestral brass and chorus and brass band.
Eric is an experienced composer and arranger who has particularly specialised in brass composition and arranging. He is also experienced in writing for various ensembles ranging from orchestra to modern big band. He has written for many diverse groups in various styles ranging from Gabrielli through Bach and Brahms to the modern big band. His works have been internationally performed and recorded by such groups as the Chicago and Philadelphia Symphony Orchestras as well as here at home by the LSO and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. His acclaimed arrangement of West Side Story has been commercially recorded five times. Full biography on Eric Crees.
Simon began his playing career in the opera house at Palermo in Sicily, then at Welsh National Opera before joining the London Symphony Orchestra. While at the LSO he was also principal trombone of The Chamber Orchestra of Europe. He has worked with every British orchestra and as guest principal with many in Europe. He is well known for his work on period instruments and in contemporary music: Judas Mercator, Peter Maxwell Davies’ solo trombone piece was written for him. He has a growing reputation as a composer with work being commissioned and performed by Baden Baden Festspielhaus, Feldkirch Festival, Deutsche Oper am Rhein, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Tonhalle orchester Zurich, and the Munich Philharmonic.
An award winning TV and Film team. Their award winning projects include working for BBC, C4, ITV, C5, HBO, SKY, Discovery, PBS, NAT, GEO and NHK, as well as for many leading independent UK film companies. They are experienced in writing in various styles ranging from orchestral to contemporary with a particular speciality in ethnic instruments.
Sid has arranged dozens of horn section style arrangements for many bands, including Incognito, Snowboy and the Latin Section as well as Stefan Redtenbackers Funkestra, the Cure and Right Said Fred. His arrangement ‘Deeply Dippy’, for Right Said Fred, reached number 1 in UK and number 3 in the USA. Sid directed and arranged for the resident 23 piece orchestra at Vintage festival at Goodwood in Aug 2010. Shows included Sandie Shaw and guests and a special performance by Peter Hook and Joy Division with Orchestral Accompaniment. The Herman Olivera/Snowboy and the Latin Section UK tour in 2011 had many arrangements that Sid specially adapted for Snowboy’s line-up.
Ian graduated with a degree in music from Sheffield University in 1995 and trained as a teacher at Durham University. For the past 23 years, Ian has been a music teacher and Director of Music in a variety of schools, both independent and state, within Bromley and other areas of the country. Ian has also worked in cross phase settings, gaining valuable experience in curriculum mapping from Key Stage 2 up to Key Stage 5; transition from Primary to Secondary phase music teaching being of particular interest. He was accredited as an AST (Advanced Skills Teacher) in 2002 and has led teaching training courses for both PGCE music students as well as leadership courses, as a trained facilitator through the National College of School Leadership. Ian continues to perform regularly on his main instrument, trumpet, as Principal Trumpet of the award winning XBY Concert Band and the Polished Brass Qunitet. He is very active as a conductor and ensemble director in South East London. For the past 6 years, Ian has enjoyed the challenges of the role of Principal of Bromley Youth Music Trust (BYMT). The concept of Music Hubs and closer collaboration between curriculum and extra (or co) curriculum music has been central to Ian’s leadership of BYMT and the Bromley Music Education Hub. At the heart rests his fundamental philosophy for the education of children, which is, opportunity for all. Ian is now delighted to be taking on the role of Director of Education with the Symphonic Brass of London as well as continuing teaching as Head of the Arts Faculty, Farringtons School.
Studied music at Bristol University and the Royal College of Music, in 1988 Paul became Joint Principal Trumpet at English National Opera, and in 1994 joined the London Philharmonic Orchestra as Principal Trumpet, with which he has also appeared as soloist. In 1999 and 2000 he was the trumpet soloist in Raymond Gubbay’s Glory of Christmas concerts national tour. Paul is a professor at the Royal College of Music (since 1995), and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama (since 1999).
Nick studied trombone with Jim Fulkerson, Peter Goodwin, Arthur Wilson, Denis Wick and Eric Crees. Nick has worked as a freelance musician for the last 30 years. As a critically acclaimed trombonist, arranger and composer he has considerable experience in arranging, composing and performing in jazz, light and commercial music. He has produced and performed work for such luminaries as: Imelda Staunton, Alison Moyet, Shirley Bassey, the BBC, ITV, Cunard and P&O cruises, Little Star Productions, Andrew Treagus Associates and Julian Stoneman’s Act One Events, CJS event solutions, the National Cancer Research Institute, West End Cares and many more. He has played on many shows both in the West End and on national and European tours as well as with many function bands, also throughout Europe, including his own latin/funk cover band - LFX and his own big band - The West End Big Band. He has regularly been used as arranger, musical director and orchestral manager for many of these bands and shows. He’s had the odd dalliance with classical music with the Bergen Philharmonic as guest principal, The Royal Opera House, various pops orchestras around the country and Europe and has run and played in his own brass ensemble.
Eric is an experienced composer and arranger who has particularly specialised in brass composition and arranging. He is also experienced in writing for various ensembles ranging from orchestra to modern big band. He has written for many diverse groups in various styles ranging from Gabrielli through Bach and Brahms to the modern big band. His works have been internationally performed and recorded by such groups as the Chicago and Philadelphia Symphony Orchestras as well as here at home by the LSO and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. His acclaimed arrangement of West Side Story has been commercially recorded five times. Full biography on Eric Crees.
Simon began his playing career in the opera house at Palermo in Sicily, then at Welsh National Opera before joining the London Symphony Orchestra. While at the LSO he was also principal trombone of The Chamber Orchestra of Europe. He has worked with every British orchestra and as guest principal with many in Europe. He is well known for his work on period instruments and in contemporary music: Judas Mercator, Peter Maxwell Davies’ solo trombone piece was written for him. He has a growing reputation as a composer with work being commissioned and performed by Baden Baden Festspielhaus, Feldkirch Festival, Deutsche Oper am Rhein, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Tonhalle orchester Zurich, and the Munich Philharmonic.
An award winning TV and Film team. Their award winning projects include working for BBC, C4, ITV, C5, HBO, SKY, Discovery, PBS, NAT, GEO and NHK, as well as for many leading independent UK film companies. They are experienced in writing in various styles ranging from orchestral to contemporary with a particular speciality in ethnic instruments.
In 1980, age 20, Chris toured with the London Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Celibidache at the invitation of Denis Wick and was appointed Principal Trombone of the English Northern Philharmonia (now Orchestra of Opera North) in the following year, a seat he held for twenty seven years. Throughout this period he appeared as Guest Principal with most major UK ensembles.
Currently Head of Brass at Birmingham Conservatoire, Professor of Trombone and Brass Ensemble at the Folkwang University of Arts, Essen, Germany, he is also Visiting Trombone Tutor at London’s Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Chris gives recitals and masterclasses throughout the world and is Chairman of the International Trombone Association Executive Board. His acclaimed solo CD entitled “houlding his own” is available on the SRC label.
As conductor, Chris has directed the Bochumer Symphoniker, Duisburg Philharmoniker, Sinfonie Orchester Wuppertal, Orchestra of Opera North, Grimethorpe Colliery and other bands and ensembles including symphony, opera, chamber and contemporary.
Renowned for his ability to cross artistic boundaries, Noel has performed and recorded with many of the world’s finest symphony orchestras, big bands and recording artists. He also appears on many film and television sound tracks and has played in over sixty West End productions. Identified as an exceptional talent by Leonard Bernstein, whilst completing his studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1986, he quickly went on to establish himself in the profession. Today he is has been described as one of the finest cross-over trumpet players in Europe, equally at home in the recording studio, on the concert platform, as a jazz soloist or leading a horn section for major rock bands. He has led the trumpet section of every major British big band of the last 20 years including those fronted by Sir John Dankworth, Stan Tracey, Tim Garland, Guy Barker, Julian Joseph and Gwilym Simcock. Noel has also toured with international jazz stars, including Harry Connick Junior, Hermeto Pascoal, Andrew Hill, Billy Cobham and Georgie Fame. Noel Langley has been a professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama since 1990 where he has established a reputation as a thoughtful and inspiring teacher. Already regarded as a leading interpreter of the teachings of Carmine Caruso, he has recently dedicated more of his time and energy towards developing his own logical and highly insightful trumpet method. Noel’s debut solo album, Edentide, was released to critical acclaim in 2014 on Suntara Records.
Chris completed his undergraduate studies in jazz and contemporary music at Leeds College of Music and was a full-time, performance post-graduate at The Royal Academy of Music for two years as a member of the Advanced Course, during which time he was bass trombone with the European Community Youth Orchestra.
He has worked widely as a professional performer for over twenty-five years performing extensively in orchestras, big bands, music theatre and numerous diverse ensembles including Grimethorpe Colliery Band, The Creative Jazz Orchestra, Dame Shirley Bassey’s Orchestra, the British Philharmonic Orchestra and the Michael Nyman Band.
More recently Chris has performed in the Leeds College of Music Alumni 50th anniversary Big Band, directed by Nikki Isles, become a founder member of “Ventus” a trombone chamber group, who have recently given performance classes and recitals at Salford University and for the ITA teachers symposium at Birmingham Conservatoire in the UK
Music Educator
During his career in music education Chris taught extensively in one-to-one and group lessons at all levels in both state and private schools and the Royal College of Music Junior Department. He has tutored on numerous county level courses and was Musical Director of Hertfordshire Youth Jazz Ensemble. Chris has enjoyed a variety of other music education roles including working in Local Authority Music Services as both a Leader and Manager and working extensively as a mentor and teacher trainer, most notably as part of the face to face team for Trinity Guildhall in their delivery of the Open University’s “KS2 Whole Class Instrumental Music” training program.
Chris is now Director of Education for brass education manufacturers and publishers Warwick Music Group, he had a central role in the success of pBone and was development director on the pTrumpet and pBone mini projects. He now leads WMG’s education Department and was editor of Ian Bousfield’s recent book “Unlocking the Trombone Code” and director of the accompanying video series available on Vimeo. Chris also lead the education outreach strand for Alison Balsom’s “Paris” tour in the UK. For the last four years he has delivered his “trombone circle” sessions for the Namm Foundation during the Namm Show at Anaheim.
In his role at Brass for Africa Chris focuses especially on writing and delivering teacher training and development for project alumni teachers and recruiting and training long term music leaders in Kampala alongside representing the charity as ambassador to the professional brass world and music trade.
Alongside this Chris fits in freelance teacher training and music leader projects having recently led the brass strand in a 500 strong management development event for “Pizza Hut”, delivered teacher training to various organisations including the Greater Manchester Music Hub, Sandwell Music and Arts and for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra outreach team.
Andy is an exceptionally gifted jazz musician, skilled in performance, composition and arranging. He plays all the flutes, all the saxophones and the clarinet and leads his own ensembles, both jazz and classical. He also writes commissioned works, including a major work for his big band concerts in Scarborough International Jazz Festival in 2009.
Andy has performed and recorded with singers like Shirley Bassey, Jessye Norman, Paul McCartney, Patty Austin to name a few. He has also worked alongside or supported Abdulla Ibrahim (Dollar Brand), Freddie Hubbard, Louis Belson Octet and Big Band, Ed Thigpen, Phil Woods, Roy Hargrove, Ronnie Scott, Billy Cobham, Indo-Jazz Fusions run by Johnny Mayer, John Dankworth and Cleo Laine, Humphrey Lyttelton, Pepper Adams, the BBC Big Band with many guests, the Vale of Glamorgan Contemporary Music Festival, the Moscow City Ballet, the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the English National Ballet and many more. He was recently a guest player with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra at the Barbican. Andy works with the examination boards, the ABRSM and Trinity Guildhall helping to set syllabus music for the grades. He has been awarded the Marty Paich Arranging Award, the John Dankworth Soloist Award, the Worshipful Company of Musicians Jazz Medal and the British Jazz Award for Jazz Flute.
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