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The Offstage Trumpeter

One of the various jobs I am asked to perform as an orchestral trumpet player is that of the offstage trumpeter. Usually, the composer wants the effect of a lone trumpet, far away in the distance. It is a task … Continue reading

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Critics!!!

‎”Criticism is a study by which men grow important and formidable at a very small expense. The power of invention has been conferred by Nature upon few, and the labour of learning those sciences which may, by mere labour, be … Continue reading

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Eminent Trumpeter Clarence Adoo wins the MBE

I would like to congratulate my old friend and colleague, Clarence Adoo on being awarded the MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. Well done Clarence, no one deserves it more. Please check out this legendary trumpeter’s web site. … Continue reading

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James Shephard – Cornet legend

People tell me I don’t talk enough about trumpet playing on here. I suppose I should, really, as that is what I do for a living. Actually, aside from my trumpet duties with the RLPO, I am the Principal Cornet … Continue reading

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Hooray! Shostakovich Symphony no.10 wins Gramophone Awards!

BREAKING NEWS:- It has just been announced that The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s recording of Shostakovich Symphony no.10 has won the best orchestra recording for the second time in three years.

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Classical Spectacular! RLPO in London 4/10/2011

Classicic FM Live at the Royal Albert Hall. It is a busy week for the orchestra, especially considering we were on tour the week before last and rehearsed and performed the monumental eigth symphony by Gustav Mahler last week. (This … Continue reading

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Scooby the singing dog!

Scooby likes to accompany his master, each morning, during the trumpet warm-up! I’ve had to put up with this for years. You’ll have to excuse me laughing as I try to play and film at the same time!

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6) RLPO Romania/Czech Tour 2011 – Last day in Prague and The Return Home

Several of us decided to breakfast fairly early today; we had the day free until the rehearsal in the Rudolfinum at 4pm. An opportunity to explore Prague was not to be missed! We went down to the dining hall in … Continue reading

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Blog 5) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Romania/Czech Tour 2011

Today the RLPO said goodbye to Bucharest and hello to Prague. we have just arrived at the hotel on the outskirts of Prague. The change from blazing sun and 30 degrees to rain and about 12 degrees so far, has … Continue reading

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‘Petrenkomania’ hits Bucharest! Blog 4) ‘ Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Romania/Czech Tour 2011

 Well, after the most substantial breakfast of the RLPO tour so far, Dave Pigott (Associate Principal French Horn and recording engineer for the orchestra’s own, in house recording company) and I, have decided to see Ceaucescu’s Folly today. This extra-ordinary … Continue reading

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