Role

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Conductor Performer

 

Philip Jones was a renowned classical music artist who made a significant contribution to the world of brass music. He was born on March 12, 1928, in Bath, England, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a professional musician, and his mother was a singer. Jones started playing the trumpet at the age of 10 and showed exceptional talent from an early age. Jones received his formal education at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied under the tutelage of Ernest Hall and Max Saunders. He graduated with honors in 1949 and immediately started his professional career as a freelance musician. He played with various orchestras and ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the English Chamber Orchestra. In 1951, Jones joined the Royal Air Force Central Band as a principal trumpet player. He served in the band for three years and gained valuable experience in playing military music. After leaving the RAF, Jones returned to freelance work and became a sought-after musician in the London music scene. In 1957, Jones founded the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, which became one of the most successful brass ensembles in the world. The ensemble consisted of two trumpets, a horn, a trombone, and a tuba, and they played a wide range of music, from classical to jazz and pop. The ensemble's unique sound and virtuosic playing quickly gained them a following, and they became regular performers at major music festivals and concert halls around the world. One of the highlights of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble's career was their performance at the 1972 Munich Olympics. They played the Olympic Fanfare and Theme, which was composed by John Williams, at the opening ceremony, and their performance was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world. The ensemble also performed at the 1981 Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, where they played Handel's "Music for the Royal Fireworks." Jones was also a prolific recording artist, and he recorded over 100 albums with the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble and other ensembles. Some of his most notable recordings include "The Modern Trumpet," "The Art of the Trumpet," and "The Sound of Brass." He also recorded several solo albums, including "The Trumpet Shall Sound" and "The Trumpet Voluntary." Jones received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1977, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to music. He was also awarded the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. In 1992, he was awarded the International Trumpet Guild's Honorary Award for his contributions to the trumpet world. Jones retired from performing in 1996 but continued to teach and mentor young musicians. He was a professor of trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. He also conducted masterclasses and workshops around the world and was a respected authority on brass music. Philip Jones passed away on March 27, 2000, at the age of 72. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest brass musicians of the 20th century. His contributions to the world of brass music, both as a performer and a teacher, continue to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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