Frank was born in Huddersfield and his musical career began with the local Lindley Band where he learned to play the cornet. During National Service in the Army he switched to playing the G trombone. He spent the next 13 years with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and after a recommendation from the conductor Jascha Horenstein, who had heard and admired his playing, he was appointed Bass Trombone with the LSO and made the move to London.
During his thirty years with the LSO Frank played under many of the world’s greatest conductors including Pierre Monteux, István Kertész, André Previn, Sir Georg Solti and his own personal favourite, Claudio Abbado.
His magnificent playing can be heard on many of the most famous film soundtracks including Star Wars, Superman and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
He travelled the world with the LSO and counted amongst his distinguished colleagues Maurice Murphy, Jack Brymer, Gervase de Peyer, Denis Wick and Barry Tuckwell.
Frank retired from the LSO in 1993 and returned to the North where he played in many local brass bands including the Friendly Band (Sowerby) until the age of 93.
We send our condolences to Frank’s family, friends and colleagues.
Further Reading
Obituary: Michael Tilson Thomas, 1944–2026
The London Symphony Orchestra was deeply saddened to hear of the death of its Conductor Laureate and former Principal Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.
Obituary: Alexander Murray, 1929–2026
The LSO is saddened to hear of the death of Alexander Murray, former Principal Flute.
Joshua Robison, 1946–2026
The London Symphony Orchestra is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Joshua Robison, beloved husband of our Conductor Laureate Michael Tilson Thomas.
