The LSO was saddened to hear of the death of John Wallace, former Principal Trumpet of the Orchestra, on 11 January.
John was a renowned trumpet soloist, composer and educator, performing worldwide with many of the top orchestras. He was born in Fife, Scotland, in 1949 into a brass band family. He joined the LSO in the mid-1970s as Principal Trumpet under the leadership of André Previn.
John served as Principal of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) from 2002, expanding the institution’s curriculum and reputation. After his retirement in 2014 he was appointed Emeritus Professor in Brass.
He famously formed the Wallace Collection Brass Ensemble whose aim is to promote the diverse world of brass music.
He was awarded an OBE in 1995 and CBE in 2011 for his services to music education. He received The Queen’s Medal for Music in 2021, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the world of music.
Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.
Further Reading
Obituary: Frank Mathison, 1928–2026
The London Symphony Orchestra is saddened to hear of the passing of Frank Mathison, former LSO Principal Bass Trombone, at the age of 98.
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.
