LSO Assistant Principal Trumpet and Principal Cornet (1947–57)

The LSO was saddened to hear of the death of former trumpeter, Bram Wiggins, on 19 October 2014 in Buckinghamshire. He was 92.

Bram Wiggins started playing the cornet at the age of 3 and received his early training in the Salvation Army, becoming a member of two staff bands under Eric Ball, and was well known as a cornet soloist. He was Walter Stokes Orchestral Scholar at the Royal Academy, studying trumpet under the late George Eskdale, who later invited him to join the London Symphony Orchestra as Assistant 1st Trumpet and Principal Cornet.

Co-Principal Flute (1957–1983)

The LSO is sad to hear that flautist Richard Taylor has passed away. Richard died peacefully in St Barnabas House Hospice in Worthing on Monday 11 August 2014. He was a member of the LSO from 1957 to 1983 and was Co-Principal Flute from 1972 to 1983.

First Violin (1947–1981)

The LSO was saddened to hear of the death of former violinist, Jack Steadman, on 3 September 2014 in Cornwall.

Jack was a Member of the London Symphony Orchestra for 34 years from 1947 until 1981. After joining the LSO he was soon voted onto the Board of Directors and at the age of 39 years became Chairman, a post he held for several years.

Principal Trumpet (1988–2013)

The London Symphony Orchestra is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Roderick (Rod) Franks – a member of the LSO’s trumpet section since 1988 – following a serious car accident in Nottinghamshire on Sunday 20 July 2014.

Having celebrated 25 years' service last year, 23 of which as Principal Trumpet, Rod had recently requested to step down from his Principal position but to continue playing with the Orchestra. Rod had been beset by health issues for over ten years but would never allow them to compromise his supreme professionalism. Hugely respected and immensely popular with members of the Orchestra, conductors and audience alike, Rod will be missed for his ever-welcoming friendliness and brilliant playing.