Welcome to Adam Wright, our new Trumpet

Before joining the LSO, Adam Wright was Sub-Principal Trumpet of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra from 2006 to 2024, and second trumpet with the London Chamber Orchestra, with whom he played at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011. In addition, Adam plays as a guest with many UK orchestras and ensembles and has recorded soundtracks such as Harry Potter, Spiderman and Wallace and Gromit. As a soloist and chamber musician, he has performed throughout the UK and Europe in venues such as Wigmore Hall, King’s College Cambridge, the Elbphilharmonie and Madrid Cathedral, with artists including Alison Balsom and John Wallace.

Alongside his playing career, Adam was Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for six years, and teaches the trumpet at Trinity School, Croydon. He has given classes at the Royal College or Music, Trinity Laban, the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, as well as at various universities in the US and Europe.

Having studied at the Royal Academy of Music from 1996 to 2000, Adam graduated with a First Class Honours degree. In 2007 he was made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in recognition of his success within the profession.

When did you first start playing the trumpet, and why?

My parents made me take up the recorder aged seven. When I threw that in the bin a year later they finally allowed me to play the trumpet! My dad used to work with a lot of brass players when I was growing up, and going to concerts and listening to them play made me want to do it for a career.

Do you have any trumpet heroes?

John Wallace was often around my house rehearing when I was young, and he inspired me to take up the instrument. I was lucky enough to then study with him at the Royal Academy of Music.

What are you most looking forward to in the rest of the LSO’s 2023/24 season?

I can’t wait to get started and stuck in to the exciting schedule. I’ve never played Brucker’s Symphony No 9 before, and with it being my first concert as a Member, it will be particularly special. I’m also really looking forward to Alison Balsom playing Wynton Marsalis’ Trumpet Concerto in April. She is an outstanding player and it promises to be a brilliant addition to the trumpet repertoire!

Can you tell us about your instrument?

I’m afraid not there’s no interesting story or history behind it. It’s about five years old, and has several large dents in the bell where I’ve managed to (very frustratingly) drop my mouthpiece on it multiple times.

If you could go back, what advice would you give your younger self as an aspiring musician?

Every player has their own strengths and weaknesses. Just keep working hard.

Are there any other interesting things about you we should know?

I’m a terrible piano player and sadly have no hidden talents. I was a police officer in the MET for a few years, but I’m not expecting to have to draw on any of that experience in my job!

If you had to pick, what is your favourite piece of orchestral music?

Mahler’s Symphony No 5 is a fantastic orchestral work, and as a second trumpet, it’s a pleasure to sit next to amazing players such as James Fountain playing the solo part.

What piece of orchestral music would you recommend to someone who has never heard an orchestra before, and why?

Benjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra is always a great place to start. It introduces all the instruments and is a fantastic work based on a very memorable theme.