New documentary celebrates renowned Fife musician who played at Royal wedding
A special documentary has been released which celebrates a renowned Fife musician who played a trumpet solo at the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles.
Professor John Wallace, who died aged 77 in January, was a much-loved former principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and hailed as world-renowned trumpet soloist, composer and educator.
Now, John Wallace: A Tribute In Brass has been released on YouTube by Edinburgh International Festival to honour his life in music - and the huge influence he had on many aspiring young musicians.
It is centred on the spectacular tribute concert Brass Fanfare: A Tribute to John Wallace which brought together three of Scotland’s leading orchestras Scottish Chamber Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Royal Scottish National Orchestra with The Wallace Collection Ensemble. The concert was a powerful celebration of the late musician’s extraordinary contribution.
With performances from young players of the RCS Junior Conservatoire and StAMP, the concert was a powerful reminder of John’’s dedication to music education and advocacy for free instrumental tuition across Scotland.
The concert also saw two movements from his Symphony for Brass Band performed, where the late musician paid tribute to the landscape and history of his native Fife.
Born in Methil, John first played a cornet with Tullis Russell Paper Mill’s highly regarded brass band - he was the fourth generation of his family to play in a brass band - and he went on from Buckhaven High School to study music at King's College, Cambridge, and then composition at the Royal Academy of Music and York University.
In 1974, he joined the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as co-principal trumpet, and, two years later, began a two-decade long stint as principal trumpet of the Philharmonia Orchestra. As a solo musician, he performed extensively, with one of the highlights being at the 1981 Royal Wedding of Charles and Diana, alongside renowned opera singer, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
The documentary features interviews with Nicola Benedetti, Edinburgh International Festival director, plus his University of St Andrews and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland colleagues as well as members of the Wallace Collection.
Ms Benedetti said: “The passing of John Wallace is an indescribably deep loss, for me personally and for thousands across Scotland and the world.”
> You can see the documentary HERE