He is a trumpeter who initially studied at The Salvation Army along with further tuition from his father who is a cornetist. He studied at The Juilliard School and while still there, in 1975, Sir Georg Solti appointed him as a trumpeter for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He stayed with them for three years and joined the New York Philharmonic in 1978 as Co-Principal Trumpet, moving to Solo Principal Trumpet in 1988.
As a soloist he has appeared in over 75 performances with the New York Philharmonic under conductors that include Leonard Bernstein, Neemi Jarvi, Zubin Mehta and Kurt Masur. As a soloist he has made recordings of Aaron Coplands Quiet City and J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 among many others and three recordings with his Gospel group, Resounding Praise. He has appeared as a guest soloist with orchestras and ensembles including the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Newfoundland Symphony, Edmonton Symphony, Hanover Wind Symphony, United States “President’s Own” Marine Band, Canadian Brass, Empire Brass and many university wind ensembles.
Highlights of his career have been in his performances at the world premieres of Lowell Liebermann’s Concerto, Siegried Matthius’ Double Concerto for Trumpet, Trombone and Orchestra, and the US and European premieres of Joseph Turrin’s Trumpet Concerto. As a member of the Principal Brass Quintet of the New York Philharmonic he has widely toured with them.
As a clinician and recitalist he has appeared at many American and international festivals and conferences and has been a member of the faculty at the Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School.
John Coolidge Adams recordings
Nonesuch 79816 (CD: On The Transmigration of Souls)
New York Philharmonic
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