Bach Brass are immensely proud and delighted to announce that James Fountain, Principal Trumpeter with the London Symphony Orchestra, has signed as a Bach artist.
An internationally renowned musician and educator, James is Professor of Trumpet at the Royal College of Music and Royal Academy of Music, as well as a member of the highly acclaimed brass ensemble Septura and the innovative new music group Neoteric Ensemble.
Following an extensive selection process, James chose to play a Bach Stradivarius LR180S37 Bb trumpet, Bach Artisan ADE190S Eb/D trumpet, Bach Stradivarius 184ML Bb cornet and a Bach Stradivarius 183G flugelhorn after being hugely impressed by the excellent quality, consistency and sound of the Bach trumpets.
It is hoped that this new artist relationship with James will extend opportunities for Bach to inspire trumpet artists at every level, and offer access to the unique wealth of knowledge and playing hints and tips, that only a prestigious artist such as James can offer.
James grew up surrounded by music, in particular brass bands, and began playing the cornet at the age of three. As a youngster, James was Principal Cornet of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and the GUS Brass Band before becoming Principal Cornet with the world famous Grimethorpe Colliery Brass Band aged just 17.
After moving to London in 2012 to study Trumpet at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, James was appointed as the Principal Trumpet of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra just three years later. He was featured as a concerto soloist on numerous occasions with the Royal Philharmonic and other solo appearances have taken him around the world, with concerts in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Kuwait, Japan and the USA, as well as regular trips across Europe.
After spending five years with the RPO, James accepted the position of Principal Trumpet with the orchestra before moving to the LSO in 2021. James’ journey from brass band musician to the LSO’s highly illustrious Principal Trumpet position sees him follow in the footsteps of some of his brass playing heroes including Maurice Murphy, Rod Franks, Howard Snell and Willie Lang.
In addition to his orchestral performing, James has been in increasing demand as a soloist, studio musician and teacher, with his 2022 CD release, ‘Keep the Music Playing’ receiving widespread critical acclaim.
James Fountain states, “I’m thrilled to link together with Bach Brass in this way after falling in love with their instruments over the past few months.
The legendary Bach sound has always been recognised throughout the brass playing world but the intonation and responsiveness of these world class instruments has been most impressive. The consistency across Bach’s whole range of trumpets gives me all the tools I need whether I’m at the back of the LSO, in the recording studio or as a soloist.
I’m delighted to have the opportunity to play these fantastic instruments and I look forward to many exciting collaborations in the future.”
For more information about James Fountain including available recordings, visit https://www.jamesfountaintrumpet.com
