The funeral took place on Monday 21st February of James Watson, one of the world’s leading trumpet players and conductors at St Marylebone Parish Church opposite the Royal Academy of Music where he was a Professor and Head of Brass.

Majestic

The funeral service commenced with the majestic ‘Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare’ (Opus 133) by Strauss, recalling memories of a recording of the ‘Locke Brass Consort’ in which Jim played trumpet alongside John Wallace and his recently departed colleague and friend Maurice Murphy.

Opera tribute

The fanfare was performed by the Royal Academy Symphonic Brass and conducted by Rod Franks, who then accompanied a moving musical tribute of ‘Rusalka’s Song to the Moon’ given by opera star Lesley Garrett.

Lesley had worked with Jim for many years during his time as principal trumpet at the Royal Opera House. Being one of his wife Julia’s favourite pieces, it was thought the words were very fitting for this occasion.

Oscar

‘That’ll Do’, written by Randy Newman and played again by the Royal Academy Symphonic Brass conducted by Bob Hughes was a tribute to the work Jim did with rock star Peter Gabriel for the film ‘Babe 2’.

The story goes that Jim was called in to perform as a session player for the film performing an obligato for the initial recording of the piece, which was then re-written as a trumpet solo and performed during the film’s final credits. The soundtrack was nominated for an Oscar.

Jim’s son, Will said that his father felt that this recording was one of his best. On this occasion Chris Avison, one of Jim’s current students, took the lead.

Great Gate of Kiev

The service concluded with the majestic ‘Great Gate of Kiev’ whilst the processional, followed by the family, left the church for the committal ceremony, which was delivered in the presence of family members only.

Probably the most poignant and moving moment in the service was seeing William, Jim’s eldest son carrying Jim’s trumpet in ceremony.

The ‘Great Gate of Kiev’ was performed many times by the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble of which Jim was a member.

It proved to be a very fitting end to an occasion where over 650 family, friends and acquaintances from all corners of the musical world met to say farewell to one of this country’s most flamboyant, talented and masterful personalities of his generation as a player and conductor.

A trust fund has been established at the Royal Academy of Music, which will be for the support of brass students who need some help in these expensive times4BR

Gathering

The service was followed by a gathering at the Royal Academy of Music where around 1,000 people celebrated and reminisced about Jim’s life.

Many in the brass band fraternity will mourn Jim Watson as one of his generation’s leading conductors – a musician who achieved so much in his short lifetime.

Jim leaves his wife Julia, two sons, Will and Tom and grandchildren Rebecca, Leila and James, who was born just 3 days after Jim’s passing.

On behalf of the family, Will has extend their sincere thanks to all those who made the journey to London to give Jim such a rousing send off. He would have been very pleased at such a glorious and moving occasion.

Trust Fund

A trust fund has been established at the Royal Academy of Music, which will be for the support of brass students who need some help in these expensive times.

For those who wish to make a donation, cheques can be sent to the Royal Academy of Music for the attention of Nicola Mutton.

Please make cheques out to The Royal Academy of Music and put a note in stating the money is for the James Watson collection. The address is Marylebone Road, London NW1 5HT.

Carole Hirst