International trumpet virtuoso John Wallace CBE has been appointed Honorary Professor of Brass by the University of St Andrews.

The new role, within the University's Music Centre, will see the Fife-born player lead the Centre's developments in brass performance, teaching and research.

First project

Professor Wallace's first project will be to co-direct the St Andrews Brass Festival (13th-15th November) — the only festival of its kind in Scotland — alongside University of St Andrews teaching fellow Bede Williams.

John Wallace was awarded an honorary doctorate of music by the University of St Andrews in 2014, in recognition of his contributions to performance, scholarship and education.

Delighted

On accepting the Honorary Professorship, he said: "I'm delighted to be returning to work and play with the coming generations in my native Fife where it all started for me and countless other musicians.

Fife possesses an amazing musical heritage and the present flourishing climate for music and drama performance at the University of St Andrews is ensuring a future environment of further cultural enrichment."

Stature

Dr Michael Downes, the University's Director of Music, added: "My colleagues and I are very excited to be welcoming a performer, scholar and musical entrepreneur of John's stature to the Music Centre.

Brass music has been one of the most significant areas of development in our work in recent years under the direction of Bede Williams, and John's appointment will bring unique opportunities for our talented students to develop their playing still further. We all look forward hugely to working with him."

International figure

Professor Wallace's drive to unite scholarship and performance has established him as an international figure in the music world.

He joins a growing number of Honorary Professors appointed by the Music Centre who offer strategic guidance on the development of music in St Andrews and contribute to the teaching and performances that students and community are able to access.

My colleagues and I are very excited to be welcoming a performer, scholar and musical entrepreneur of John's stature to the Music CentreDr Michael Downes, University of St Andrews

Ian Bousfield

Under his co-directorship, the St Andrews Brass Festival will feature four concerts by the internationally acclaimed Wallace Collection as its ensemble in residence — as well as performances from trombone virtuoso Ian Bousfield.

More details

To see the complete programme for the St Andrews Brass Festival:
https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/music/brassfestival/