James Fountain, the principal trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra has been appointed John Solomon Professor of Trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music.

It is the latest prestigious appointment for the former National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain player, who has already held principal trumpet positions with the likes of the Royal Philharmonic and London Philharmonic Orchestras as well as a number of leading brass bands.

Acclaim

In addition to his orchestral performing he 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.

This chair is named after John Solomon, one of England's finest early 20th-century trumpeters and a professor at the Academy from 1894 to 1938.

James joins Paul Beniston who is the Thomas Harper Professor of Trumpet, as well as the appointments of Kira Doherty, as the Giovanni Puzzi Professor of Horn, David Pyatt as Adolph Borsdorf Professor of Horn and Martin Owen, as Alfred Brain Professor of Horn.

Delighted

On his Facebook page, James, who is currently on tour with the London Symphony Orchestra in Japan, said that he was "delighted to be joining the illustrious line up of brass Professors at the Royal Academy of Music."