Former Williams Fairey solo trombonist Simon Johnson has been appointed Principal Trombone of the London Symphony Orchestra.

A graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, he played with the Stockport band during his studies after he started his brass band journey through the likes of Besses' Boys and Leyland bands.

He now adds to a section that includes other brass band alumni, including principal trumpet James Fountain and tuba player Ben Thomson.

Heroes and euph

In speaking about his appointment, he also stated that former principal trumpet and Black Dyke principal cornet Maurice Murphy was one of his musical heroes alongside the great trombonist Don Lusher, whilst he also revealed that he had 'dabbled' a bit on the euphonium in the past. He also teaches at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Looking forward

He added: "There's not much that I'm not looking forward to if I'm honest. An extensive European tour to kick the year off finished off with a few days in Vietnam is very exciting. 'Die Frau Ohne Shattem' at the Proms. More Janacek with Rattle.

Sessions at Abbey Road. Bancroft, Bernstein, Borodin, Brahms. It just goes on and on… wonderful!"