John Wallace Obituary

Virtuoso trumpeter and founder of the Wallace Collection brass ensemble who performed alongside Kiri Te Kanawa at the 1981 royal wedding

John Wallace, who has died aged 76, was a virtuoso trumpeter, composer and educator whose roots lay in the brass band tradition of working-class communities in his native Fife.

He nurtured that connection throughout a hugely successful and eclectic performing career, as principal trumpet and soloist with leading UK orchestras and conductors, and founder of the Wallace Collection brass ensemble, before becoming principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2002. Wallace was also an effective campaigner for free instrumental tuition in Scottish schools, enabling children of all backgrounds to explore and develop their talents.

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