Ian Balmain

Ian entered the Royal College of Music, London as a scholarship student, to study with David Mason - of The Beatles’ Penny Lane fame. Within his first year he had completed all the internal exams and requirements for the three-year course. This left him with plenty of time to pursue his playing career. Ian’s ambitions received a huge boost when he was chosen to perform the specially commissioned Malcolm Arnold trumpet concerto, for a televised concert to celebrate the Royal College of Music centenary in 1982. This brought Ian’s name to prominence and led to many solo engagements and offers to play with professional orchestras.

Ian’s love of the symphonic repertoire made it an easy decision to accept a job with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in 1984. In 1990 he became principal trumpet and recorded Haydn’s trumpet concerto in that same year. Ian had 13 very enjoyable years in Liverpool, recording most of the great pieces, sampling fine wines and beer, digging up many golf courses, learning to ride a motorbike and meeting his wife.

In 1997 an invitation led Ian to accept the post of principal trumpet with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London. He has toured the world extensively with them, from Europe and the USA to the Far East. He was also a regular soloist with the orchestra and maintained a keen commitment to the education department.

Ian’s most recent appointment was to The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, London, as the new principal trumpet.

Alongside his regular commitments at Covent Garden, Ian is a frequent recitalist, clinician and studio player, being heard on films such as Gladiator, Shrek and Moulin Rouge.

In 2002 Ian was asked to become a member of the Super World Orchestra, which is comprised of principal players selected from members of the world’s great orchestras.