Katy and Christian Jones return home

Written By: Geoff Wolmark Comments: 0

Husband and wife trombonists Christian and Katy Jones are to return to their roots in the north of England in spring 2012. Christian has been the bass trombonist of the Philharmonia Orchestra (London) since 2002, and Katy the co-principal trombone of the London Symphony Orchestra since 2007. Prior to their positions in the capital, they both joined the BBC National Orchestra of Wales (Cardiff) in 2001.

 

"To have been in these jobs and work with wonderful musicians, all the while following in the footsteps of our brass playing idols, really is a dream come true," says Christian, 31. "Between us, we must have worked with every major conductor and soloist, covering literally the entire mainstream orchestral repertoire."

Each performing around 150 concerts and operas annually, worldwide, plus a wide range of sessions, the London Symphony and Philharmonia are easily two of the busiest and most recorded orchestras in the world. Katy is also a member of the Fine Arts Brass ensemble and teaches at the Birmingham Conservatoire and Purcell School, Bushey. Christian has freelanced and coached widely, and served on the self-governing Philharmonia's Council of Management during 2007-2010, latterly as the Deputy Chairman.

"Anyone with a family member in either of these orchestras would find it tough," says Katy, 32, "but combining the two schedules has been gruelling. It has been an amazing experience, and we've seen much of the world, but with a two-year-old daughter, the touring element has become a lot more complicated! We are delighted that the opportunity has arisen to join two great ensembles in the north, and are looking forward to working with our new colleagues."

Katy has been appointed principal trombone in the Hallé Orchestra, Manchester, while Christian joins Opera North, Leeds on bass and contrabass trombone.

An alumnus of Chethams School of Music, Katy went on to gain a Masters Degree in Pharmacy from The University of Manchester. An avid fan of the city, Katy is looking forward to the move:

"I feel privileged to be joining a great orchestra that has been so welcoming, and is such an integral part of Manchester's heritage."

She will remain a member of Fine Arts Brass, and hopes to continue teaching alongside her orchestral commitments.

Christian studied at the Royal Academy of Music with Bob Hughes, having previously enjoyed the vital support of the Staffordshire Music Service.

"Looking back at a fantastic decade," he reflects, "many of the highlights have been in performances of operas such Gloriana, Wozzeck and Tristan und Isolde. I'm looking forward to working with a great team in Leeds and discovering a whole new area of repertoire, starting with a Ring cycle!"

Article first published on the ITA web site.

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