Ian Bousfield
Encyclopedia
Ian Bousfield is Principal Trombone with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
, having formerly held the same positions with the London Symphony Orchestra
and Hallé Orchestra.
at the age of seven, taught by his father. Like many of England's top brass players, Ian’s playing flourished quickly in the brass band scene, having been principal trombonist in the National Youth Brass Band at age 13, and for four years, principal with the Yorkshire Imperial Band, during which time they won the British, National and Yorkshire championships.
In 1979, Ian became the youngest winner ever of the Shell/London Symphony Orchestra Music Scholarship.
. He spent only six months studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama
before he was appointed Principal Trombone at the Hallé Orchestra in March 1983.
, taking over from the veteran Denis Wick
. At the time, Denis Wick said, "he is an extremely accomplished player and what he is short on by way of experience, if he is, he is bright enough to get together very quickly." (interview with The Trombonist magazine of the British Trombone Society)
In recounting his time at the LSO, Ian wrote in the Brass Herald, "Do I regret leaving? No, except when I hear the LSO play a great film track like 'Star Wars' or 'Braveheart'. Then, I have to confess, I have to fight back the tears and wonder what I've done because hearing the LSO brass section playing that stuff is simply electrifying."
Ian was appointed professor of trombone at the Royal Academy of Music
in 1992 and has since been awarded Honorary Membership of the Royal Academy of Music.
/Vienna Philharmonic, on an equal footing with Dietmar Küblböck.
On his new orchestra, Ian wrote, "The biggest difference between the Wph and every other orchestra I have heard is the size of its heart. It doesn't matter how tired the Orchestra is; it always plays with huge pride and commitment. Even after seventeen years in orchestras, I was shocked at the level of performance and, to be honest I had not known anything like it since I was in brass bands."
trombone concerto with the Vienna Philharmonic in the Lucerne Festival conducted by Riccardo Muti
.
In March 2007 Ian gave the premiere of 'Stargazer', a concerto for trombone and orchestra by British composer Jonathan Dove
. The performance was with the LSO conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas
.
In 1984 he performed Elgar Howarth
's Trombone Concerto with the Yorkshire Imperial Band for broadcast on BBC Radio 3. And in 1985 he played the first British performance of Gunther Schuller
's trombone concerto, Eine kleine Posaunenmusik with the Halle Orchestra conducted by the composer.
Ian's solo recordings started with a mix of popular solos with brass band and synthesizer in "The Versatile Virtuoso" (1992, Doyen DOY CD014) where he is accompanied by his former band, the Yorkshire Imperial Band
. This was followed by Frank Martin
's Ballade with the London Philharmonic Orchestra
and Matthias Bamert (Chandos), Elgar Howarth's Concerto for Trombone with Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag and Howarth conducting (Doyen), Derek Bourgeois
' Trombone Concerto with the Sun Life Band, much of the standard trombone and piano repertoire on EMI as part of its Virtuosi series and most recently the Bourgeois Trombone Sonata with the YBS Band and David King.
In October 2006, Ian released the CD Pryor Engagement (Doyen DOY CD212). This recording contains solos composed by, or famously performed by, the legendary American trombonist Arthur Pryor
. Accompaniment is provided by Black Dyke Band
.
In 2007, a further solo CD was released on the Japanese Camerata label (CM28117). The CD is called Solo Trombone - French Collection and includes classical repertoire for trombone and piano.
's 7th Symphony
with Michael Tilson Thomas and the LSO (Sony, 1999), the large trombone solo in Mahler
's 3rd Symphony
with Pierre Boulez
and the VPO (DG, 2003), and with the same forces, the live Mahler 2nd symphony
, particularly the final movement.
Also notable are his recordings with the LSO Brass, particularly "American Brass".
He lives in the Vienna woods, supports Leeds United Football Club
and his hobbies include French cooking
and the wines of Burgundy
.
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
The Vienna Philharmonic is an orchestra in Austria, regularly considered one of the finest in the world....
, having formerly held the same positions with the London Symphony Orchestra
London Symphony Orchestra
The London Symphony Orchestra is a major orchestra of the United Kingdom, as well as one of the best-known orchestras in the world. Since 1982, the LSO has been based in London's Barbican Centre.-History:...
and Hallé Orchestra.
Early life and education
Ian was born in York, England and began playing the tromboneTrombone
The trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Like all brass instruments, sound is produced when the player’s vibrating lips cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate...
at the age of seven, taught by his father. Like many of England's top brass players, Ian’s playing flourished quickly in the brass band scene, having been principal trombonist in the National Youth Brass Band at age 13, and for four years, principal with the Yorkshire Imperial Band, during which time they won the British, National and Yorkshire championships.
In 1979, Ian became the youngest winner ever of the Shell/London Symphony Orchestra Music Scholarship.
European Union Youth Orchestra
In 1980 joined the European Union Youth Orchestra where he spent 2 years under Claudio AbbadoClaudio Abbado
Claudio Abbado, Cavaliere di Gran Croce OMRI , is an Italian conductor. He has served as music director of the La Scala opera house in Milan, principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, principal guest conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, music director of the Vienna State Opera,...
. He spent only six months studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Guildhall School of Music and Drama is an independent music and dramatic arts school which was founded in 1880 in London, England. Students can pursue courses in Music, Opera, Drama and Technical Theatre Arts.-History:...
before he was appointed Principal Trombone at the Hallé Orchestra in March 1983.
London Symphony Orchestra
In 1988 at the age of 24, Ian was appointed principal trombonist of the London Symphony OrchestraLondon Symphony Orchestra
The London Symphony Orchestra is a major orchestra of the United Kingdom, as well as one of the best-known orchestras in the world. Since 1982, the LSO has been based in London's Barbican Centre.-History:...
, taking over from the veteran Denis Wick
Denis Wick
Denis Wick is Britain's most influential orchestral trombonist of the 20th century. He is also an internationally respected brass teacher and designer of brass mutes and mouthpieces...
. At the time, Denis Wick said, "he is an extremely accomplished player and what he is short on by way of experience, if he is, he is bright enough to get together very quickly." (interview with The Trombonist magazine of the British Trombone Society)
In recounting his time at the LSO, Ian wrote in the Brass Herald, "Do I regret leaving? No, except when I hear the LSO play a great film track like 'Star Wars' or 'Braveheart'. Then, I have to confess, I have to fight back the tears and wonder what I've done because hearing the LSO brass section playing that stuff is simply electrifying."
Ian was appointed professor of trombone at the Royal Academy of Music
Royal Academy of Music
The Royal Academy of Music in London, England, is a conservatoire, Britain's oldest degree-granting music school and a constituent college of the University of London since 1999. The Academy was founded by Lord Burghersh in 1822 with the help and ideas of the French harpist and composer Nicolas...
in 1992 and has since been awarded Honorary Membership of the Royal Academy of Music.
Vienna Philharmonic
In September 2000 he accepted a new position as principal trombonist of the Vienna State OperaVienna State Opera
The Vienna State Opera is an opera house – and opera company – with a history dating back to the mid-19th century. It is located in the centre of Vienna, Austria. It was originally called the Vienna Court Opera . In 1920, with the replacement of the Habsburg Monarchy by the First Austrian...
/Vienna Philharmonic, on an equal footing with Dietmar Küblböck.
On his new orchestra, Ian wrote, "The biggest difference between the Wph and every other orchestra I have heard is the size of its heart. It doesn't matter how tired the Orchestra is; it always plays with huge pride and commitment. Even after seventeen years in orchestras, I was shocked at the level of performance and, to be honest I had not known anything like it since I was in brass bands."
Solo performances
In September 2008, Ian will perform the Nino RotaNino Rota
Nino Rota was an Italian composer and academic who is best known for his film scores, notably for the films of Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti...
trombone concerto with the Vienna Philharmonic in the Lucerne Festival conducted by Riccardo Muti
Riccardo Muti
Riccardo Muti, Cavaliere di Gran Croce OMRI is an Italian conductor and music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.-Childhood and education:...
.
In March 2007 Ian gave the premiere of 'Stargazer', a concerto for trombone and orchestra by British composer Jonathan Dove
Jonathan Dove
Jonathan Dove is a British composer of opera, choral works, plays, films, and orchestral and chamber music. He has arranged a number of operas for English Touring Opera and the City of Birmingham Touring Opera , including in 1990 a famous 18-player two-evening adaptation of Wagner's Der Ring des...
. The performance was with the LSO conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas
Michael Tilson Thomas
Michael Tilson Thomas is an American conductor, pianist and composer. He is currently music director of the San Francisco Symphony, and artistic director of the New World Symphony Orchestra.-Early years:...
.
In 1984 he performed Elgar Howarth
Elgar Howarth
Elgar Howarth is an English conductor and composer.Howarth was educated in the 1950s at Manchester University and the Royal Manchester College of Music , where his fellow students included the composers Harrison Birtwistle, Alexander Goehr, Peter Maxwell Davies, and the...
's Trombone Concerto with the Yorkshire Imperial Band for broadcast on BBC Radio 3. And in 1985 he played the first British performance of Gunther Schuller
Gunther Schuller
Gunther Schuller is an American composer, conductor, horn player, author, historian, and jazz musician.- Biography and works :...
's trombone concerto, Eine kleine Posaunenmusik with the Halle Orchestra conducted by the composer.
Ian's solo recordings started with a mix of popular solos with brass band and synthesizer in "The Versatile Virtuoso" (1992, Doyen DOY CD014) where he is accompanied by his former band, the Yorkshire Imperial Band
Yorkshire Imperial Band
The Yorkshire Imperial Band, also known as the Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel Band and the Yorkshire Imps, is a brass band from West Yorkshire, England...
. This was followed by Frank Martin
Frank Martin (composer)
Frank Martin was a Swiss composer, who lived a large part of his life in the Netherlands.-Childhood and youth:...
's Ballade with the London Philharmonic Orchestra
London Philharmonic Orchestra
The London Philharmonic Orchestra , based in London, is one of the major orchestras of the United Kingdom, and is based in the Royal Festival Hall. In addition, the LPO is the main resident orchestra of the Glyndebourne Festival Opera...
and Matthias Bamert (Chandos), Elgar Howarth's Concerto for Trombone with Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag and Howarth conducting (Doyen), Derek Bourgeois
Derek Bourgeois
Derek Bourgeois is an English composer. Educated at Cambridge University , he spent two years at the Royal College of Music studying composition with Herbert Howells and conducting with Sir Adrian Boult.From 1970 to 1984 he was a lecturer in music at Bristol University, and then Director of the...
' Trombone Concerto with the Sun Life Band, much of the standard trombone and piano repertoire on EMI as part of its Virtuosi series and most recently the Bourgeois Trombone Sonata with the YBS Band and David King.
In October 2006, Ian released the CD Pryor Engagement (Doyen DOY CD212). This recording contains solos composed by, or famously performed by, the legendary American trombonist Arthur Pryor
Arthur Pryor
Arthur Willard Pryor was a trombone virtuoso, bandleader, and soloist with the Sousa Band. In later life, he was an American Democratic Party politician from New Jersey, who served on the Monmouth County, New Jersey Board of Chosen Freeholders during the 1930s.Pryor was born on the second floor of...
. Accompaniment is provided by Black Dyke Band
Black Dyke Band
The Black Dyke Band, formerly the Black Dyke Mills Band, is one of the oldest and best-known brass bands in the world. The band has won many prizes and competitions over the years...
.
In 2007, a further solo CD was released on the Japanese Camerata label (CM28117). The CD is called Solo Trombone - French Collection and includes classical repertoire for trombone and piano.
Orchestral recordings
His orchestral recordings are numerous, but the highlights include the "Star Wars Episode I: Phantom Menace" recording with the LSO (BMG, 1997), the tenor horn solo in MahlerGustav Mahler
Gustav Mahler was a late-Romantic Austrian composer and one of the leading conductors of his generation. He was born in the village of Kalischt, Bohemia, in what was then Austria-Hungary, now Kaliště in the Czech Republic...
's 7th Symphony
Symphony No. 7 (Mahler)
Gustav Mahler's Seventh Symphony was written in 1904-05, with repeated revisions to the scoring. It is sometimes referred to by the title Song of the Night , though this title was not Mahler's own and he disapproved of it. Although the symphony is often described as being in the key of 'E minor,'...
with Michael Tilson Thomas and the LSO (Sony, 1999), the large trombone solo in Mahler
Gustav Mahler
Gustav Mahler was a late-Romantic Austrian composer and one of the leading conductors of his generation. He was born in the village of Kalischt, Bohemia, in what was then Austria-Hungary, now Kaliště in the Czech Republic...
's 3rd Symphony
Symphony No. 3 (Mahler)
The Symphony No. 3 by Gustav Mahler was written between 1893 and 1896. It is his longest piece and is the longest symphony in the standard repertoire, with a typical performance lasting around ninety to one hundred minutes.- Structure :...
with Pierre Boulez
Pierre Boulez
Pierre Boulez is a French composer of contemporary classical music, a pianist, and a conductor.-Early years:Boulez was born in Montbrison, Loire, France. As a child he began piano lessons and demonstrated aptitude in both music and mathematics...
and the VPO (DG, 2003), and with the same forces, the live Mahler 2nd symphony
Symphony No. 2 (Mahler)
The Symphony No. 2 by Gustav Mahler, known as the Resurrection, was written between 1888 and 1894, and first performed in 1895. Apart from the Eighth Symphony, this symphony was Mahler's most popular and successful work during his lifetime. It is his first major work that would eventually mark his...
, particularly the final movement.
Also notable are his recordings with the LSO Brass, particularly "American Brass".
He lives in the Vienna woods, supports Leeds United Football Club
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
and his hobbies include French cooking
French cuisine
French cuisine is a style of food preparation originating from France that has developed from centuries of social change. In the Middle Ages, Guillaume Tirel , a court chef, authored Le Viandier, one of the earliest recipe collections of Medieval France...
and the wines of Burgundy
Burgundy wine
Burgundy wine is wine made in the Burgundy region in eastern France, in the valleys and slopes west of the Saône River, a tributary of the Rhône. The most famous wines produced here - those commonly referred to as "Burgundies" - are red wines made from Pinot Noir grapes or white wines made from...
.