Concert in memory of famous trumpeter

Wells City Band will be playing a concert in September in memory of John Wilbraham, a former band member and eminent trumpet player. Tanya Flagg explains more.

FOLLOWING the unforgettable experience of playing at the Glastonbury Extravaganza, as support for The Lightning Seeds and Texas, Wells City Band are preparing for their next big event. On Sunday, September 24, the band will be playing a concert in St Cuthbert’s Church at 7.30pm in memory of former member and professional trumpeter John Wilbraham.

John Wilbraham is considered one of the finest English trumpet players of the last 60 years. He had an illustrious career at the very top of the music profession as a soloist, recording artist and principal trumpet of several of the country’s symphony orchestras. Despite this glittering career John had a very close association with Wells and in particular Wells City Band. His association with Wells came about when he was appointed as Trumpet Consultant at Wells Cathedral School which involved termly visits to the school to give masterclasses to trumpet pupils on the specialist music scheme. John fell in love with the city and especially the Cathedral and attended evensong whenever he was in Wells.

Despite being in demand as a trumpet player in London and all over the UK, John decided to leave his home in London and moved to Wells, buying a house in St Cuthbert Street opposite the south door of the church. John attended services regularly at St Cuthbert’s and at the Cathedral and he became a very well known and much-loved character around the city. with the world famous

Shortly after his move he offered to play cornet with Wells City Band for free, often helping out on 3rd cornet or solo cornet, wherever the band needed. On some occasions he conducted the band and generously offered up his considerable experience to the band in rehearsals, and he was a big supporter of the band up until he died in his beloved Wells.

Early Bird tickets are £10 (£8 concessions) before September 14, then regular tickets are £12 (£10 concessions). To purchase tickets contact Jane Hill, janehill546@aol.com or phone 01749 675668. If you prefer to buy online look out on our website or Facebook page for online ticketing information.