Maurice Murphy

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Maurice Murphy is a British musician, and Principal Trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra since 1977, Murphy is considered by many to be one of the greatest classical trumpeters in history.

He was born in Hammersmith in 1935. He grew up playing in brass bands in Yorkshire, and notably was Principal Cornet of the world famous Black Dyke Mills Band from 1956 to 1961. His transition from brass bands to orchestral work was helped with stints with the Halle Orchestra, the Liverpool Philharmonic and La Mer Orchestra. He held the position of Principal Trumpet with the BBC Northern Orchestra (now the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra) from 1961 and in 1977 joined the London Symphony Orchestra where he has played Principal Trumpet ever since.

Maurice's unique sound can be heard on film soundtracks including Gangs of New York, Johnny English, Reign of Fire, a fantastic solo in Mr. Holland’s Opus, all six of the Star Wars movies, Superman 1, 2 & 3, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Philadelphia, Batman, the Alien movies, Frankenstein, Gladiator, Who Framed Roger Rabbit and many more.

Maurice officially "retired" from the LSO on October 16 2000, but has continually had his contract renewed since then.