‘It’s like driving a car through rush hour’: London trombonist has died
mainDerek James, a well-known trombone player in the London orchestras, died on New Year’s Eve, aged 85.
Born in Llandybie near Ammanford, South Wales, in 1929, Derek won the Trombone Solo Competition at the Welsh National Eisteddfod three years in a row. In 1955, he joined the Royal Opera House Orchestra, in 1964 the London Philharmonic, and in 1981 the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Here are his tips for young players.
Fabulous player. I remember sitting behind him at the RFH for Enigma Variations. He didn’t open the music. Played it from memory.