Two brothers played 75 years in British orchestras
mainGareth Bimson has retired after 36 years as principal trumpet in the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
His older brother John played 39 years as principal horn BBC Northern S.O 1967 -72; 3rd and first horn London Symphony Orchestra 1972 -76; co principal and principal, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 1976 -2006.
Was there ever a longer serving pair of brass brothers?
Congratulations to both for serving so long in demanding positions.
An extraordinary record by Gareth and John Bimson. Aside from four generations of the Brain horn players, the three Berv brothers come to mind: Arthur, Jack, and Harry all were in Toscanini’s NBC Symphony horn section from their second season and remained until Maestro’s retirement and into its successor Symphony of the Air. Theirs likely is another record.
Their elder brother Henry, the black sheep of the family, was scandalously a violinist. ArthurBerv, NBC principal horn, was credited on RCA’s 78-rpm Red Seal label as soloist in Toscanini’s recording of “Abscheulicher, wo eilst du hin?” from “Fidelio” with soparno Rose Bampton.
the Berv family with a far longer version of their Ellis Island surname came from Belarus by way of Warsaw to New Jersey. I saw them play in concert on Toscanini’s 1950 transcontinental railway tour, and Rose Bampton in a separate recital. Her record of “Abscheulicher” stood until Elisabeth Schwarzkopf’s with Karajan and the Philharmonia.
Thanks for your comments. As son of Jack and nephew of the other brothers, I would love to communicate with you. Perhaps you could look me up on Facebook, or phone in New Canaan, Connecticut
Is he the trumpeter who is seen arguing with Bernstein during the BBC SO Enigma Variations rehearsal ?
No
No Esther I am not that person.
Hi Gareth, I worked with your lovely mum in the GRE. She was a lovely lady and took care of me, as I was a shy 17 year old and she took me under her wing. Fond memories
That was a man called Iaan Wilson who left for a life down under, I believe. I wonder if he’ll feature in the new Bernstein biopic??
Hello. Could you please tell me whether John Bimson is still around. My wife Boony and I knew him well for a few years in the 1980s and would like to be in contact again.
I went to primary school with John, amazing to see how successful he became.