LSO has new principal trumpet and cello
NewsJames Fountain has been appointed Principal Trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra, in place of David Elton, who has joined the Sydney Symphony (and won’t be playing any time soon). Elton held the seat since 2017. Fountain moves over from the London Philharmonic. It’s the time of year for musical chairs again.
We hear also that David Cohen has been offered the principal cello seat, vacated by Tim Hugh. The LSO have yet to confirm this.
Cohen is former principal of the Philharmonia Orchestra and widower of the late Corinne Chapelle. It has not yet been confirmed that he has accepted the offer.
I wonder why David Elton left after a short stint. Was it just due to better working conditions in Sydney?
Dave Elton is from Australia, so maybe just to be closer to family and at home.
David Elton was already Principal Trumpet of the SSO. For a time it appears he was holding both positions simultaneously. My guess is that the impossibility of jetting back and forth between London and Sydney in order to fulfil responsibilities in both posts meant that he had to choose one over the other.
It’s always nice to be wanted.
Congratulations to the LSO for freely electing their principals.
As basic and essential to the good functioning of a world class orchestra this operation is, it should never be taken for granted. In other less fortunate Orchestras – pick one randomly say … Chicago – principals are shoved down the audition committee’s throat by autocratic and unethical Godfathers.
I feel that the Principal players in Chicago play very well. In some cases, better than who they replaced. There is something to be said to have the respect of your peers too. Have you heard the orchestra in the last 10 years?
I believe James Fountain replaces Philip Cobb who recently moved to the BBC Symphony Orchestra. David Elton still remains on the roster and holds his LSO post in addition to his post in Sydney.
David’s twitter account confirms he has left.
Former principal of the LSO, according to David Elton’s website. https://davidelton.com.au/biography/
“Principal Trumpet the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and former Principal Trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra…” – from Elton’s website.
Unfortunately he has in left the LSO. Great shame, he was a great player.
Why would somebody vote ‘thumbs down’ on this? If you think “insider” has got it wrong, then say so.
It’s good to see the LSO addressing its player shortfalls. However they’re still short of players in several positions:
1. Leader (a further one, advertised some time ago)
2. 2nd principal cello (which, as suggested in this feature, may now have been filled)
3. 2nd principal viola (advertised some time ago) – following Paul Siverthorne’s departure
4. Two principal double basses
5. 2nd principal flute (following Adam Walker’s departure)
6. 2nd flute
7. 2nd principal clarinet
8. Bass clarinet
9. 2nd principal trombone
10. 2nd principal horn (advertised a while ago and for some time the only vacancy on their website)
11. 4th horn
12. 2nd trumpet
14. 2nd principal timpani (advertised some time ago if memory serves)
15. Keyboard (?)
It’s going to take a while to sort this, so expect guest players for some time yet.
You forgot 2nd trombone – James Maynard has also left the brass section
According to the websites, David Elton has been principal of the SSO since 2012 and principal of the LSO since 2017. How he combines the two, I don’t know, but James Fountain replaces Philip Cobb.
Dave Elton was principal in Sydney before joining LSO. “Re-joining” SSO would be more accurate!
Mind you, it is somewhat concerning that a major orchestra should lose two principal trumpets in the space of a year.
That is odd, but then so is James Fountain’s leaving the LPO after about ten minutes there.