Biography

Russell is a committed and highly motivated trumpet player and teacher. Originally from the Isle of Man, Russell completed a Bachelor of Music (with Honours) and gained Qualified Teacher Status at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester where he studied modern trumpet with Tracey Redfern and John Miller and historical brass instruments with David Staff. Russell is currently studying to become a Master of Music at the Royal College of Music in London, where he studies with Neil Brough and Michael Laird.

As a soloist, Russell has given recitals with both piano and organ, in addition to several concerto appearances. He has performed such works as Handel’s “Messiah” in Manchester Cathedral, “Let the Bright Seraphim” in Westminster Abbey and Haydn’s “Trumpet Concerto” on the Keyed Trumpet in the Winspear Centre in Edmonton, Canada. 

Russell has also performed contemporary works on the modern trumpet including “Paths” by Takemitsu and a new work by Deirdre Gribbin entitled “Island People”, which he premiered at Dartington International Summer School 2010 with the Smith String Quartet and Soprano Evelyn Tubb. As a chamber musician, Russell has played with some of the leading brass ensembles: including a mini tour of Britain with Chaconne Brass.

In addition to performing, Russell has co-presented lectures at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama as well as at the University College of London. He has also lead a natural trumpet class at the Royal Northern College of Music. He has been interviewed, discussing historical instruments, by the University of Alberta (CKUA) radio.

Russell has worked under the direction of leading Baroque conductors, such as Andrew Parrott, John Hancorn, Philipp von Steinaecker and Peter Holman and he has performed Bach’s Magnificat with Leeds Baroque, Mozart’s C Minor Mass with Musica Saeculorum in Brixen (Italy) and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland with Le Concert Lorrain: directed by Daniel Reuss and Hans Christoph Rademann.