Trumpeter

Anthony Thompson

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About Anthony

I am a cheerful professional trumpeter with 25 years experience, mostly classical & recording sessions, but "variety is the spice of life"!
Trumpeter
Castleford
Public liability insurance of £10 million
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Anthony Thompson began his musical training at The Salvation Army in Castleford, Yorkshire, progressing through a music scholarship to Ackworth School and then to Hull University where he graduated with an Honours Degree in Music. Following a year of post-graduate trumpet studies at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and two years as Music Director to the Salvation Army in Texas, he is now one of the busiest trumpeters in the North of England. In April 2008 Anthony was appointed principal trumpet of Sinfonia ViVA and since Christmas Day 2002 he has also been principal trumpet and soloist with the New English Orchestra. Despite this, he somehow manages to make regular appearances (including guest principal trumpet) with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hallé, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, London Mozart Players, Manchester Camerata, Manchester Concert Orchestra, Northern Chamber Orchestra, New European Orchestra and the Royal Northern Sinfonia. He works occasionally with Opera North, English Northern Philharmonia, the Royal Shakespeare Company, North of England Chamber Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Northern Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Britten Sinfonia. He has also played principal trumpet with Orquestra Nacional do Porto and been a member of the Britten-Pears Orchestra and Baroque Orchestra. In addition, Anthony is a part of ViVA Brass, Orichalcum Classic Brass, Brass Ho!, Harlequin Brass and the English Brass Consort. As a session musician, Anthony has played on recordings with artists as diverse as Don Lusher, Kenny Baker, Norman Wisdom, Barbara Windsor, Claire Sweeney, Shirley Bassey, Delirious? and Gorillaz amongst many others, His albums of varied Classical works are available on digital download sites. In live performance, Anthony has performed with the Fine Arts Brass Ensemble, Lesley Garrett, Hayley Westenra, The Sixteen with Harry Christophers, Liam McNally, London Community Gospel Choir, Steve Winwood, duetted with Sting and played for Pope Benedict XVI! As a soloist, Anthony has toured extensively throughout the UK, USA, Holland and Brazil, and has appeared in Norway, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Switzerland and Italy. With organist Gordon Stewart he gave the first performance of Andrew Carter's Petite Suite, which they then took on two tours in the United States. In addition to his own solo work and masterclasses, Anthony appears regularly on BBC Radio 4's Daily Service and BBC Television’s Songs of Praise. In the summers of 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2012 he performed substantial solo works with the New English Orchestra at the Salzburg Festival, returning in 2014 to premiere a new composition written especially for him! In late 2010 Anthony teamed up with Greg Bish to form a duo, whose informative concerts manage to display an unexpected complement that the trumpet and classical guitar can be to each other. Their first live recording, "An Intimate Evening with the Bish/Thompson Duo" is now available online and in person. Anthony is well known for the wide range of instruments he plays in concerts - everything from didgeridoo and conch shell to coaching horn, antique and modern cornets, soprano trombone, bugle, flugel horn, ramshorn and antelope horn shofars, natural and piccolo trumpets!

Anthony
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5 out of 5
21 verified reviews
Satisfaction
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5.0
Professionalism
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5.0
Communication
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4.9
Punctuality
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5.0

Anthony's Reviews

From Encore customers:

AM
Andrea M
6 months ago
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5 out of 5

Anthony was so easy to work with. He is so flexible and can handle any tune! He is extremely friendly, enthusiastic and genuinely talented. His trumpet playing accompanied by an organ elevated our church wedding and made it feel so regal and elegant as I walked down the aisle! Perfect and would recommend to anyone.

Reply from Anthony
6 months ago

Thank you Andrea - it was a lovely ceremony and I wish you both every happiness!

JM
Jeanie M
7 months ago
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4.8 out of 5

AMAZING 🤩 Thank you so much for playing Last Post for my husbands funeral. He would have been proud. Perfect

Reply from Anthony
7 months ago

Jeanie, thank you. You were a pleasure to work with and I wish you well as you continue to come to terms with your loss. I hope you enjoyed the Simply Red songs!

DW
David W
1 year ago
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5 out of 5

Anthony is an outstanding musician and totally professional in all his dealings with us. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone. He made a huge contribution to our daughter’s wedding and helped make it such a special occasion.

Reply from Anthony
1 year ago

Wow! This is very kind David, thank you. It was a treat of a day and I/we were delighted to be a part of it. There were big smiles on the way home!

CH
Carly H
2 years ago
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5 out of 5

Anthony was a brilliant performer for our wedding entrance and exit he played wonderfully and helped create a great entrance he was also dressed very smartly ! I would highly reccomend him to anyone ! Many thanks for making our entrance epic xxxxx

Read all 7 reviews

From other customers:

JF
Julia F
1 year ago, for a Funeral / Memorial service in 212 Barlow Moor Rd
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5 out of 5

Absolutely wonderful playing by Anthony at our brother’s funeral. He added a very special touch which we all appreciated. He was professional and respectful. Highly recommended.

MT
Matthew T
4 years ago, for a Church service in Online via Facebook and YouTube
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5 out of 5

I booked Anthony to provide some trumpet parts to contribute to a set of contemporary worship songs for an online church service. As has been the case when working with Ant many times previously, he continues to provide music of the highest quality that is sensitive to the requirements and he is always happy to offer his creative suggestions. I would highly recommend Anthony's musical services.

Read all 14 reviews
Encore badges
10 gigs
Experienced: 10 bookings through Encore
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Booked for an Encore gig with less than 24 hours’ notice
6th Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 6 years
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Anthony's Song list

Last Post
Reveille
Happy Birthday
The National Anthem
ABSOLUTELY ANY HYMN, such as:
Abide With Me
All Creatures Of Our God And King
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace (Chains)
And Can It Be
Be Thou My Vision
Blessed Assurance
Come Down O Love Divine
Cornerstone
Crown Him With Many Crowns
Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind
Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah
How Deep The Father's Love
How Great Thou Art
In Christ Alone
It Is Well With My Soul
I Vow To Thee My Country
Jerusalem
Jesus Loves Me
King Of Kings, Majesty
Lord I Come To You (Hold Me Close)
Love Divine
My Jesus, My Saviour
Old Hundredth
Old Rugged Cross
Praise My Soul
Shine Jesus Shine
Tell Out My Soul
The Day Thou Gavest
The Lion and The Lamb
The Lord's My Shepherd
Thine Be The Glory
What A Beautiful Name
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
Albinoni/Giazotto - Adagio (for strings)
Arnold - Fantasy For Trumpet
Arutiunian - Concert Scherzo
Arutiunian - Trumpet Concerto
Bach - Air In G
Baldassare - Sonata in F
Beatles - various!
Beatles - Blackbird
Beatles - Here, There and Everywhere
Beatles - Norwegian Wood
Beatles - Yesterday
Bellstadt - Variations on Napoli
Boyce - Trumpet Voluntary
Carter - Petite Suite
Charpentier - Te Deum Prelude
Clarke - Prince of Denmark's March
Clarke - Suite in D
Clarke - Suite of Ayres for the Theatre
Clarke - Trumpet Tune
Clarke - Trumpet Voluntary
Clarke/Shore - Shore's Musick
Copland - Quiet City
Corelli - Sonata in D
Dowland - Can She excuse My Wrongs
Dowland - Come Again!
Dowland - Flow My Tears
Dowland - I Saw My Lady Weep
Elgar - Chanson de Matin
Elgar - Salut d'amour
Elgar - Serious Doll
Ellington - Caravan
Ellington - In A Mellow Tone
Ellington - It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
Ellington - Mood Indigo
Ewazen - Sonata for Trumpet and Piano
Fripp - Adagio in E
Gabrielli - Trumpet Sonata in D
Gawthorpe - Here
Gershwin - My Man's Gone Now
Gershwin - Someone To Watch Over Me
Gershwin - Summertime
Gillespie - A Night in Tunisia
Goedicke - Concert Etude
Golson - Five Spot After Dark
Jobim - Girl from Ipanema
Hakim - Allegro Con Spirito
Hakim - Rondo For Christmas
Hancock - Cantaloupe Island
Handel - Eternal Source of Light Divine
Handel - Let The Bright Seraphim
Handel - Hornpipe
Handel - Sound The Trumpet
Handel - Suite in D
Handel - The Trumpet Shall Sound
Handy - Beale Street Blues
Hartmann - Auld Lang Syne Variations
Hartmann - La Belle Americaine
Haydn - Trumpet Concerto
Hedges - Sonata for Trumpet
Henze - Sonatina
Hummel - Trumpet Concerto
Johnson/Mack - Charleston
Kirwan - Andante
Kirwan - Duet for trumpet and guitar
Leidzen - A Happy Day
Loeillet - Concerto in B flat
Loeillet - Sonata in C
MacDowell - To A Wild Rose
Mancini - Moon River
Martini - Toccata
Mendez - Virgin De La Macarena
Morgan - Sidewinder
Mouret - Fanfares
Mouret - Rondeau
Mozart - Trumpet Concerto
Neruda - Trumpet Concerto
Pezel - Sonatina No.69
Piazzolla - Cafe 1930
Plog - Animal Ditties
Plog - Themes on Paintings of Edward Munch
Porter - I Get A Kick Out Of You
Poulenc - Eiffel Tower Polka
Purcell - Prince of Denmark's March
Purcell - Trumpet Sonata
Purcell - Trumpet Tune
Purcell - Trumpet Voluntary
Purcell - When I am Laid In Earth
Redhead - Life Abundant
Rodgers - My Funny Valentine
Rodgers - My Favourite Things
Rodgers - You'll Never Walk Alone
Ross - Flowers and Weeds
Scott - Gotcha!
Shea/Himes - I'd Rather Have Jesus
Spear - Coronation Street
Stanley - Trumpet Voluntary
Stolzel - Concerto in D
Tarrega - Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Telemann - Trumpet Concerto in D
Telemann - Twelve Heroic Marches
Torelli - Trumpet Concerto in D
Torelli - Sonata in D
Vaughan Williams - Old Hundredth
Vejvanovsky - Sonata in G
Villa-Lobos - Cantilena (from Bachianas Brasileiros 5)
Vivaldi - Trumpet Concerto in C
Vizzutti - Cascades
Weill - My Ship
Williams - Basin Street Blues

Anthony's Prices

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
Performance durationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£180
Up to 1 hour£180
Up to 2 hours£180
Up to 3 hours£180
Packages
Funeral
I am often asked to play the "Last Post" or "Sunset" on trumpet, cornet or bugle at Funerals. I am also happy to play during the hymns or perform a special song with a personal resonance, such as "You'll never walk alone" which I was requested recently to play as the hearse left the home of the deceased. I will make it work as you want it, with the required dignity and decorum.
£140
Wedding ceremony
This includes music before the service begins, the entry of the bride, hymns and descants, music during the signing of the register, and music as guests leave.
£200
Write & record horn line(s)
I will write and record up to three trumpet parts to fit your song, possibly using flugel horn or piccolo trumpet or cornet as appropriate. I will include your creative ideas alongside my own, working with you at all times.
£250

Add-ons

Doubling
+£30
Trebling
+£40
Horn lines
+£125
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

Performance is not just about the notes that come from the instrument, I need to be easy to get along with, and to communicate with the listeners. I hope I am personable, genuine and adaptable when necessary. I can make this work for you!

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

I work as a freelance musician so am used to all types of venues - most often concert halls, churches and recording studios. The trumpet will work in any setting.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

As a classical and baroque trumpeter, I just love the grace and style of Maurice Andre - he's my trumpeting hero! Jazz trumpeters too are incredible - Clifford Brown, Freddie Hubbard, Dizzy Gillespie and of course, Louis Armstrong!

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

I once performed for Pope Benedict XVI and duetted with Sting in the same week! I played to 250,000 people at a festival in Brazil. I've performed for the Queen, live on television, several times.

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

No problem, so long as I can make the re-arranged time!

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

This is not something I usually do, but I could try to make it work!

How much time do you need to set up?

Very little, a matter of minutes, but I do like to test the acoustic of the venue if possible.

Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?

Yes of course, although I might prefer to discuss with you what order will work better, depending on what you've chosen. We can certainly work together on this!

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes, absolutely! I bring my own trumpets to play acoustically.

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

Certainly, this is usual!
Musicianship
Genres:
Classical, Christmas, Contemporary Christian, Military, Traditional church music, Baroque, Classical crossover, Contemporary classical, Medieval music, Film / TV music, Fanfare, Early music, Musical theatre, Opera, Renaissance, 1920s era music, 1930s era music, 1940s era music, 1950s era music, 1990s era music, 1980s era music, 1970s era music, 1960s era music, Dixieland, Cabaret, Blues, Jazz, Jazz fusion, Ragtime, Gospel, Swing, Latin jazz, Avant garde, Easy listening, Experimental, Light music, Marching, Pop, Acoustic, Ambient pop, Covers, Motown, Karaoke, Vintage, Hip Hop, Tribute, Funk rock, Top 40, Soul, Funk, Disco, R&B, World music, African music, Afrobeat, Arabic, Argentinian, Armenian, Asian music, Australian music, Balkan, Bavarian oompah, Bollywood, Bossa nova, Brazilian music, Calypso, Caribbean music, Choro, Cuban music, Cumbia, Flamenco, French music, German music, Greek music, Hawaiian music, Indian music, Italian music, Jewish music, Klezmer, Latin, Mariachi, Merengue, Polish music, Polka, Polynesian music, Reggae, Russian music, Salsa, Samba, Scottish music, Ska, Skiffle, Spanish music, Tango, Rock, Alternative rock, Britpop, Classic rock, Glam rock, Hard rock, Hardcore, Heavy metal, Indie, Pop rock, Post rock, Power rock, Progressive rock, Punk rock, Rock 'n' Roll, Synth rock
See all genres
Instruments:
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Event types:
Recording session, Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Private event, Corporate event, Concert, Theatre / Show
See all event types
Other skills:
Arranger, Orchestrator, Transcription, Producer, Fluent sight-reader, Fluent improviser, Actor, Instrumental teaching
See all skills