Jim Davies

Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Cornet, Piccolo Trumpet Musician
London, GB.

About

Highly accomplished and versatile professional trumpeter with over two decades of extensive experience across musical theatre, orchestral performances, and studio recordings. Proven ability to master complex scores on trumpet, flugelhorn, cornet, and piccolo trumpet, consistently delivering exceptional musicality for West End productions, national tours, and leading orchestras. Adept at collaborating with diverse artistic teams to elevate performance quality and contribute to critically acclaimed productions.

Work

Various West End & UK Touring Productions
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Deputy Trumpet Musician

London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Provided versatile and reliable deputy trumpet services for over 15 high-profile West End and UK touring musical theatre productions.

Highlights

Demonstrated exceptional adaptability and sight-reading skills, stepping into demanding roles with minimal rehearsal time.

Supported long-running productions such as "Wicked," "Mary Poppins," and "Billy Elliot," ensuring continuity of musical excellence.

Maintained professional standards across diverse musical styles and production requirements, from classic to contemporary musicals.

Collaborated effectively with various pit orchestras and music teams, ensuring seamless integration into existing ensembles.

Crucible Theatre
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Trumpet Musician

Sheffield, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Served as Trumpet Musician for the 2024-25 production of "Little Shop of Horrors" at the Crucible Theatre, delivering integral brass performances.

Highlights

Delivered high-quality trumpet performances for a major theatrical run, contributing to the show's musical integrity and audience experience.

Collaborated effectively with Music Director Chris Poon and the wider ensemble to achieve cohesive and impactful live performances.

Maintained consistent musical excellence across numerous performances over a multi-year engagement.

Leeds Playhouse
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Trumpet Musician

Leeds, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Held the Trumpet Musician chair for the 2023-24 production of "Oliver!" at Leeds Playhouse, providing essential brass accompaniment.

Highlights

Performed demanding trumpet parts for a large-scale musical production, ensuring high artistic standards and dynamic delivery.

Worked closely with Music Director Luke Holman and the pit orchestra to support the theatrical narrative and enhance the score.

Contributed to the successful delivery of a significant run of performances, maintaining musical precision.

Royal Exchange Theatre
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Trumpet Musician

Manchester, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Served as Trumpet Musician for the 2022-23 run of "Betty! A Sort of Musical" at the Royal Exchange Theatre, enhancing the production's score.

Highlights

Executed critical trumpet and flugelhorn parts, contributing to the unique soundscape of a new musical production.

Collaborated with Music Director Sarah Dyer in a contemporary theatrical setting, adapting to innovative musical demands.

Maintained musical precision and stylistic accuracy throughout the production's run, supporting artistic vision.

Various Orchestras & Ensembles
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Orchestral & Ensemble Trumpet Musician

London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Performed extensively with leading orchestras and ensembles, contributing to a broad spectrum of classical, contemporary, and jazz performances.

Highlights

Contributed trumpet and flugelhorn performances to prestigious organizations including the London Philharmonic Orchestra and London Symphony Orchestra.

Engaged in diverse musical projects, from opera and ballet (Northern Ballet) to brass ensembles (Flat Cap Brass, Bobby Lamb Big Band).

Mastered complex classical and contemporary repertoire, showcasing technical proficiency and musical artistry.

Participated in recording sessions and live concerts, consistently delivering high-caliber performances for various audiences.

Crucible Theatre
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Trumpet Musician

Sheffield, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Held the Trumpet Musician chair for the 2021-22 production of "She Loves Me" at the Crucible Theatre, delivering key brass contributions.

Highlights

Provided nuanced trumpet performances for a classic musical, demonstrating versatility and stylistic accuracy.

Supported the ensemble under the direction of Caroline Humphries, ensuring seamless musical integration and high-quality sound.

Contributed to the successful artistic presentation of the production, enhancing the overall audience experience.

Troubadour Theatre
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Trumpet Musician

London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Performed as Trumpet Musician for the 2020 production of "The Wedding Singer" at the Troubadour Theatre, contributing to its energetic score.

Highlights

Delivered high-impact trumpet performances for a popular musical, maintaining the show's vibrant atmosphere and musical drive.

Collaborated with DALP Ents and Music Director Matt Abrams in a fast-paced West End environment.

Ensured consistent musical quality throughout the production's run, supporting dynamic stage performances.

RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company)
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1st Trumpet Musician

London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Served as 1st Trumpet Musician for the RSC's 2018-19 UK Tour of "Matilda The Musical," leading the brass section.

Highlights

Led the trumpet section, performing complex and iconic scores for a critically acclaimed multi-year UK tour.

Maintained exceptional musical standards across hundreds of performances under demanding touring conditions.

Collaborated with Music Director Andrew Corcran and the RSC team to ensure musical precision and impactful delivery.

Various Theatres & Production Companies
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Principal Trumpet Musician

London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Held principal trumpet chairs for numerous major musical theatre productions across extensive UK and European tours, contributing to critical and commercial success.

Highlights

Performed lead and principal trumpet roles for over 10 major productions, including "The Producers," "Shrek The Musical," and "Hairspray."

Navigated complex touring logistics and schedules, consistently delivering high-standard performances across diverse venues.

Collaborated with acclaimed music directors and production teams, adapting to varied musical styles and demands.

Contributed to the successful runs of popular productions, enhancing audience experience through impactful brass arrangements.

Bill Kenwright Ltd (London Palladium)
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1st & 2nd Trumpet Musician

London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Performed as 1st and 2nd Trumpet Musician for "Scrooge the Musical" at the London Palladium, a major West End production.

Highlights

Contributed essential brass parts to a significant West End revival, performing dual roles as 1st and 2nd Trumpet.

Collaborated with Music Director Stuart Pedlar to deliver festive and impactful performances for large audiences.

Successfully maintained performance quality over an extended run in a prestigious venue, ensuring musical excellence.

Various Production Companies & Broadcasters
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Studio & Session Trumpet Musician

London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Provided trumpet and flugelhorn performances for numerous television broadcasts, commercial recordings, and film soundtracks.

Highlights

Featured on significant national broadcasts, including the "Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Service 2007" (BBC/World Television).

Contributed to commercial recordings for artists like Alexander O'Neil and Alfred Publications, demonstrating studio adaptability.

Performed for S4C Television (British Sinfonetta Brass Ensemble) and Sky Television ("Noels HQ"), showcasing versatility in media performance.

Engaged in diverse recording projects, from film credits ("Cosi" Background Musician Extra) to live television appearances ("Mc Fly Band on National Lottery").

Education

Royal Academy of Music of London
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Postgraduate & BMus

Music Performance

Grade: Postgraduate Distinction; BMus Performance 2:1 Degrees

Courses

LRAM Teaching Diploma

Awards

The Bloden Cosslett Leyshon Prize

Awarded By

Royal Academy of Music of London

Awarded for outstanding musical achievement and academic excellence during studies at the Royal Academy of Music.

Ryan Davies Memorial Fund

Awarded By

Royal Academy of Music of London

Recipient of memorial fund support, recognizing exceptional talent and potential in music performance.

James Pantyfedwen Trust

Awarded By

Royal Academy of Music of London

Received support from the James Pantyfedwen Trust, acknowledging academic and musical merit during postgraduate studies.

Skills

Brass Performance

Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Cornet, Piccolo Trumpet, Lead Trumpet, 1st Trumpet, Orchestral Performance, Musical Theatre Performance, Session Playing, Live Performance, Sight-Reading, Ensemble Playing, Section Leading.

Musical Expertise

Classical Music, Contemporary Music, Jazz, Musical Theatre Repertoire, Score Interpretation, Musical Direction Collaboration, Rehearsal Techniques, Music Theory, Harmony, Ear Training.

Studio & Recording

Studio Recording, Session Musician, Commercial Recordings, Film Scores, Television Broadcasts, Microphone Techniques, Post-Production Collaboration.

Professional Skills

Collaboration, Adaptability, Time Management, Project Management, Touring Logistics, Performance Under Pressure, Communication, Artistic Collaboration, Mentorship.

Jim Davies