History

About Mr Denis Wick

Denis Wick has had for many years an international reputation as trombonist, brass teacher and conductor. Having studied in London at the Royal Academy of Music, his first professional appointment was in the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra as the second trombonist. He became principal trombonist of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in 1952, leaving in 1957 to join the London Symphony Orchestra, also as principal trombonist, and remained there until his retirement in 1988. During his time with the London Symphony, which eventually became the longest tenure of a principal chair in the history of the orchestra, he played under many of the world's greatest conductors.

Despite the demanding schedule of the LSO, Denis has also been a member of the London Sinfonietta and, for a short period, the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble. In addition, he has made many appearances as a soloist. He has had concertos written for him by several British composers; among them, Gordon Jacob, Buxton Orr and Alun Hoddinott.

His conducting work began at the Guildhall School in the 1960s and has naturally been centered on brass and wind ensembles. It also included for many years an excellent youth symphony orchestra which has bred generations of professional players. His own London Wind Orchestra made prize-winning recordings in the 1970s which have set new standards of excellence for this kind of ensemble.

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