Christian Barraclough
Trumpet
Christian was born in London in 1990 and took his first steps into the world of music when he was 3 years old. From the age of 10, he studied trumpet at the Royal College of Music's Junior Department with Edgar Riches and Torbjorn Hultmark. During his time there, Christian won the Esther Coleman Prize (awarded to an outstanding student who has greatly contributed to the life of the Junior Department) and the Brass Prize (awarded to the best brass player in the Junior Department). He also won the Angela Bull Memorial Competition (a soloist competition for final-year students). Aged 15, Christian performed the Hummel Trumpet Concerto with the London Mozart Players. The following year he became a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. He also won a Jack Petchy Award (a national scheme that recognises the extraordinary achievements of young people).
In 2008, Christian was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music under Alistair Mackie and Mike Lovatt. In his first year, Christian began working with various London orchestras and ensembles including the Philharmonia Orchestra, London Sinfonietta and London Brass. By the time he left the RCM, Christian had won the Tagore Gold Medal (awarded to the college's most outstanding student), the Trumpet Prize (awarded to the college's best trumpeter) and the Brass Prize (awarded to the college's best brass player). He had also been given trials for Principal Trumpet with the Philharmonia, the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
In 2012, Christian graduated with a first class degree (Bmus). He now works with top orchestras and groups including the Philharmonia Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the London Sinfonietta, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the English National Ballet, the RTE Concert Orchestra, the Ulster Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Brass, Onyx Brass and the Symphonic Brass of London. Most recently, Christian was appointed principal trumpet of the Live Film Orchestra.
Christian currently works as a soloist, orchestral, chamber and session musician. His work includes recitals and performances for The Queen, Prince Charles, Radio 3, Classic FM, WDR Radio and BBC Television. He appears on the soundtrack to films and games including Sherlock Holmes - Game of Shadows and Oliver Deriviere's Remember Me'. He also regularly performs with his brass ensemble, Mirabilis Brass. Through his orchestral work he has taken the role of Principal Trumpet in many of the major concert halls around the world, from the Berliner Philharmonie to the Royal Albert Hall.
