Congratulations to Professor John Wallace CBE on Receiving the International Trumpet Guild (Official)’s Highest Honour

The cooperation band proudly congratulates Professor John Wallace CBE, on receiving an honorary award from the International Trumpet Guild (ITG)—the organisation’s highest accolade. This prestigious award recognises John’s exceptional and lasting contributions to trumpet performance, literature, teaching, and musical culture on a global scale.

An internationally celebrated Scottish trumpet soloist, composer, and educator, John began playing the trumpet at the age of seven. By 16, he was touring Europe with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. Over a distinguished career spanning more than five decades, he has performed with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra, leaving a profound mark on the world of classical music.

Upon receiving this honour, John commented with characteristic humility:
“It’s been a rare privilege to work and play with so many brilliant people during the course of what has been a musically replete life.”

This latest recognition places him in the esteemed company of past recipients such as Louis Armstrong, Maurice André, Edward Tarr, Miles Davis, and Maurice Murphy—testament to the calibre and scope of his influence.

Beyond the stage, John has been a tireless advocate for music education. He served as Head of Brass at the Royal Academy of Music in London before becoming Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly the RSAMD), where he helped shape the next generation of musicians.

John also founded The Wallace Collection Ensemble, a renowned brass ensemble currently based in St Andrews. The group partners with the StAMP (St Andrews Music Participation) Project, which has introduced over 150 young people across Fife to brass instruments since the beginning of the pandemic.

In celebration of this recognition and his ongoing musical legacy, The Cooperation Band will be performing alongside The Wallace Collection, Kingdom Brass, and the StAMP Project at the StAMP Brass Extravaganza on Saturday 14th June in St Andrews.