It’s a small world, and music is especially so. Working with us in Saffron Walden last month on trombone was Dudley Bright, former Principal Trombone of the Hallé, having left 43 years ago to continue his career at the Philharmonia, and then the London Symphony Orchestra. I joined the Hallé 12 years ago, having been working with Dudley as Co-Principal Trombone for 5 years as a member of the LSO. I knew Dudley lived in that corner of the world, so when I needed a bumper, I knew I had to ask him!

During our time working together, we toured the world from Seoul to San Francisco, playing a huge amount of repertoire, and also recording a number of soundtracks. Perhaps one of the most memorable of these was Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, being conducted by John Williams, and having George Lucas in the box.

Dudley is known across the world for his incredible playing, humble manner, and beautiful sound, which we all aspire to. Our section had a lovely catch up with him over some lunch, which included many stories of the Hallé and brass bands from some years ago. Dudley was also great friends with Maisie Ringham, who was Principal Trombone in the Hallé 1944-1955, and we had the privilege of playing together at her funeral in 2016. He was thrilled to come back into ‘his old band’ after so long, and it was a treat for me to be able to play next to him again, especially with Star Wars on the programme!