Conservatoire mourns loss of 'much-loved' former principal who played at royal wedding

Trumpeter Mr Wallace, who died on Sunday, has been praised for his “unrivalled contribution to music in Scotland” after starting his musical education in the brass bands of Fife.

The musician, who served as principal of RCS, then called the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, from 2002 to 2014 when he retired, was a world-renowned trumpet soloist, composer and educator.

Mr Wallace, who was 76, played with orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmonia Orchestra and performed a widely televised trumpet solo alongside opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa at the wedding of King Charles to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.

A spokesperson for RCS said: “The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland community is deeply saddened by the passing of John Wallace, our much-loved former Principal. John was a positive force in life as well as in music and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife Liz, their children and all those who loved him and were inspired by him.”

They added: “The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland will celebrate John Wallace’s unrivalled contribution to music in Scotland and the legacy he leaves in due course. For now, our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him and are now coming to terms with his loss.”

Mr Wallace, who earned a CBE in 2011 for services to music, dance and drama education, was also awarded the Queen’s Medal for Music by Queen Elizabeth in 2021. Under his leadership the academy’s learning and teaching portfolio expanded to forge a ground-breaking and multi-disciplinary curriculum and in 2011 RSAMD was renamed the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to reflect that broad programme of study, and the extending campus both in Renfrew Street and through the founding of Wallace Studios at Speirs Locks.

Professor Jeffrey Sharkey, who succeeded Mr Wallace as principal of RCS in 2014, said: “John Wallace was a legend in the music world – one of Scotland’s own who gave so much to the world as a performer, educator and leader. He was also incredibly warm and approachable. John was grounded in the brass music of his childhood – those Fife bands formed him and shaped his love for the ensemble.

“He kept those roots even when leading the brass sections of some of the world’s top orchestras and the whole of RCS, taking us into the 21st century. He will be much missed, and his legacy will be felt by so many.”

Brass ensemble The Wallace Collection, which was founded by Mr Wallace in 1986, said: “It is with profound sadness that we must announce the passing of our dear colleague and founder John Wallace early this morning. An extraordinary musician, educator, scholar and friend, he will be so deeply missed by all who knew and worked with him, and most especially by the music and brass community around the world.”

Earlier this month, Mr Wallace was appointed honorary vice president of North Lanarkshire community brass band The Cooperation Band.

In a statement, the band paid tribute to Mr Wallace.

It said: “A musician and thinker of rare distinction, he brought insight, generosity, and quiet authority to everything he did. His contribution to musical life extended far beyond any single role or institution, and his influence on performers, students, and colleagues around the world has been profound.”