New Hire: Ben Thomson, London Symphony Orchestra

Ben Thomson is the new Principal Tubist with the London Symphony Orchestra. He began serving in this position in April 2019. His duties include performing in the orchestra’s London concerts, tour venues around the world, film and television sessions in London’s studios, and also working with the LSO education department. Prior to his appointment with the LSO, Ben held the same position with the Orchestra of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Ben completed his degree at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester studying with Ewan Easton (Hallé Orchestra), Brian Kingsley (Opera North), Robin Haggart (Royal Liverpool Philharmonic), and James Gourlay (International Soloist). Ben won the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist of the Year in both 2006 and 2007. Since winning the prizes, Ben has performed concertos with such ensembles as the Ulster Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra and Black Dyke Band, and has given recitals for the Manchester Midday Concert Series in the Bridgewater Hall, the Leeds International Concert Season, and the RNCM’s international Festival of Brass. Ben was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and the European Union Youth Orchestra. He has since worked throughout the UK and abroad, including a trial period with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra based in the Sydney Opera House and a long-term contract with the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra in Spain.

New Hire: Chris McGinty, U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass

Chris McGinty recently won a euphonium position with the United States Air Force Ceremonial Brass. He will begin playing with the ensemble in the fall. He will perform with the Ceremonial Brass as they honor fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery and welcome foreign dignitaries in arrival ceremonies at the Pentagon, White House, and Air Force Memorial. Chris recently served as Director of Instrumental Studies at North Central Texas College, having completed his Bachelor of Music Education Degree under the guidance of Dr. Kevin Wass at Texas Tech University, before earning his Master of Music Degree in Euphonium Performance from the University of North Texas under the guidance of Dr. Brian L. Bowman. Together with UNT euphonium alumni Irving Ray, Danny Chapa and Vince Kenney, Chris is a founding member of the North Texas Euphonium Quartet, one of the most active young chamber ensembles in the country and regular guest artists at numerous universities and music conferences throughout the United States. Chris is currently in the latter stages of his doctoral studies under the supervision of David Childs at UNT.