Porgy and Bess

David Purser has 25 years' experience teaching at conservatoire/university level.

After completing his studies on the trombone at the Royal College of Music with Arthur Wilson, David entered the thriving world of London freelance music. During the 1970's and 80's he appeared frequently as a guest with all London's major symphony orchestras and at both opera houses, where he could be heard playing the bass trumpet and tenor tuba as well as the trombone. It was during this time that he became a member of The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble (1973) and the London Sinfonietta (1975). In 1980 he became a professor at the Royal College of Music.

When Philip Jones retired in 1986, David was a founder member of the newly-formed London Brass. In 1992 he became manager of the ensemble, responsible for artistic planning, commissioning new music, organising a series of recordings and running masterclasses and courses, both at home in the UK and internationally. His playing career also includes 30 years with the Nash Ensemble and seven years as principal trombone of Sinfonia 21.

In 2001 he was appointed Head of Brass at Birmingham Conservatoire. He still plays with the London Sinfonietta, where he enjoys the continuing challenge of performing the music of our own time. David has also published several arrangements for brass ensemble.