In Memoriam: John Wallace (1949–2026)

The ITG mourns the passing of John Williamson Wallace CBE, FRSE, a visionary musician and educator whose career spanned the pinnacle of performance, leadership, and innovation.

Born into a Scottish brass band family, Wallace rose to become one of the most distinguished trumpeters of his generation. He held prestigious positions with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia, and the London Sinfonietta. A champion of contemporary music, he premiered and recorded works by legendary composers like Maxwell Davies and Malcolm Arnold.

Beyond the stage, Wallace’s impact on the arts was profound and far-reaching. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the founding of The Wallace Collection, a world-renowned ensemble dedicated to pushing the boundaries of brass music through both historical research and modern innovation.

In recognition of his tireless service to music and country, he was honored by Queen Elizabeth II with The Queen’s Medal for Music in 2021. In 2025, Wallace was further cemented as a titan of the industry by receiving the ITG Honorary Award, an accolade honoring his legacy and contributions to the trumpet world and beyond.