David Elton: Shaping sound

Principal trumpet of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, David Elton, speaks about his career at the very top of the orchestral world and his ongoing commitment to new music. He discusses his collaboration with Australian composer Lachlan Skipworth, including the upcoming premiere of a new double concerto for trumpet and clarinet with the Omega Ensemble, and reflects on what it means to help shape a work from its earliest stages. He also shares insights into the art of orchestral playing, balancing virtuosity with blending one’s sound with the other players.David traces his musical journey from early violin lessons and choral singing to discovering the trumpet, studying in Australia and the United States, and holding principal positions with major orchestras in Australia and overseas, including a remarkable period serving simultaneously as principal trumpet of both the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra. Along the way, he reflects on auditions, orchestral culture, teaching the next generation of musicians, and the lifelong process of refining sound, technique, and musical identity. It is a thoughtful and generous portrait of a musician who combines technical brilliance with curiosity, humility, and a deep love of music.David Elton performs with the Omega Ensemble which includes the premiere of A Turning Sky, a new concerto for trumpet and clarinet by Lachlan Skipworth, at the City Recital Hall in Sydney on February 12, at the Newcastle City Hall on February 13, and at the Melbourne Recital Centre on February 18.