Richard Bissill

Richard Bissill is an acclaimed French horn player, composer, and educator who has occupied a central position in the British musical landscape for several decades. Raised in Leicestershire, he began his musical development as a member of the Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra. He later moved to London to study both horn and piano at the Royal Academy of Music, a dual focus that would eventually inform his multifaceted career as both a performer and a composer. His professional ascent was rapid, joining the London Symphony Orchestra in 1981 before being appointed Principal Horn of the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1984. Since 1990, he has performed as the Solo Horn for London Brass, an ensemble that has allowed him to premiere numerous original compositions and arrangements. Distinct from many classical hornists, he is globally recognized for his improvisational skills and jazz performance. This versatility has led to collaborations with iconic figures such as Quincy Jones, Lalo Schifrin, Wynton Marsalis, and Michel Legrand. As a composer, his work is noted for its deep understanding of the horn's technical capabilities. His orchestral piece Christmas Carnival has been recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and his Sinfonia Concertante was commissioned by the London Symphony Orchestra to commemorate its centenary in 2004. His composition Lone Call and Charge has become a staple for solo horn auditions and competitions worldwide. Beyond his performance and creative credits, he has dedicated much of his career to education. He was appointed a professor of horn at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1983, where he has mentored a generation of horn players. He also authored the Good Brass Guide, a widely utilized pedagogical resource for students of the instrument.