MARK AND RICHARD HAMMOND
TRUMPET & ORGAN
Mark (left) and Richard Hammond
Mark Hammond (Organ) was born in Bournemouth and joined the choir of Christchurch Priory at the age of seven. He began to learn the organ there at the age of 13 with the late Geoffrey Tristram and on several occasions he held the post of Assistant Organist. Mark was a student on the Hampshire Specialist Music Course at Peter Symonds’ College, Winchester, where he continued his organ studies with Martin Neary, then organist at Winchester Cathedral. In October 1983, Mark commenced an honours music degree course at Peterhouse, Cambridge University, where he was Organ Scholar. During his time in Cambridge, studying the organ with David Sanger, he gave recitals in many college chapels, and in 1984 became a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists. Mark graduated in June 1986, and continued his studies at the College of St Hild & St Bede, Durham University, for a further year, where he gained a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and also held the post of Chapel Assistant Organist . Following a year teaching at The Deanery School in Southampton, he moved to St. Margaret's School, Bushey, Hertfordshire, a girls' independent school, where he holds the post of Assistant Director of Music, teaching individual and class lessons to the 450 girls ranging in age from 4 to 18. With the school's Chapel Choir, he has played the organ in the Royal Albert Hall and has made a Compact Disc. In 1994, Mark played second keyboard in performances of the musical "Pickwick" at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking, starring Sir Harry Secombe, Ruth Madoc and the late Roy Castle. In April 1996, as part of St Margaret's School Chapel Choir’s French tour, he played the organ in the Eglise Saint-Severin in Paris and in Chartres Cathedral. He also holds an L.R.A.M. piano diploma, and is much in demand as an accompanist.
Richard Hammond (Trumpet) was born in New Milton. After brief flirtations with the euphonium and flugelhorn, he switched to the trumpet, and joined the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra, becoming principal trumpet in the 1986-7 season. Like his brother, Richard was also a student on the Hampshire Specialist Music Course. In October 1987, he began a degree course in music at The City University, London, receiving lessons at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He graduated in 1990, winning the Mercer Prize for Outstanding Performance in his final year. In July 1990, Richard represented the United Kingdom in the European Music for Youth prize held at the South Bank, London. In September 1990, he won a year's scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music, where he was awarded the David Mason prize for Orchestral Trumpet Playing. Since leaving college Richard has led a full and varied freelance career. Orchestral appearances include the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Philharmonia Orchestra, London Festival Orchestra, English National Ballet, London City Ballet and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra (conducted by Claudio Abbado). He is a founder member of the critically acclaimed quintet Mardi Brass who have played on national television and radio. West End shows include ‘Carmen Jones’, ‘The Music Man’, ‘Passion’, ‘Paint Your Wagon’, ‘Kiss Me Kate’, ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ and ‘A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum’. Perhaps Richard’s most unusual appearance was as a trumpet playing monk on ITV's "The Ruth Rendell Mystery" performing music composed, arranged and conducted by Mark. Teaching young people about music is an area that holds great interest for Richard and he is currently trumpet tutor at Thomas's Preparatory School and Hill House Preparatory School.
As a trumpet and organ duo, Mark and Richard have performed at many venues around the country, including recitals at Christchurch Priory, Southwark Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, and as well as a wedding in the Houses of Parliament! If your computer has RealPlayer installed, you will be able to listen to extracts from our recitals - these change frequently so do come back soon!
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Performed by Richard Hammond trumpet, Mark Hammond organ. Recorded at a live recital in Christchurch Priory, Dorset on August 13th 1997
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mark@mark-hammond.co.uk