Trumpet & organ is a traditional and grand combination. It has been used for centuries to herald the arrival of Royalty, dignitaries, and, of course, brides! The Herald Duo offers many well-loved trumpet voluntaries, and beautiful lyrical music for recitals, weddings, and ceremonies.
Joel Cooper is a professional trumpeter and graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music. He has performed on trumpet with top International orchestras, including the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Halle, Manchester Camerata and Opera North. Outside of Britain, he has worked with the Australian Ballet, Lyon Opera Orchestra and has toured with numerous show companies.
As a soloist, Joel Cooper is very comfortable with performing on a selection of instruments, including the Piccolo Trumpet, D Trumpet, Bb Trumpet, Cornet and Flugel horn. This allows for a very varied and interesting Trumpet and Organ recital. He has given recitals in many Cathedrals and Churches nationwide, as well as in Concert Halls and at Arts Centres.
Highlights of Joel Cooper’s solo career include:-
- Playing a fanfare for the arrival of her Majesty the Queen at Whitworth Hall, (a Manchester University event)
- Appearing as a soloist in ‘King Cotton’ (a musical commissioned by the Southbank Centre in 2007).
- Performances of ‘The Trumpet Shall Sound’ (from Handel’s ‘Messiah’), at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral (Dec 2013) and Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral (Dec 2014)
- Recording Charpentier’s ‘Te Deum’, (piccolo trumpet and organ), for ‘The Christmas Service’ on BBC Radio 4 (broadcast live on Christmas morning 2013).
- Performing with the Inspired Brass Quintet as part of a live broadcast from Chester Cathedral for the Easter Service, BBC Radio 4.
- Multiple recording sessions for the BBC, Sky television, and Sky Sports.
Accomplished organist, William Saunders, has performed extensively across the UK and Europe, premiering new works and recording for Regent Records. Gramophone Magazine praised his “rhythmic vitality,” and Organists’ Review called his playing “flawless.” He is also in demand as an accompanist, collaborating with ensembles such as King’s Voices, London Voices, and Aldeburgh Voices. Additionally, he has been involved with running the music at St Edmundsbury Cathedral and founded the Ipswich School Festival of Music.
As Co-owner and Creative Director at MediaTracks Music, an independent, family-run production music company, William oversees the creation of diverse, high-quality music for the global broadcast industry, bringing fresh sounds to audiences worldwide.