Former London Symphony Orchestra trombonist Frank Mathison, 91, of Hebden Bridge, is looking forward to yet another year of enjoying playing brass music with the Friendly Band in West Yorkshire.

Frank played with the LSO for over 30 years under some of the greatest conductors in the world — and with some of the greatest brass players by his side.

He was once described as possessing "the most beautiful bass trombone sound in the world".

Love of playing

He retired in 1993, but has never given up his love for playing — one that saw him start his musical career on flugel horn and trumpet, before finally taking to the trombone during his military service.

He won a scholarship to the Birmingham School of Music and soon joined the City of Birmingham Orchestra where he stayed for 13 years.

He then ventured south to become bass trombonist at the London Symphony Orchestra, sat near his great friend Willie Lang and later Maurice Murphy — his sound heard on the greatest concert stages, recordings and countless film tracks under the likes of Andre Previn, Leonard Bernstein, Pierre Monteux, Claudio Abbado, Herbert von Karajan and Bernard Haitink amongst others.

Tails

Now in his 92nd year he plays his trombone in the lanes near his home — and was persuaded to don his 'tails' for a special series of images taken by Lorne Campbell which will hopefully be seen in the national press over the next few days.

Picture: Copyright Lorne Campbell