Aaron Azunda Akugbo is a fast-rising Nigerian-Scottish trumpeter based in London who is currently making waves in the classical music scene
Born in 1998 and a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, a music school in London England, Aaron is a charismatic performer, who exudes humor that translates into an effortless engagement with his audience.
Before his time at the Royal Academy of Music, Akugbo was a student at St. Mary’s Music School where he studied for nine years. During his time at St. Mary’s, he was a member of the school’s brass ensemble and orchestra and was appointed as principal trumpet.
While at St. Mary’s, he competed in the Edinburgh Competition Festival winning their top wind and brass recital prize for two years running (2015-2016).
Akugbo has received both lessons and masterclasses from top trumpet players such as Urban Agnas, Reinhold Friedrich, Jeroen Berwaerts, Gabor Tarkovi, Guillaume Jehl, and Eric Aubier.
He is currently a member of the Chineke! orchestra based in London. In 2020, Akugbo made his London debut at the Royal festival hall playing the Haydn Trumpet concerto with Chineke!. His performance received remarkable reviews, with the Arts Desk, a British arts journalism website, describing him as a “refined soloist”.
The Nigerian-British born is a founding member of the international award-winning quintet, Connaught Brass. The group is making a name for themselves as fresh talent in the chamber music world
Akugbo plays on a combination of Vincent Bach Stradivarius and Scherzer instruments, bringing a wide-ranging musical taste to his artistry
SOURCE: Classical Music
PHOTO: Wiltshire Music Centre
