Jon Quirk

Jon was born in Peel, on the Isle of Man in 1961 and received his first cornet lesson from his father (a euphonium player) at the age of five.

He was soon playing with his local Salvation Army brass band and after his family moved to Bedford he played with the Bedforshire County Youth Brass Band and Symphony Orchestra. In 1979 he began 5yrs of study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, studying with John Gracie (currently principal trumpet - Royal National Orchestra of Scotland) and Howard Snell ( former principal trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra) Whilst still at college Jon worked with all the major orchestras in the North West of England and also performed regularly with the famous Fodens Motorworks Band.

Jon was appointed as sub-principal trumpet with the CBSO in 1986 and is also a member of the 'Prince of Wales Brass' and the 'Little Big Time Band' participating regularly in CBSO education and community projects.

Jon is married to CBSO violinist Wendy Quirk (nee Phillips) and enjoys good food, wine and especially good beer. His hobbies include football (soccer), fell walking, cycling and skiing and has an avid interest in aviation as well as being a lifelong fanatical supporter of Leeds United Football Club.