By Tom Forrester-Paton
For any of us Philharmonia choristers, Christmas means Messiah, and the highlight of the oratorio, for as long as most of us can remember, has been Paul Goodchild’s obbligato to The Trumpet Shall Sound. His cut-glass articulation and elegant dynamic restraint were always a delight, and we waited, like impatient children at Christmas, to hear what fresh ornamentation he had up his sleeve this year.
Paul Goodchild, who died this week, made a contribution to the art of the trumpet, and to the cultural life of his city, which went well beyond the formal position he held at Sydney Symphony orchestra. Appointed at the tender age of 18, he remained its Associate Principal Trumpet for four decades, until the rare cancer that was to take his life forced his early retirement.
Along the way, he mentored generations of aspiring trumpet players, supported community brass ensembles, appeared frequently with the Sydney Brass Quintet, and brought a convivial zest to the business of music-making in Sydney.
Few Australian musicians have placed their stamp on their instrument to the extent that Paul did, and he will be sorely missed.
Join us on Thursday 7 April at 2.30pm for a Tribute to Paul Goodchild with Neil McEwan, prepared by Paul Cooke.