Examiner 1058

AMusA

Bruce Hellmers studied trumpet with Leonard Fischer at the Canberra School of Music. He was warded a scholarship to the ABC National Training Orchestra, where he studied with Lawrence Elam and Gordon Webb, before undertaking further studies in London with Howard Snell of the London Symphony Orchestra.

As a trumpet player with the National Training Orchestra, Mr Hellmers was frequently seconded to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. At age 19, he was invited to tour Europe with the latter orchestra and was a state finalist in the ABC Concerto Competition. He then served as principal trumpet with Orchestra Victoria, touring with the Australian Opera and Ballet and again making the state finals of the ABC Concerto Competition.

While living in London, Mr Hellmers successfully auditioned for the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Opera Orchestra and the Philharmonia Orchestra. He toured Europe with the Philharmonia under Vladimir Ashkenazy.

For 34 years, Mr Hellmers performed with the Opera Australia Orchestra, including a long stint as principal. In 2016, he conducted the Australian Strings Association orchestra on its first European tour, promoting the work of Australian composers as well as standard repertoire.

Mr Hellmers has also had a long teaching career, having spent 25 years at the Conservatorium of Music and 34 years at Scots College. He is well-known for his knowledge of orchestral trumpet repertoire.

Positions held

Board member, founding member and former Treasurer – Australian Trumpet Guild