University blows its own trumpet thanks to new gift

A GOLD-PLATED trumpet is to be gifted to Edinburgh University in recognition of its pioneering research into music.

The instrument, created by one of the UK’s leading makers of musical instruments, will be presented at the Reid Concert Hall Museum today.

It will become part of the university’s celebrated collection of historic musical instruments and will be used in university research projects.

The trumpet, which was designed and crafted last year, is the 1000th instrument to be produced by the Smith-Watkins partnership based in York.

Trumpet designer Dr Richard Smith and brass instrument maker Richard Wright will be joined by PhD music student Lisa Norman who will demonstrate the instrument.

A complete set of nine gold-plated lead-pipes is also being gifted.