ABOUT

About

About Berkeley Brass

Berkeley Brass is a dynamic seven piece ensemble consisting of some of the brightest emerging brass talent in the UK. Formed in 2021 by students at the Royal Academy of Music, London, members of the group have performed with some of the world's pre-eminent orchestras and ensembles.

Musical highlights include:

Putting on Smith Square Hall's best-selling concert from their 23/24 lunchtime series, winning second place in the 2022 Worshipful Company of Musicians Brass Ensemble Prize, receiving a commission from the Sainsbury family to arrange and record 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square' for their 50th wedding anniversary, and appearing at the 2024 Students Create Festival with their pioneering "Young Person's Guide to the Brass Septet", featuring a bespoke arrangement of Prokofiev's beloved 'Peter and the Wolf'.

While both new and published arrangements of existing music are central to the group's aim to expand the existing septet repertoire, Berkeley Brass frequently expands to perform brass octet and dectet repertoire.

Members

Trumpet

Reuben Anelay

Reuben has worked with ensembles such as The Halle Orchestra, English National Opera, The Hanover Band and The London Musical Theatre Orchestra.

In his spare time, he enjoys being on the ocean, competing with The Langstone Cutters Cornish Pilot Gig Rowing Club.

Trumpet

Tom Thornton

Tom concluded his studies at The Royal Academy in 2024, and has since worked with ensembles such as The Ulster Orchestra, The Philharmonia and La Musica Nuova.

In his free time, Tom enjoys cycling, reading, and exploring coffee shops.

Trumpet

John Vernon

John has enjoyed performing with such ensembles as The Halle Orchestra, English National Opera and The London Philharmonic Orchestra.

John also enjoys exploring solo repertoire, and is particularly interested in music of Japanese and Russian heritage.

Trombone

Sam Dawes

In addition to playing trombone, Sam is a keen arranger and arranges much of the music Berkeley Brass performs.

He has performed with ensembles such as The Aurora Orchestra, The London Sinfonietta and Knussen Chamber Orchestra.

Trombone

Felix Rockhill

Felix joined Berkeley Brass in 2022, and has recently taken the Sub-Principal Trombone position with The Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet.

Prior to starting his career, Felix studied at both The Royal Academy and The Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

Bass Trombone

Cameron Bahmaie

Cameron graduated from The Royal Academy of Music in 2025, and since leaving is making the most of performing a diverse array of music.

Cameron is passionate about chamber music. As well as Berkeley Brass he enjoys playing with his Trombone Quartet.

Tuba

Jude Smith

Jude is a versatile tuba player, and in addition to being a fine chamber and orchestral musician, excels as a soloist.

He has performed with London's Southbank Sinfonia, and whilst at the Academy has worked with conductors such as John Wilson and Edward Gardner.