Awards
In 2022, Jonathan was the recipient of the International Horn Society’s Giovanni Punto Award, for outstanding contribution in the fields of playing, teaching, pedagogy and development of the French horn in Portugal.
Early Years
Jonathan first picked up a coach horn at the age of 5. He played the trumpet at the age of 8 and by 12 was playing the French horn. His mother was his driving force, as she would encourage him to listen to classical music from a very young age and to become a member of every local orchestra. Growing up in a rural area, Jonathan was fortunate to have the opportunity to study with Peter Kane (Bournemouth Sinfonietta) and Richard Thomas (Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra).
Jonathan studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London with Professor James Brown. During this time he played principal horn with the European Youth Orchestra with Claudio Abbado and Daniel Barenboim, and the Snape Maltings Training Orchestra with Hugh Maguire. Before leaving for Portugal, professional experience included playing with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Opera North, Orchestra of the Royal Ballet, Cambridge Opera Group, recording with the BBC, among others.
Performance
At the age of 24 Jonathan accepted the position of principal horn in the Gulbenkian Orchestra, Lisbon, Portugal.
For 31 years, he played a vast repertoire of music and genres, travelled the world with the orchestra, and had the opportunity to work with leading soloists and conductors.
Jonathan has extensive experience playing with chamber groups from wind quintets and brass quartets to French horn and piano duos, travelling throughout Europe playing recitals.
Click here for detailed performance history
Teaching
A great part of Jonathan’s passion has always been to inspire and mentor other musicians at all levels. Jonathan started to teach brass in the UK, and went on to teach French horn at university-level in Portugal. He introduced the British method of French horn playing to Portugal where he developed the degree programs for French horn Bachelor and Masters at universities.
Click here for detailed information
Jonathan offers classes in:
- French horn:
- All levels from beginners to Masters
- Masterclasses in French horn and Brass ensembles:
- sound production
- intonation
- rhythm
- musical analysis and interpretation
- how to play in an orchestral section
- how to prepare for auditions
Sample Performances, Interviews and Articles
Franz Schubert, Octet in F major, D.803
Richard Strauss – Till Eulenspiegel