Maurice Murphy was born in Hammersmith in 1935. When he was four, the family returned to the North of England where he began learning the cornet at the age of six from his Father, who was himself a very talented cornetist in the local Salvation Army Band. Maurice entered the brass band movement and eventually became the “All British Junior Champion ” cornet soloist in 1947. Maurice’s brass band career blossomed, culminating in the position of principal cornet with the world famous Black Dyke Mills Band.

These formative years constituted his only musical education and in 1961 he was appointed Principal Trumpet of the BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra. During this period, which was to last 15 years, he refused many invitations to hold similar positions in most of the London orchestras, and it was not until 1976 that he finally accepted the Principal Trumpet chair in the London Symphony Orchestra.

Maurice Murphy displays a spectrum of versatility rare in the symphonic field. He has performed solo recitals and concerto engagements in many countries, his distinctive sound can be heard on many film soundtracks such as the Star Wars series, Superman, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Alien, Harry Potter, Braveheart, Gladiator, The Dirty Dozen, The Golden Compass, a few Bonds and approximately 400 others.

Maurice has held teaching positions at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, The Royal Northern College of Music, & Manchester University.

In 2007 he was presented with the Gold Badge Award by The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, 2008 Hon RAM and received an award in Banff, Canada from The International Trumpet Guild. Received an MBE in the New Years honours of 2010.

Since his retirement from the LSO after 30 years as Principal Trumpet, he continues to enjoy his varied freelance career.