Richard Kingon

Richard Kingon was born in Pretoria, South Africa. After attending high school at Pretoria Boys High School he went on to study at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. In 2014 he received a BMus (performance) degree, with Distinction and academic honours from the University of Pretoria. While at the University of Pretoria he studied trumpet with Donald Bouwer, the Principal trumpet of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

During his time at the University of Pretoria Richard played in numerous orchestras and ensembles around the province. Richard made his debut as Assistant Principal trumpet with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra in 2014. In 2014 Richard also toured Europe with the MIAGI youth orchestra as Co-Principal trumpet.

At the 2014 Stellenbosch Chamber music festival Richard was chosen by the visiting tutors to be the best wind and brass player at the festival. He was awarded a brand new hand made German B&S trumpet sponsored by Buffet Crampon USA.

Until leaving to study in the United Kingdom Richard was the Co-Principal trumpet of the Gauteng Philharmonic and also member of the popular jazz band “Four on Six” since 2011. Richard has had master-classes and lessons with Wynton Marsalis, Allen Vizzutti, Phil Cobb, Marcus Stockhausen and Billy-Rae Hunter.

In July 2017 Richard completed his Masters in music performance at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK. During his time at the RNCM he studied with Murray Grieg and Gareth Small. While at the RNCM, Richard was generously supported by a Waverley Fund Scholarship, as well as a scholarship from the Oppenheimer Memorial trust.