Former LA Phil Principal Trumpet Dies at 79
Updated July 24, 2018, at 6:53 pm
Thomas Stevens was a powerful force of nature for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Before joining the LA Phil, Stevens held positions with the West Point Band and the Dallas Symphony. Appointed by Zubin Mehta to the LA Phil trumpet section in 1965, Stevens was Principal Trumpet from 1972 to 2000. Throughout his entire career, Stevens became a modern pioneer for the trumpet repertoire having many significant works written for him, including Luciano Berio’s Sequenza X.
In addition to being a world-class performer and soloist, Stevens brought great detailed attention to teaching. As a faculty member at numerous institutions including his Alma Mater, the University of Southern California, Stevens passed on much knowledge and wisdom to eager students who would become international soloists and performers in their own right. A student of James Stamp, Stevens continued the legacy of his former teacher by editing and publishing studies, etudes, and methods originally conceived by the legendary trumpet pedagogue.
Stevens, who died July 14, 2018, will be missed but his indelible mark on the trumpet and brass world will live on through his recordings, publications, and students. Be sure to read this in-depth interview on Trumpetland from a few years ago with the legendary trumpeter.
