The brass playing community, especially in Scandinavia and the U.K., was saddened today to hear of the death of Peter McKinnon – ex-bass trombone player in the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra.
Here is an excerpt of an interview in 2005 with Peter, translated from Swedish:
The Scot Peter McKinnon lived a hectic life as a freelance musician in London when he was asked to play in the Malmö Symphony Orchestra in Sweden in 1971. The calm atmosphere in Sweden suited him, so when he was offered a position in the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra ten months later he jumped at the chance. He has been employed in the orchestra since 1972 and enjoys it tremendously. (Peter retired from his position as principal bass trombone with the orchestra in 2010).
“The team spirit is special in the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra – that was one of the reasons I stayed here. We are a tight-knit group in the brass and give our all for the audience. The public should be in a better mood when they leave the hall than when they arrived.”
Peter can be heard on countless recordings with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. He was also very active in brass bands and music education.
I personally had the pleasure of getting to know Peter very well – both as a colleague and as a friend. He will be missed by the huge number of people lucky enough to have met him. Our thoughts are with his family.
An article about Peter in the Friends of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra magazine (in Swedish): http://www.gsvanner.se/?p=1173
So sorry to hear about my old pal. He and I met in the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland in 1960 and shared the bass chair turn about. He was one of the most encouraging and inspiring people you could ever hope to meet.
Ever Dear David, I have only just found out about Peter McKinnon. I am 1st trumpet in the RSNO and I remember you from NYBBS in Kirkcudbright. I still have a photo of the band with you on G Trombone. Peter came to see our orchestra when we were in Gothenburg a few years ago and before the concert he spoke to the audience in perfect Swedish and gave us a great welcome. He told the audience that his professional engagement was with the SNO at the Edinburgh Festival. Four of us spent an extra day or two in Gothenberg and went to Peter and Ann’s for a fabulous meal. This was after Peter had spent all day driving us around Gothenburg and district showing us all of the Scottish connections. After NYBBS I caught up with Peter at the Academy in Glasgow in 1966 and again in 1969 in the BBC Training Orchestra in Bristol. He was a great guy who spoke his mind ESP about poor conductors. It has taken a while for the news to filter through and shall inform our orchestra of his passing away when we meet up after the Easter break. Are you still playing the trombone? There are quite a few people in the photograph who went on to make career out of music. Please get in touch. With best wishes. John Gracie