Aaron Azunda Akugbo
© Olivia Da Costa
Refined and lyrical
Trumpet
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Contact
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Lizzy Frost
lizzy@maestroarts.com -
Callum Langford
callum@maestroarts.com
‘His sound was sweet, often lyrical, with the ability to play both legato and to manage the treacherous multi-octave leaps’
The Arts Desk
Born in Edinburgh, Nigerian–Scottish trumpeter Aaron Azunda Akugbo is developing a following as a leading exponent of his instrument. He brings a musical breadth to his artistry and while classically trained in both trumpet and singing, cites Louis Armstrong as his biggest musical inspiration. He is a charismatic performer with an abundance of natural humour, which translates into an effortless engagement with colleagues and audiences.
Akugbo made his London concerto debut at the Royal Festival Hall in 2020 and his BBC Proms concerto debut in 2023, performing the Haydn Trumpet Concerto both times with Chineke!, Europe’s first black and minority ethnic orchestra. His concerto performances often feature standard works alongside lesser-known pieces, for example by Eric Erwazen and Florence Price.
Recent highlights include recitals at St George’s, Bristol, and Royal Conservatoire, Glasgow, as well as visits to Bath International, Lichfield, Petworth, Ryedale, Chipping Campden, Bedford Park, St Magnus and Lammermuir festivals and he led the Emerging Talent programme at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival.
