Jason Evans, principal trumpet with the Philharmonia Orchestra and a cultural ambassador for Island of Culture 2014, has graduated from the Royal Academy of Music with a first class honours Bachelor of Music (BMus London) degree.
At the graduation ceremony at St Marylebone Parish Church where the awards were presented by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, Manx-born Jason, 22, widely acknowledged as the youngest principal trumpet with any London orchestra, was also awarded The Queen’s Commendation for Excellence, described as: ‘The gift of Her Majesty the Queen, Patron of the Royal Academy of Music for the best all-round student of the year.’
In addition Jason received a second discretionary award, a Vivian Dunn prize, named after the late Sir Vivian Dunn, a former principal director of music of the Royal Marines and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music.
Jason’s parents, Rodney and Lorna Evans, said they were ‘absolutely delighted’ on learning of their son’s awards. Jason said: I would just like to say thank you to the Isle of Man Government for funding my tuition and time at the Royal Academy and I am extremely grateful to all the people who helped me through my degree, especially my parents who sacrificed so much to help me achieve my goals to become a professional artist. The Royal Academy has been the greatest tool to allow me to have a base in London and a fantastic work environment, and the skills I have learned and honed there will be forever useful in my life and career.’
