The career of trumpeter Richard Kelley is not only a testament to the versatility of his instrument, but also to the ability of one individual to excel across the broadest possible range of music. From symphony orchestras and chamber music to jazz, studio work, and Broadway shows, Mr. Kelley has built a formidable track record of working at the highest level of the profession.
The career of trumpeter Richard Kelley is not only a testament to the versatility of his instrument, but also to the ability of one individual to excel across the broadest possible range of music. From symphony orchestras and chamber music to jazz, studio work, and Broadway shows, Mr. Kelley has built a formidable track record of working at the highest level of the profession.
Mr. Kelley is currently based in his hometown of Boston, where he performs regularly with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, Boston Philharmonic, and Boston Classical Orchestra. Previously based in New York City, Mr. Kelley was the Principal Trumpeter of the Queens Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmonia Virtuosi. From 1987 to 1994, he was a member of the groundbreaking Meridian Arts Ensemble, and he continued to stretch the boundaries of brass chamber music as a member of Boston Brass from 1997 to 2005.
Mr. Kelley’s work can be heard on a wide variety of recordings, from national commercials for Dr. Pepper and IBM to the Oscar and Golden Globe-winning soundtrack to Disney’s Pocahontas. He has also collaborated with James Taylor, the rock band Boston, Jimmy Page and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, and award-winning film composer and producer Danny Elfman. Mr. Kelley has performed with several jazz and funk bands and has been heard in countless Broadway performances. A passionate believer in the power of music education, Mr. Kelley taught for two years in Juilliard’s “Music for Advancement” program for inner-city youth, and he continues to pass along his knowledge and love of music to younger generations in the Boston area.