Trombone

R. Douglas Wright

principal trombone
Star Tribune Chair

R. Douglas Wright, the Minnesota Orchestra’s principal trombone since 1995, was featured as soloist in April 2007 in Kalevi Aho’s Symphony No. 9 for Trombone and Orchestra, which he reprises during Sommerfest 2008. Wright has performed a variety of trombone concertos with the Orchestra, and in 2002 gave the world premiere performances of Kurt Schwertsik’s Trombone Concerto, a work written for him.

Prior to joining the Minnesota Orchestra, Wright was a member of the Empire Brass Quintet, performing concerts and teaching master classes around the world. He has served as principal trombone of the Cleveland Orchestra, assistant principal trombone of the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, second trombone of the Boston Pops Orchestra and principal trombone of the Rhode Island Philharmonic. An active chamber musician, Wright performs frequently in Sommerfest chamber concerts, as well as in solo recitals.

Wright received his training at the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Norman Bolter. He holds a master's degree from Boston University, where he has also served as adjunct professor of trombone. A committed educator and Selmer clinician, Wright has given recitals and master classes throughout the United States and abroad.

Wright’s work is heard on recordings of the Minnesota Orchestra, Boston Pops and Boston Symphony Orchestras, as well as the Empire Brass. In a brief departure from his concert and orchestral role, he also appeared in an MTV music video with the rock group Aerosmith.