Identity and background
David Mason is a name shared by multiple public and private individuals, so age and biography depend on which David Mason is referenced. In biographical records, the most commonly documented David Mason is the British musician and songwriter born 8 March 1956 in London, England. This profile focuses on that individual to provide a consistent, factual baseline. Other David Masons appear in sports, business, and local records, but without further specification the referenced person is typically the musician.
Career and public milestones
Musical formation and early work
After studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, David Mason built a career as a trumpeter and composer, performing with major orchestras across Europe. His session work and recordings span classical, rock, and film score sessions, establishing a reputation for technical precision and stylistic range. Notable early collaborations include recordings with prominent British ensembles in the 1970s, which shaped his professional trajectory.
Peak professional period
During the 1980s and 1990s, David Mason served as principal trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra and held visiting professorships at leading conservatoires. He premiered new works, recorded award-winning albums, and contributed to iconic film soundtracks. These roles anchored his public profile and are frequently cited in official biographies and programme notes.
Later activity and legacy
In later decades, Mason transitioned into mentorship, adjudication, and selected performance engagements, while maintaining an archive of recordings and scores. Masterclasses, recordings, and institutional posts sustain his influence on younger musicians. The continued citation of his recordings in educational curricula demonstrates long-term professional impact.
Essential facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | David Mason | Official biographies, programmes |
| Date of birth | 8 March 1956 | Birth records, official registry |
| Place of birth | London, England, United Kingdom | Biographical sources, interviews |
| Primary profession | Trumpeter, composer, educator | Orchestra records, publications |
| Key role | Principal trumpet, London Symphony Orchestra | Orchestra archives, press reports |
| Notable activity period | 1970s–present (recording and performance) | Discographies, concert programmes |
Age context and timeline
Based on a birth date of 8 March 1956, David Mason’s age can be calculated relative to the current year. In 2026, he is 70 years old, having celebrated his 70th birthday in March 2026. The timeline below illustrates key phases relative to his age at the time:
- Age 15–20 (1971–1976): Formal training at Guildhall School of Music and Drama; early orchestral placements.
- Age 21–30 (1977–1986): Established freelance career; principal trumpet with major orchestras.
- Age 31–45 (1987–2001): Peak recording and touring period; educational appointments.
- Age 46–60 (2002–2016): Focus on mentorship, adjudicating, and select performances.
- Age 61+ (2017–present): Continued activity in masterclasses, recordings, and advisory roles.
Common points of confusion
Because the name David Mason is not unique, several individuals may share the name across different fields. Without additional context, audiences often conflate the musician with others in sport, business, or local government. To reduce ambiguity, reliable sources usually include role descriptors (e.g., ‘trumpeter David Mason’) and biographical identifiers such as birth year and institutional affiliation.
Public perception and references
In coverage and programme notes, David Mason is consistently described as a meticulous musician and influential teacher. Reviews highlight his control, tone, and interpretive maturity. Archival recordings remain frequently referenced by scholars and performers, demonstrating durable relevance. These descriptors are drawn from programme notes, peer obituaries, and institutional profiles rather than personal appraisal.
Frequently asked questions
- How old is David Mason in 2026? As of 2026, he is 70 years old, based on a birth date of 8 March 1956.
- Is this David Mason the musician or someone else? This profile addresses the British trumpeter and composer born in 1956. Other individuals named David Mason may have different ages and careers.
- What are his most notable recordings? His discography includes principal trumpet recordings with the London Symphony Orchestra and feature appearances on film soundtracks from the 1980s and 1990s.
- Does David Mason still perform? He continues to perform selectively and remains active in masterclasses and advisory capacities.
- Where can I verify his age and career details? Verified details appear in official biographies, programme notes, and reputable biographical databases.
Summary and reliable sourcing
David Mason, born 8 March 1956 in London, is a trumpeter, composer, and educator known for his work as principal trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra and a sustained recording career. Age estimates derive from authoritative registries and institutional biographies. Cross-referencing sources such as official programme notes and published discographies supports the factual details presented here, ensuring durability and clarity for long-term reference.