Kira, an Academy alum, is currently Puzzi Professor of Horn. She brings her experience from a range of roles in the profession, including Second Horn in the Philharmonia Orchestra, regular guest with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Orchestras and many others. Kira has also served as both Chair and President of the Philharmonia.
On her appointment, Kira commented: ‘I am delighted to be appointed the Academy’s next Head of Brass, and fortunate to be inheriting a world-class department so brilliantly stewarded by Mark David over the last fifteen years. Mark has built it around a hugely inspiring and dedicated group of professors, and I look forward to supporting my colleagues as we prepare our talented students for the new challenges and opportunities of a fast-changing profession. Maintaining the high standards of my predecessors, John Wallace, Jim Watson and Mark, is paramount as well as opening up new creative pathways for each student to develop their ambition and identity’.
Principal Jonathan Freeman-Attwood said: ‘Kira is a wonderful role model as a fine horn player, an already seasoned teacher, collaborator and leader. She is renowned for getting the best out of young musicians, both in her teaching at the Academy and as a tutor for NYO. I look forward to working with someone so committed to helping Academy brass students to become fully equipped and fulfilled as musicians and as people. As proof that she sees no limits to her own journey, Kira recently completed a history MA at Oxford University alongside a full professional schedule.’
Mark David retires as Head of Brass at the end of this academic year. He will remain an integral part of the department as John Wilbraham Professor of Trumpet.
