JOHN THIESSEN (trumpet) has performed with American Bach Soloists for nearly 15 years, and appears as soloist and principal trumpet with early music ensembles in the US and Canada, including Tafelmusik, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Boston Early Music Festival, and Boston Baroque. Highlights this season include Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, Christmas and Ascension Oratorios, and numerous cantatas, Handel's Messiah and Eternal Source of Light Divine, Purcell's King Arthur, recordings of Beethoven symphonies, and recitals throughout the US and Canada. Thiessen is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and King's College, University of London, and is the recipient of grants from the Canada Council and Ontario Arts Council for studies in the UK. He recently presented masterclasses at Juilliard and University of Texas, is an adjunct faculty member for Carnegie Hall's Academy program, and has taught for baroque institutes at Oberlin College and the Longy School. Thiessen has recorded extensively for Sony Classical Vivarte, Telarc, EMI, BMG, Deutsche Harmonia Mundi, London Decca, Analekta, CBC, and Denon, and is heard on the recent film "Casanova".

"brilliant solo playing on a valveless trumpet"  NY Times

"The Trumpet Shall Sound'...supported by John Thiessen's flawless account of the solo trumpet line".  NY Times

"the blazing ceremonial music that began and ended the evening--the opening graced by John Thiessen's brilliant trumpet solo--was ardent enough to warm the bluest blood." San Francisco Chronicle

"Thiessen [was] particularily impressive in the brilliant outer movements of the Second Brandenburg.Thiessen may well be the most extraordinary performer on the valveless trumpet I've heard in nearly 44 years of covering music. He hit Bach's lip-splitting heights as if he were dawdling somewhere around middle C."  Indianapolis Star

"The playing of Thiessen and The Purcell Consort was bright and effervescent--with Thiessen floating out pianissimi as quiet as a leaf turning gold when the occasion required it."  Vancouver West Ender

"Thiessen played flawlessly, negotiating difficult passages with a nonchalance that was both intriguing and galling. The man has no business playing an unplayable instrument without at least turning red in the face." Marin Independent Journal

"John Thiessen served as trumpet soloist for concertos by Corelli and Torelli. The solo part for the Corelli's first movement begins in the high register and stays there. Thiessen hit the first note spot on, and showed tonal purity, focus and fluidity throughout."  Orange County Register

"Baroque trumpet players are an elite group, like celebrity chefs, dramatic tenors, and ace relief pitchers. In the forefront of this select set is Canadian John Thiessen, who has the panache of Mario Batali, the staying power of Placido Domingo, and the awesome control of Mariano Rivera."  Early Music America