Collected by: New York University

Archived since: May, 2017

Description:

Sir Frank London is a musician, band leader, and composer based in New York City. Since receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Afro-American music from the New England Conservatory in 1980, London has had an active career in klezmer and world music, playing not only trumpet, but also other wind instruments, keyboards, and occasionally singing backup vocals. Although London is perhaps best known for his role as trumpeter in the klezmer band The Klezmatics, he also leads Frank London’s Klezmer Brass Allstars and is a member of the Hasidic New Wave. Additionally, he is the co-founder of both the Les Misérables Brass Band and the Klezmer Conservatory Band; has composed numerous works for theater, dance, and film; and has acted as an in-demand sideman for a diverse group of artists, both on stage and in the studio. To date, London has released 30 solo recordings and has been featured on more than 400 CDs. London has received many awards for his contribution to music, as well as for his efforts towards the preservation of Hungarian-Jewish culture. On May 31, 2015, London was awarded Kraków, (Poland's) Medal Honoris Gratia by the municipality of Kraków’s mayor, Jacek Majchrowski. A year later he was knighted, receiving the Hungarian Order of Merit Knight's Cross. London continues to play concerts, festivals, and other events across the globe and is a regular participant in New York’s downtown club scene. London is also currently a professor within the Music Department of Purchase College (SUNY Purchase) in New York.

Subject:   Arts & Humanities