Harry Mortimer

Harry Mortimer (10 April 1902 Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, England, UK – 23 January 1992 London England, UK) was an English cornet player, composer and conductor who specialized in brass band music. He is regarded as the world's best ever cornet player.

In 1911 he joined Luton Red Cross Band; he stayed with the band until 1925. He made his debut with the Foden's Band on the 29th December 1924, becoming Principal Cornet in 1932; he left the band in 1942. In 1928 to 1930 Harry joined the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra moving back to Manchester in 1930 when he was welcomed back to the Hallé Orchestra as principal trumpet (1930 to 1941). Harry would also be part of the BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra joining them in 1935 where he stayed until 1939. Between 1936 and 1940 Harry held the position of Professor of Trumpet at the Royal Northern College Of Music. In 1936 he was appointed Musical Director of The Williams Fairey Brass Band, a post he continued with until 1971 when he became musical advisor. In 1958 the format of his All-Star Brass Band changed because there were too many bands to be contacted every time he wanted to arrange a concert and so he cut the bands down to three with Foden’s, Faireys and Morris Motor's making up what became known as the Men O' Brass/Massed Brass Bands Of Fodens, Fairey Aviation & Morris Motors.
He waw awarded the OBE in 1950 and the CBE in 1987.
Son of Fred Mortimer and oldest brother of Alex Mortimer & Rex Mortimer.
Some of his arrangements for brass band were credited under his alias H.R. Moreton.