Richard Thomas, a founder member of The Prince Regent’s Band, is a highly accomplished musician and educator, having studied at the University of Wales, the Royal Academy of Music, and the Schola Cantorum in Switzerland. During his studies, he developed a passion for period instrument performance, which led him to form the renowned sackbut and cornett ensemble, QuintEssential, in 1993. He is also a founding member of The City Musick.

As a performer, Richard has worked with leading period instrument ensembles, such as the English Baroque Soloists, Academy of Ancient Music, Gabrieli Consort, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. He has also been a regular performer at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London and has appeared in ensembles directed by Sir John Elliot Gardiner, Sir Roger Norrington, Trevor Pinnock, Harry Christophers, and Paul McCreesh. His performances have taken him to many parts of the world, including North and South America, Asia, and Australia. He has also contributed to film soundtracks for movies such as Shrek III, The Golden Age, and Bedtime Stories.

In addition to performing, Richard is a dedicated teacher and teaches natural trumpet and cornetto at the Royal College of Music, the University of Birmingham, and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. He also teaches regularly at the Dartington International Summer School. He has undertaken research into the William Shaw Silver State Trumpets housed in the Jewel House at the Tower of London, as part of his Master of Arts degree.