In August 2020, Paul Goodchild retired from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra after being diagnosed with cancer. Following in the footsteps of his father Cliff, who was SSO’s Principal Tuba for 36 years, he had been Associate Principal Trumpet since 1985. He talks with his good friend Vincent Plush about his life and career, his mentor Richard Gill, his fear that the brass band is a dying art form, and his love of wine.

Late last year, a short message appeared on my Facebook page from an old friend. In effect, he announced that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and that he had resigned from his job. After 41 years, Paul Goodchild was leaving the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. He had been the SSO’s Associate Principal Trumpet since 1985.

Paul Goodchild