With a distinguished career spanning over 30 years, Mark Gibson has established himself as a leading figure in brass performance, music education, and orchestral direction—both in the Middle East and internationally. Based in Abu Dhabi, Mark brings an exceptional breadth of experience to the instrumental music sector, offering world-class services rooted in technical excellence, educational insight, and artistic vision.

A graduate of Salford University, where he earned a Master of Arts in Music Performance with distinction, Mark also holds Licentiate Diplomas in Trumpet Performance (Trinity College London) and Wind and Military Band Directing (ABRSM). His professional journey includes prestigious roles such as Principal Trumpet with the Band of Her Majesty’s Grenadier Guards, Lead Trumpet with the British Army Jazz Orchestra, and Principal Cornet of the world-renowned GUS Brass Band. His freelance work in the UK spanned London’s musical theatre scene and a wide range of orchestral and commercial engagements.

In the UAE, Mark has become a prominent voice in the region’s evolving musical landscape. Performance highlights include the Mary Poppins World Tour at Dubai Opera, Hacienda Classical with the Manchester Camerata, Ministry of Sound at the Coca-Cola Arena, an album tour with jazz fusion artist Omar Kamal, and the Les Misérables World Tour at Etihad Arena.

As a forward-thinking educator, Mark has contributed significantly to music education across the region. As Head of Music Performance at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, he led a team of instrumental specialists, established a thriving ensemble program of over 20 groups, and co-developed a successful Year 5/6 wind band curriculum. During his tenure as Trumpet Professor for the UAE Armed Forces, he trained future Directors of Music, composed repertoire that fused Arabic and Western styles, and provided high-level musical and logistical consultancy for military ensembles.

Mark is also the founder and artistic director of two pioneering projects: the Arabian Philharmonic Orchestra, the region’s only professional session orchestra; and Mark Gibson’s Big Chill Band, a vibrant big band uniting top-tier jazz talent from the Middle East and Europe. Both ventures reflect his ongoing commitment to performance excellence and musical innovation.

In addition to his artistic and educational pursuits, Mark consults for agencies such as The Fridge, advising on classical artist bookings and the development of large-scale music projects throughout the Gulf. Whether leading an orchestra, mentoring emerging brass players, or curating major productions, Mark is recognised for his musical precision, collaborative leadership, and enduring passion for his craft.

In his role as Manager - Teaching and Learning, Mark works at the Centre for Musical Arts, where he aims to reinvigorate and expand brass playing opportunities across the UAE. He is excited to contribute his experience and expertise to this already outstanding institution and hopes to inspire a new generation of young musicians to explore the full potential of brass.