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. Now 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 most recently,

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.

Mark now looks forward to his upcoming collaboration with 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.