Anthony Prisk is the Houston Symphony’s Second Trumpet, joining the orchestra in 2002. He has performed internationally with several orchestras and music festivals such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Grant Park Festival Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony, the Moscow Philharmonic and many others. He attended the Tanglewood Music Center, Pacific Music Festival, Music Academy of the West, Spoleto Festival, Cabrillo Music Festival, and Aspen Music Festival. Anthony won two international trumpet competitions through the International Trumpet Guild and was a soloist with the New World Symphony. He has also been a finalist for several orchestral positions including the Chicago Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra. Anthony can be heard on recordings with the Houston Symphony, New World Symphony, Spoleto Festival Orchestra and McGill Symphony Orchestra.

Anthony grew up in Lombard, Illinois a suburb of Chicago. He began playing trumpet in the local school band program at age 10. After high school, he attended the University of Illinois where he studied trumpet with Ray Sasaki and Michael Ewald. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Music in 1996 and moved to Montreal to study at McGill University. While in Montreal, he studied orchestral repertoire with Paul Merkelo, principal trumpet of the Montreal Symphony. After completing his Master’s degree in music, he was chosen for a fellowship with the New World Symphony in Miami Beach where he trained with leading orchestral musicians from around the country. Anthony’s many teachers include, Michael Sachs, Adolf Herseth, David Bilger, Mark Gould, and John Hagstrom.

Anthony enjoys teaching at area schools and has also been invited as a clinician for the New World Symphony, University of Texas, and Bowling Green State University.

Anthony lives in the Houston Heights with his fiancée and enjoys many aspects of Houston culture. His past times are teaching, working on cars, bodybuilding, and enjoying time with friends and colleagues.

Hear what Anthony enjoys most about being a Houstonian.


When did you start playing your instrument?
I was 10 years old when I began playing the cornet (trumpet). I was introduced to it in my elementary school band program. My twin brother and I went to try instruments and I wanted to play the clarinet and he wanted to play the trumpet. The band director gave us those instruments and we couldn’t make a sound so we switched and the rest is history.

What's the last recording you listened to?
The last recording I listened to was probably the Afro Cuban All stars. I enjoy many different genres of music including Latin, Jazz, Classic Rock and Classical.

If you weren't a musician what would you most like to do?
My dream job, other than musician, would have been a race car driver. I have always enjoyed automotive racing and to this day try to get out and do it as much as possible. One of my favorite pastimes is to work on and race cars.

What's your favorite Houston destination?
My favorite Houston destination is Ninfa’s on Navigation. I can’t tell you how many good times I have had there. The fajitas are some of the best around and the margaritas are inspiring! There is no problem that Ninfa’s can’t cure.