‘It was a great surprise, sitting down in front of the TV on Christmas Eve, to see and hear my motet In Splendoribus live in the BBC's Midnight Mass...I was amazed at the marvellous trumpet playing by Simon Desbruslais. As an ex-trumpet player myself I know how challenging this exposed, high-hand virtuosic obbligato part is, but the soloist played it with supreme confidence and flair.’

James MacMillan, composer

‘Simon is a true trumpet virtuoso, but more- a multifaceted and multi-talented musician, writer, musicologist and creative thinker. He has the vision to create and develop fascinating artistic projects and commissions, the tenacity to make them happen and the consummate artistry to make them come alive for listeners.’

Kenneth Woods, conductor

'Four vibrant, attractive concertos – three written within the past three years – by three of Britain’s brightest and best, and performed with dazzling virtuosity and musicianship by Simon Desbruslais and the Orchestra of the Swan … The concluding held note for the trumpet unaccompanied is just one sign of his consummate mastery. A hugely enjoyable disc, strongly recommended.'

Gramophone, February 2015

'The solo playing from both Desbruslais and Hammond combines confidence and assertiveness with tact and grace.'

Musicweb International, 2017

'Desbruslais’s immaculate playing and faultless musicality serve all these works well. I do not think that his playing in these works could be bettered although I sincerely wish that these works were avidly seized upon by any adventurous trumpet player.'

Musicweb International, February 2015

'Four new British trumpet concertos, brilliant, seductive and engrossing' Planet Hugill

‘Last week I reviewed a bread-and-butter, standard repertoire concert from the Orchestra of the Swan; on Friday this polished, adept ensemble turned its attention to music that could not be more up-to-the-minute, with two world premieres and another major work from the end of the 20th century. And these offerings gripped a well-filled Civic Hall, the audience — and all three composers concerned — marveling at the skill, commitment and sheer tenacity of the steel-lipped Simon Desbruslais, trumpet soloist in these three works.’

The Birmingham Post, June 2012

‘Simon Desbruslais’s performance leaves nothing to be desired: it is musically compelling and technically very impressive.’

Musicweb International, June 2011

'All credit to Simon Desbruslais for helping to bring all four of these works into existence, and for his scintillating contribution.'

Classical Ear, Chris Achenbach, April 2018

'Desbruslais is a superb interpreter.'

Classical Music Magazine, October 2018

'El trompetista britànic impressiona per la ductilitat i la flexibilitat en el fraseig.'

Sonograma Magazine, November 2018

'Simon Desbruslais plays with tireless virtuosity and despite the music’s often strenuous demands he never compromises his gleaming tone.'

Musicweb International, May 2019

'glowing with a luminour patina'

Organists' Review, March 2019

'great empathy and musicianship'

Musical Opinion, June 2019

'There’s some scene stealing here from the Brook Street Band’s star trumpeter Simon Desbruslais'

Musicweb International, October 2019

'Fearless trumpeter Simon Desbruslais'

I Care if you Listen, October 2020