Rocky Mountain Alphorns

Rocky Mountain Alphorns is one of the world’s pre-eminent Swiss Alphorn groups, consisting of father & son  William & Jim Hopson. Both are professional musicians and internationally acclaimed Alphorn performers, composers, and educators.  Together, they are known for their pensive, technically virtuosic, and telepathically precise duo performances.

William Hopson has been a French Horn player in the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra since 1977. He acquired his first Alphorn in 1982 and has since dedicated his summers to hiking in the Rocky Mountains with his Alphorn, sounding Swiss folk melodies from valley meadow to alpine cirque. In 1992, Combining his talents as a woodworker and musician, he founded Rocky Mountain Alphorns to hand build a limited edition of superior Spruce and Maple Alphorns for professional Horn players and discriminating enthusiasts.  He has been a faculty member at many international Alphorn Schools.

Jim Hopson has been a freelance trombone and low brass player in Vancouver, BC since 2007. Known for his eclecticism and versatility, he possesses the rare ability to perform in a wide variety of musical styles, from Classical to Jazz to Hip-Hop. His musical journey on the Alphorn began in the womb (literally!), having grown up listening to father’s world-class playing. Trained as an improviser and composer, Jim’s original music often takes the Alphorn to unexpected places; blistering fast Polkas, sultry Blues, hard-hitting Funk, and Salsa grooves are just some of the genres he’s covered. Jim is proud to be an instructor at the Alphorn Institute.

Rocky Mountain Alphorns are available for performances at special events all over the world!

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