Stephen studied Music at Bristol University and conducting with Arthur Davison. During his many years as musical director of the Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra he has conducted much of the standard repertoire both orchestral and choral, including performances of all the Beethoven and Brahms symphonies, ‘A Child of our Time’ and Verdi’s Requiem. He has had the privilege of working with some of Britain’s finest musicians such as Lesley Garrett, Kathryn Stott, Anthony Marwood, Martin Roscoe, James Lisney, Natalie Clein and Martino Tirimo.
As a composer, Stephen has written a large body of work covering many different genres. His style is predominantly tonal and the compositional techniques he employs are traditional. He is more interested in manipulating the various musical elements that control perceived expression in music than in exploring sound as a science.
Compositional highlights include:
‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ (the musical) - published by MacMillan Ed. and subsequently broadcast on Radio 210.
Cello Concerto - featured in a short BBC television documentary celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra.
Arrangement of Chopin’s variations on Là Ci Darem La Mano (for string quartet and piano) – performed by Martino Tirimo at King’s Place in London - broadcast on Classic FM.
Nine-part string arrangement of Mendelssohn’s Rondo Capriccioso – performed by The Amsterdam Sinfonietta.
Performing edition of the little known Beethoven Violin Concerto in C – The only version in existence that has three movements.
Stephen has recently focused on writing symphonies. He has now completed a cycle of seven and he plans to record the fifth symphony in the Czech Republic. The second symphony, along with ‘Concerto Catalan’ for clarinet and orchestra, A Song for Sarah, Das Karussell (for soprano & orchestra) and a revised slow movement from his cello concerto have all been recorded with the Brno Filharmonie, conducted by Mikel Toms.
Stephen continues to conduct the New Year’s concert given by the Honhardt Camerata in southern Germany.