Stephen P Brown
Awards:
Ricordi Conducting Prize; Alan J Kirby Choral Conducting Prize; Arts Council of Great Britain Young Conductor
Stephen P Brown Since being educated in the UK and USA and performing throughout Europe and Africa, “SPB” has become one of the most engaging conductors of our modern age specializing in large-scale lighter romantic music with regional, amateur and higher education orchestras, bands and choirs. His passion for sharing live classical music with those who would not normally have access to it is helping to engage, develop and sustain a balanced future society. A recipient of the Ricordi Conducting Prize and winner of the Alan J Kirby Choral Conducting Prize, Stephen P Brown transforms ensembles and captivates his audiences: “It's almost as if the music is a tangible medium he is sculpting,” said Kathleen Haft, a musician who attends SPB's concerts at every opportunity. “He has grace, poise, charm and humor, and an incredible ear.”
Once described by George Hurst as “too nice to be a conductor”, Mr. Brown has learned how to employ his optimism, enthusiasm and encouraging spirit on the podium, industriously sculpting colorful and energetic musical encounters. As Artistic Director of the Jubilee Orchestra Mr. Brown said, “The opportunity to engage some of the USA’s premium talent in a quest to share God’s angelic gift of music was irresistible. It was the orchestra’s ambition to combine New York City’s refined and developing classical music populations to present traditional and participative works that attracted me to seek this privilege, and help unleash the city’s quiet and reserved fondness of stirring and spiritual orchestral music.”
Stephen P Brown's first public conducting appearance was in New Jersey at age 16, and soon after he earned a percussion performance degree from Trinity College of Music. Since then he’s conducted the London Philharmonic Orhcestra, the South East Symphony, the Griffin Orchestra of London, Ealing & Yalding Choral Societies, worked with the Halle and BBC Philharmonic Orchestras, and was Musical Director of the Medway Chamber Orchestra, Cobham Church and Kent Youth Percussion. He has toured Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, France, Portugal, Holland, as well as Malawi and Zambia, and also served as the Musical Director for the Kentish Players, Spotlites Theatre, and Ballet Rambert Education.
In addition to his own compositions, some of the world premieres conducted by Mr. Brown include Antonin Tucapksy’s “Triptychon”, works by Mathew Power and Martin Gaughan, as well as the European premiere of Australian composer Ross Edward’s “Dawn Mantras” as part of the UK’s Millennium Festivities.
