Stephen P. Brown, Principal Conductor, PCYO program
Stephen P. Brown has passionately shared his zeal for live classical music with orchestras, bands, choirs and audiences for over 30 years. Born in Rochester, England, Stephen's interest in music began at an early age. He met famed Conductor George Marriner Maull of the Discovery Orchestra, who introduced him to the concept of listening to music rather than just hearing it. It was at Trinity College of Music where Stephen became the UK's first undergraduate of Conducting while also continuing to perform on piano, clarinet and percussion. By graduation Stephen had over 100 students and six musical ensembles to his credit.
Stephen has shared his musical leadership talent by serving as artistic and musical director for several acclaimed organizations including the Jubilee Symphony Orchestra, Medway Chamber Orchestra, Kentish Players Theatre, Cobham Church and the Jacksonville Chapel Concert Band. Stephen also had the honor of being an associate student conductor for the Hallé and BBC Philharmonic Orchestras. He continuously demonstrates an outstanding commitment and dedication to his craft through concerts, workshops, lectures, and master classes resulting in his being awarded the prestigious Ricordi Conducting and Alan J. Kirby Choral Conducting prizes.
Brown has toured worldwide to over 15 countries in East and West Europe, Africa and North America and has conducted several premieres including Antonin Tuca Apsky's Triptychon, Martin Gaughan's Columba Aspexit and Jon Edwards' Dawn Mantras as part of the UK's Millennium Festival. His major conducting engagements have included the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Griffin Orchestra of London and the Spotlites Theatre production of Into the Woods. Stephen refined his conducting proficiency with guidance from Bernard Keefe, Arthur Davison, Christopher Adey, George Hurst, Timothy Reynish, Philip Jones and Sir Georg Solti. He has also appeared on various major UK and US media networks including BBC TV and radio.