Dr. Stephen Preston
is one of the leading musicians in the development of early music performance
in the UK and Europe, and one of its most respected figures. As well as playing
period music Stephen is also performing and developing new music and contemporary
techniques for the baroque flute. He was described as 'a genius' after a recent
broadcast in which he gave world premiere of a new work specially written for
him. Through his ground-breaking work with historical flutes and solo, ensemble
and orchestral performances and recordings, he established a world-wide reputation
and an international career. His area of expertise extends from the 17th to
the 19th Centuries and he is as at home with the music of Bach and Mozart as
he is with Schubert and Weber. References to Dr Preston as a flute player can
be found in New Grove, J. Solum The Early Flute and A. Powell The
Flute.
The emphasis of Preston's work is always on performance practice as a way of realizing the highest degree of musical potential in the performer. His work as a choreographer of historical dance gives him a unique insight into the dance music of the Baroque and Classical periods. He has many years experience working with the widest range of students and professional instrumentalists and singers. Stephen Preston's teaching philosophy extends beyond the narrow boundaries of stylistic performance and he is equally successful whether working with period performers or with modern instrumentalists and singers. His favourite project has been to work with one of America's most eminent chamber ensembles, the New Century Saxophone Quartet on their highly praised recording of Bach's 'Art of Fugue'.
Dr Preston lectures, teaches and coaches at Britain's four leading music academies, the Royal College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music, Trinity College and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He is widely in demand for master classes and for private teaching and coaching.
Visit Stephen’s website at: http://www.stephenpreston.info.
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