Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

Stephen Shingles was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music as a violist, conductor, and educator. Born on August 22, 1939, in London, England, Shingles showed an early interest in music and began playing the violin at the age of six. However, he later switched to the viola, which became his primary instrument. Shingles received his formal music education at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied under the tutelage of renowned violist and pedagogue, Frederick Riddle. He graduated with distinction in 1961 and went on to establish himself as a prominent violist in the classical music scene. Shingles' career as a violist took off in the 1960s when he joined the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) as its principal violist. He held this position for over a decade and played a crucial role in shaping the orchestra's sound during this period. Shingles was known for his impeccable technique, expressive playing, and ability to blend seamlessly with the other instruments in the orchestra. In addition to his work with the LSO, Shingles was also a sought-after soloist and chamber musician. He performed with some of the most prominent classical music ensembles of his time, including the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, the English Chamber Orchestra, and the Nash Ensemble. He also collaborated with many renowned conductors, such as Sir Colin Davis, Sir Neville Marriner, and Sir Simon Rattle. One of the highlights of Shingles' career as a violist was his performance of Benjamin Britten's "Lachrymae" at the 1969 Proms. This performance was widely acclaimed and cemented Shingles' reputation as one of the finest violists of his generation. He also recorded several albums as a soloist and chamber musician, including a critically acclaimed recording of Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante with violinist Iona Brown. In addition to his work as a performer, Shingles was also a respected conductor and educator. He served as the principal conductor of the London Mozart Players from 1984 to 1987 and was a guest conductor with many other orchestras around the world. He was also a professor of viola at the Royal Academy of Music, where he taught many of the leading violists of the next generation. Shingles' contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with several awards and honors throughout his career. In 1977, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to music. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music and a Fellow of the Royal College of Music. Sadly, Shingles' career was cut short when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the early 1990s. Despite this setback, he continued to teach and perform for as long as he was able. He passed away on December 23, 1999, at the age of 60. In conclusion, Stephen Shingles was a highly accomplished classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music as a violist, conductor, and educator. His impeccable technique, expressive playing, and ability to blend seamlessly with other instruments made him one of the finest violists of his generation. His legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

More....