Role

:

Conductor  

Birth

:

1945

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

Stephen Preston is a renowned classical flutist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. Born in 1943 in London, England, Preston showed an early interest in music and began playing the recorder at the age of six. He later switched to the flute and began studying under the tutelage of William Bennett at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Preston's talent and dedication to music quickly became apparent, and he soon began performing professionally. In 1967, he joined the London Symphony Orchestra as their principal flutist, a position he held for ten years. During this time, he also performed as a soloist with various orchestras and ensembles, including the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and the English Chamber Orchestra. In 1977, Preston left the London Symphony Orchestra to pursue a solo career. He quickly established himself as one of the leading flutists of his generation, known for his virtuosic playing and expressive interpretations. He has performed with many of the world's top orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Preston's repertoire is vast and includes works from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods. He is particularly known for his performances of music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Philipp Telemann, and Antonio Vivaldi. He has also premiered works by contemporary composers such as Peter Maxwell Davies and Harrison Birtwistle. Throughout his career, Preston has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to music. In 1976, he was awarded the prestigious Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Field of Music. He has also been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government. In addition to his performing career, Preston is also a respected teacher and has held positions at several prestigious institutions, including the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He has also given masterclasses and workshops around the world, inspiring and mentoring countless young musicians. Preston's legacy in the world of music is significant, and his contributions to the flute repertoire have been invaluable. His recordings, which include over 50 albums, are considered some of the finest interpretations of Baroque and Classical music. His dedication to music and his commitment to excellence have made him a beloved figure in the classical music world, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

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