Biography
Stephen started writing and performing music from a young age. Now living in Hertfordshire with his wife, Stephen has worked with some of the biggest names in the world of Jewish music.
After leaving school, Stephen’s interest in music continued during his university years. He is a dedicated Ba'al Tefila having led services in Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue for 36 years.
After leaving school, Stephen’s interest in music continued during his university years. He is a dedicated Ba'al Tefila having led services in Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue for 36 years.
In 1991, Stephen became the Musical Director and Conductor of the Shabbaton Choir. Stephen, together with the Shabbaton Choir and acclaimed chazanim Lionel Rosenfeld, Shimon Craimer and Jonny Turgel, has toured extensively both in the UK and abroad. Stephen and the Shabbaton Choir have taken part in 11 Solidarity Through Song tours to Israel, 30 consecutive Selichot services throughout the UK, and have appeared in concerts in the UK, Germany, Poland, Sweden and on three major tours of American.
In 2011, Stephen was invited to conduct the Young Chamber Orchestra of the Hassadna Music Conservatory in a concert held at the Jerusalem Music Centre in Jerusalem and then subsequently on their visit to London.
Stephen is the co-founder of the Yavneh College Singers, indulging his passion for teaching and inspiring students to fulfil their musical potential. He also composed the school song. Stephen has also worked with students from JCoSS and composed their school song.
One of Stephen's biggest strengths lies not only in performing music, but also in composing inspirational and uplifting music, that has been sung worldwide. Stephen began to write music for the Shabbaton Choir in 1996, and has gone on to compose many notable pieces. Stephen’s most popular piece, "Oseh Shalom", commissioned for Emeritus Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks' Home of Hope CD, has been critically acclaimed worldwide, and continues to build momentum (with over 3.2 million hits on you tube!) as one of the modern Jewish anthems of our time.
In June 2013, Stephen's composition "Anim Z'mirot" (written in honour of Emeritus Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks) was premiered to a capacity audience at The Barbican Hall, London with The Shabbaton Choir soloists and a choir of 300 children from 11 Jewish primary schools across the London area.
Stephen continues to compose music and works with Stephen Glass, Raymond Goldstein and Stuart Izon on the choral arrangements of his music. 13 of Stephen's compositions can be heard on "Anim Z'mirot" an album released by the Shabbaton Choir. It is available by going to www.shabbatonchoir.co.uk.
In 2014, Stephen joined the staff of Immanuel College, Bushey, Hertfordshire and in 2016, Stephen became Director of Music teaching Key Stage 3, GCSE and A Level classes. Stephen also conducts two student choirs and the Klezmer group at Immanuel College.
In 2011, Stephen was invited to conduct the Young Chamber Orchestra of the Hassadna Music Conservatory in a concert held at the Jerusalem Music Centre in Jerusalem and then subsequently on their visit to London.
Stephen is the co-founder of the Yavneh College Singers, indulging his passion for teaching and inspiring students to fulfil their musical potential. He also composed the school song. Stephen has also worked with students from JCoSS and composed their school song.
One of Stephen's biggest strengths lies not only in performing music, but also in composing inspirational and uplifting music, that has been sung worldwide. Stephen began to write music for the Shabbaton Choir in 1996, and has gone on to compose many notable pieces. Stephen’s most popular piece, "Oseh Shalom", commissioned for Emeritus Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks' Home of Hope CD, has been critically acclaimed worldwide, and continues to build momentum (with over 3.2 million hits on you tube!) as one of the modern Jewish anthems of our time.
In June 2013, Stephen's composition "Anim Z'mirot" (written in honour of Emeritus Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks) was premiered to a capacity audience at The Barbican Hall, London with The Shabbaton Choir soloists and a choir of 300 children from 11 Jewish primary schools across the London area.
Stephen continues to compose music and works with Stephen Glass, Raymond Goldstein and Stuart Izon on the choral arrangements of his music. 13 of Stephen's compositions can be heard on "Anim Z'mirot" an album released by the Shabbaton Choir. It is available by going to www.shabbatonchoir.co.uk.
In 2014, Stephen joined the staff of Immanuel College, Bushey, Hertfordshire and in 2016, Stephen became Director of Music teaching Key Stage 3, GCSE and A Level classes. Stephen also conducts two student choirs and the Klezmer group at Immanuel College.
In March 2020, Stephen retired as Musical Director of the Shabbaton Choir after an association with the choir of over 34 years. In July 2020, he was appointed Conductor Laureate of the Shabbaton Choir.
In 2020, to great acclaim, Stephen released his new single "B'shem Hashem" featuring, boy soloist Rafi Posner and produced by Shim Craimer. (see Home page).
In 2021, Stephen's composition "Mi Sheberach" was released by the Shabbaton Choir, featuring Rabbi Lionel Rosenfeld, Shim Craimer, Jonny Turgel together with The Shabbaton Choir. The release is a Tribute to Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks Z"L. (see Home page)
Stephen is currently collaborating with artists in Israel on another new composition which is due for release in 2021.