Stephen Smith
Stephen began his musical career in 1969, when he joined the British Army as an oboist. His playing career included performances in well-known venues such as London’s Royal Festival Hall and extensive tours throughout Europe and Scandinavia. He was Principal Oboist at the world famous Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, for four years.Aspiring to become a conductor, Stephen graduated from the Bandmaster Course at Kneller Hall in 1980 with several academic prizes including the prestigious Worshipful Company of Musicians Medal awarded to the best graduating student of the year. The successful career that followed saw him directing bands including that of the Royal Artillery, where he was able to indulge his passion for the classical repertoire as the Principal Conductor of the nation’s oldest professional orchestra. Conducting work involved extensive travel to destinations as diverse as Belize, Hong Kong, Swaziland and Australia. Engagements ranged from public concerts to Royal events, and Stephen was honoured to be involved in the funeral procession for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
The culmination of Stephen’s military career was two appointments at Kneller Hall. As Chief Instructor, he was responsible for the musical training and education of all Army musicians, a role that he found both challenging and immensely rewarding. After two years in this post he was selected for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and the appointment of Principal Director of Music (the Army’s senior musician), in which he was responsible for musical standards throughout all of the Army’s bands. Highlights in this appointment included direction of the musical celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the Royal Military School of Music (including a Gala Concert, CD recording and radio broadcast) and founding the Army’s orchestra, the Corps of Army Music Sinfonietta, drawing on the best musicians from across the Army for its players.
Stephen was delighted to be made an Honorary Doctor of Music by Kingston University in recognition of his long and successful career. Since retiring from the Army in 2009, Stephen has divided his time between a voluntary music advisory role with the Salvation Army and working with amateur musicians and is the founding Musical Director of the Romsey Chamber Orchestra. Additionally, he undertakes various freelance engagements as both conductor and oboist.
