User:Susi Stellenbosch/Allan stephenson

Allan Stephenson

Allan Stephenson (b. 1949 in Wallasey, England) is a composer of classical music in the English romantic style. He has been a South African resident since 1973. Describe the subject's nationality and profession(s) in which the subject is most notable. Provide a description of the subject's major contributions in the immediately relevant field(s) of notable expertise.

Biography
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Early life
At school, Stephenson studied the cello and was a member of the Merseyside Youth Orchestra. In 1968, he took up a place at the Royal Manchester College of Music studying under Oliver Vella, the principal cellist of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Graduating in 1971 (ARMCM) he was persuaded to stay on at the Royal Manchester College for another year as principal cello in the main orchestra. After leaving Manchester Stephenson freelanced as a cellist in and around Manchester, playing both classical and light music. He played as a dep. with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and also the Llandudno Pier orchestra.

His earliest composition included in his current Catalogue of Works is Veni Fantasia (1966), written whilst he was still a schoolboy. He freely admits that this work is modelled on the Tallis Fantasia. Whilst at Royal Manchester, he chose not to study composition, believing that the subject cannot be taught. The three composers who he believes most influenced him were William Walton, for his “Britishness”, Carl Neilsen, for his form and tonality, and Shostokovitch, for sheer excitement. His Concerto for Small Orchestra (1970) was performed at the Royal Manchester College in January 1973.

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Expanded description
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Marriage and children
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Death and afterward
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Philosophical and/or political views
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Published works
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Awards
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