Stephen Wood Music Director

Stephen completed his BMus at Oxford University, where he was Organ Scholar at Exeter College. He is currently in his second year as a postgraduate repetiteur at the RAM, where he studies with Tony Legge, Audrey Hyland, and Tessa Nicholson. He has been assistant conductor on two of the Academy's past productions, Dardanus (Rameau), and Gianni Schicchi, working with conductors Laurence Cummings and Steuart Bedford. In November, he played continuo in RAO'S production of Le Nozze di Figaro under the direction of Sir Colin Davis.

A native of Edinburgh, he was formerly Head Chorister at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, where he attended St Mary's Music School and began his organ studies with Timothy Byram-Wigfield. He continued his education at Shrewsbury School, where he held the post of Organ Scholar, studying organ with Robert Sharpe and Catherine Ennis. He has performed recitals in many of the top cathedrals and concert halls in the UK and Switzerland, including the Usher Hall, St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. Giles' Cathedral, in Edinburgh, Tewkesbury Abbey, Lichfield Cathedral, St. John, Smith Square, Hereford Cathedral, and Leonhardskirche, Basel. Whilst at Oxford, Stephen directed the Exeter College Choir in a CD of sacred a capella music on Dinmore Records.

This March, Stephen will be working as assistant conductor for Riverside Opera's production of Die Fledermaus and in July for Opera Group's production of Street Scene (Weill). Stephen joined Vivamus as musical director in February 2008.

At the RAM, Stephen is supported by The Robertson Scholarship Trust, The Wall Trust, MBF, Scottish International Education Trust, and The Michael James Music Trust.