Victoria Stephenson began studying the violin at the age of seven in Dubai, U.A.E. She later became leader of the United Arab Emirates Children’s String Orchestra. At the age of ten Victoria was awarded a scholarship to attend Chetham’s School of Music under the direction of Jan Repko, before going on to study at the Royal Northern College of Music with Professor Eyal Kless.
After fourteen years in Manchester, she moved to London to study at the Royal College of Music, completing a Master’s in Performance in Viola and Violin with Jonathan Barritt and Radu Blidar.
Victoria’s orchestral experiences include the RCM Orchestral Specialism; collaborating with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and London Symphony Orchestra, The Britain Pears Young Artist Programme; working with musicians from the Berlin Philharmonic and Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra; and performing with a diverse range of ensembles under many internationally renowned conductors including Haitink, Ashkenazy and Elder to name a few. Victoria has performed with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and recorded for Sony and BBC Radio 3.
During the course of her studies, Victoria performed in a variety of masterclasses with Laurence Power, Edward Vandespaar and Simon Rowland Jones. Victoria is a keen chamber musician and was ‘highly commended’ for her performances in the Weil and Ravel Prizes with the Tzigane String Quartet.
Victoria is extremely passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians. She conducts Merton Concert Orchestra and String Busters, leading them in outreach projects with the OAE and performing ‘Music is Life’ at The Royal Albert Hall.
Over the years Victoria has staged multiple performances to raise money for Dubai based children’s charities and UNICEF.
Victoria plays on a 1954 Ernest R. Voigt viola generously loaned to her by Yvonne Clarke and The Royal Society of Musicians.
What or who inspired you to become a professional musician?
My Mum – she let me find something I loved and helped me in anyway physically possible to achieve my dream. She taught me that through hard work even the wildest dream is possible.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be?
Marine Biologist – the conservation of marine wildlife whilst diving, swimming and sailing. Having a lot of fun whilst preserving something worthwhile. Hopefully somewhere hot!