An Andover musician is making waves in Hampshire’s music scene as he leads the Winchester Community Choir through its 20th-anniversary celebrations in 2025.
Zack Stephens, 26, who is from Andover, is the choir's musical director and has played a key role in shaping a year of commemorative events for the ensemble.
Zack, a talented violinist and conductor, began his musical journey with Hampshire Music Service, where his potential was quickly recognised.
By the age of 16, he had earned two scholarships to study music at Queen Mary’s College in Basingstoke and received advanced training from internationally renowned violinists, including at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music.
Zack went on to earn a BMus (Hons) in Violin Performance from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Now, Zack’s career spans teaching, performing, and conducting.
In addition to leading the Winchester Community Choir, he is the musical director of the Andover Museum Loft Singers and the founder of the Queen Mary’s College Vocal Consort in Basingstoke.
Zack often composes his own works and arrangements to showcase the unique qualities of these vocal groups.
As musical director, Zack has curated a vibrant programme of events for the choir’s anniversary year.
The celebrations kick off this spring and summer with a ceilidh in May and a summer concert, Made in Winchester, on July 1.
The concert will feature music inspired by the city, performances by the folk duo Carolyn Robson and Moira Craig, and an appearance from the choir’s co-founder, Freya Tabbush.
Proceeds will benefit Citizens Advice Winchester.
The autumn schedule includes an illustrated lecture and performance on traditional folk songs collected in Hampshire by George Gardiner, followed by a choral workshop led by the folk quartet Oaken.
December will see the choir join forces with Zack’s Andover Museum Loft Singers for their Christmas concert, Christmas in New Hall, raising funds for the charity Read Easy Winchester.
Zack’s creativity is also driving the choir’s commissioned works for the anniversary.
SEE ALSO: Andover Museum Loft Singers welcome new musical director
He is collaborating with resident poet Iris Gould on a new piece to premiere this summer, and a second composition from renowned choral composer Oliver Tarney will celebrate Winchester’s rich heritage.
The Winchester Community Choir welcomes new members and offers two free taster sessions when rehearsals resume on January 7.
For more information about the choir and its anniversary programme, visit winchestercommunitychoir.com
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