It was not until 1994, however, that he decided to pursue music as his career. He has since developed the twin strands of jazz artist and classical composer, with his music in both fields influenced by his knowledge of the other.

Winner of the Peter Whittingham Award for Composition, in 1994, and of two large Arts Council touring grants for his jazz ensemble Ascension in 1995 and 1996 respectively, Stephen has released four well-received CDs under his own name and contributed to three compilations of Contemporary British Music.

As well as his skills as a composer Stephen is a champion of new music. He set up his studio and label ASC Records to promote artists in the fields of contemporary classical and jazz musics; the distinguished roster has included Mike Westbrook, Keith Tippett, John McCabe, the Northern Chamber Orchestra and Alan Barnes. For an exhaustive catalogue with online ordering facilities, see:

www.ascrecords.com