Stephen Calder
Stephen Calder stepped in as leader during 2024 when Rachel Sokolowski was unable to continue due to health issues. He was confirmed in the position at the beginning of 2025.
Stephen has been playing the violin from a very young age and music was a huge part
of his childhood, as both of his parents were professional musicians/teachers. During
his teenage years he was taught by Martin Milner, who led the Halle Orchestra from
1958-1987.
After leaving school, Stephen studied at the Kneller Hall Army School of
Music under Barrie Townsend and spent seven years as a professional musician in the
army. He performed in concerts and displays around the world and led the Orchestra of
the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in such venues as St. James' Palace
and the British Embassy in Washington D.C.
Stephen left the army to continue his education at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
where he studied under James Sleigh and gained a BMus(Hons) degree. During his
time at the Conservatoire he spent two seasons as a member of the Young Musicians
Symphony Orchestra, which selects its members from music colleges across the
country.
Although deciding not to pursue a career in music, Stephen has been a very
active member of local Folk and Classical communities in Suffolk. He has performed at
Folk Clubs and Festivals across the country and played in local orchestras including
The Suffolk Sinfonia, Wolsey Orchestra and Churchgate Sinfonia. Since 2015 he has
been leading the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra.
