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After studying at the Royal Academy of Music, Stephen Shakeshaft began his professional career in Scotland with the Scottish Radio Orchestra, moving on to become principal viola of the Scottish National Orchestra (now RSNO), helping establish the Cantilena Ensemble and becoming Scottish Opera's first principal viola. Five years later he returned to England, as guest principal for the UK's top orchestras whilst holding down the permanent role of principal viola for the BBC Concert Orchestra. After becoming co-principal viola at the RPO, for whom he still enjoys playing regularly, particularly acting as principal for the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, Stephen moved into a busy freelance session and solo work career. He now prefers to concentrate particularly on leading for Oxford Philomusica and combining his orchestral and solo work with specialising in chamber music, with the Cirrus Quartet and with Cantilena Festival on Islay.
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