Leaders
The lead violinist holds a vital role within any orchestra. Second only to the conductor, they are the cornerstone of the ensemble. Positioned closest to the audience, just to the left of the conductor, they lead the first violins and are responsible for ensuring the orchestra is tuned before the conductor takes the stage.
Stephanie Waite – Leader, Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra
Stephanie is a busy professional violinist, performing all over the UK and abroad, and teaching at her home in Bedford. She works regularly with the City of London Sinfonia, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, London Mozart Players, National Symphony Orchestra and Britten Sinfonia.
A passionate chamber musician, she is a member of the Sinfonia Verdi Soloists, and guest 2nd violinist in the Berkeley Ensemble. As a teacher, Stephanie regularly works at the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity Laban Junior departments, and has for several years been part of the faculty of National Chamber Music Course.
Alex Collins – Leader, Bedford Sinfonia
Alex started learning the violin at the age of eight, and won numerous local competitions and a music scholarship to Bedford School to study with Martin Hughes. He gained a place at The Royal College of Music, where he played under the baton of Sir Antonio Pappano, Vladimir Jurowski and Thomas Zehetmair. He also played in the Vesta Quartet, giving concerts in and around London, and received regular coaching from the Chilingirian Quartet. Alex was given a scholarship to complete his Masters at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, learning with Stephanie Gonley.
Closer to home, Alex enjoys performing as a soloist with Bedford Sinfonia. Other highlights have included performances at the Royal Albert Hall and Birmingham’s Symphony Hall. He performs regularly with the Element String Quartet, the Facade Ensemble and the London Firebird Orchestra.
