Stephan, Edward
Biography
Website: http://www.duq.edu
Orchestra: Pennsylvania - The Big List of timpanists - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Orchestra: Texas - The Big List of timpanists - Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Recently appointed Principal Timpanist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Edward Stephan is recognized as one of the most exciting and diverse timpanists in the United States. He has been praised for his "strong and multi-faceted playing" as well as his "captivating command behind the instrument". As a native of Pittsburgh, Ed returns to his hometown after serving as the Principal Timpanist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and, before that, Principal Timpanist of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. While in Texas, Ed appeared twice as soloist with the FWSO and was awarded the American Airlines Distinguished Musician Award in 2006. Ed began his formal musical training at the age of 6. Among his most influential teachers were Stanley Leonard and John Soroka - both from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Ed received a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas, and a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music, where he was a student of Boston Symphony percussionist Will Hudgins and a recipient of the conservatory's Outstanding Performer Scholarship. While living in Boston, Ed performed with many orchestras throughout New England, including the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops orchestras, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, the New Haven Symphony and the National Lyric Opera, among others. Mr. Stephan was twice awarded fellowships to the Tanglewood Music Center, as well as the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival in Germany. Additionally, he has served as Principal Timpanist of the Crested Butte Music Festival in Colorado. As a chamber musician, Ed has had the opportunity to work with distinguished artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax and Gil Shaham, to name a few. Ed can be heard on recordings with the PSO, DSO and FWSO, as well as more than a dozen recordings with the North Texas Wind Symphony on the Grammy-nominated Klavier recording label.On two of the Klavier recordings Mr. Stephan is a featured soloist.
In addition to performing, Ed is a highly sought after teacher and clinician. He is a member of the percussion faculty at Duquesne University. He has served on the faculty of the University of Texas at Arlington and proudly endorses Pearl/Adams concert percussion instruments, as well as Remo concert timpani heads. In addition to his timpani habit, Ed has a passion for cycling and bicycle racing. With numerous emergency room visits to his credit as well, Ed sometimes wonders if bike racing and timpani playing aren't conflicting passions.[1]
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