Alexandra Stemp - Violin 1
Alexandra was born in Blackpool, Lancashire and began learning the violin aged 6. During her school years she played with the Lancashire Students Symphony Orchestra, leading them for her final 3 years and undertaking many foreign tours as both leader and soloist. She went on to study in London at the Guildhall School of music and Drama where her teachers were John Glickman and David Takeno.
After graduating from GSMD she started freelancing with professional orchestras beginning with a month tour to the Salzburg Festival with the Hallé Orchestra performing Messiaen’s St Francois d’Assise. She went on to play with many other orchestras including the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, the Ulster Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Welsh National Opera and Birmingham Royal Ballet.
In 2001 Alexandra became a member of the 1st Violin section of the Hallé Orchestra, leaving in 2009 to have more time with her young family and resumed her freelance career.
Alexandra was a founder member and principal player of the Lancashire Sinfonietta, leading them on a number occasions. She was also the leader of the Manchester Symphony Orchestra in their performances with the Imperial Ice Stars at the Royal Albert Hall for both Cinderella and Swan Lake.
She is regularly asked to play principal and co principal 2nd violin with both the Hallé and Royal Northern Sinfonia and also plays with the Northern Chamber Orchestra and many orchestras across the North West.
Alexandra has given many solo and chamber recitals all over the UK and has recorded backing tracks over many years for TV and radio.
She has been involved with education projects extensively both with the Hallé and Lancashire Sinfonietta and teaches privately from home. She lives in Bacup, East Lancashire with her husband and family.