Vale Alison Stephens Mandolinist and teacher


We were all deeply saddened to learn of the death of Alison Stephens. Most members will remember the wonderful recital she provided to the Bromley Guitar Society in 1996.

Alison Stephens was arguably the leading exponent of the classical mandolin in the UK. She was the first graduate of mandolin from Trinity College of Music, London, and was appointed as a teacher upon graduation, a post she held up to her death. Alison has played across the UK and has toured extensively across the Far and Middle East; Australia, South Africa, across Europe and in USA.

In addition to concerto performances, Alison regularly gave recitals for music clubs and festivals across the UK both solo and as a duo with Craig Ogden (guitar) or with Lauren Scott (harp) as Duo Mandala and also with Steven Devine (fortepiano/piano). She also regularly played in opera, ballet, film scores (incl. The Queen, Golden Compass and Fantastic Mr Fox) and concert performances with the country’s leading orchestras. She also made broadcasts and recorded live for National Radios in many countries.

Alison recorded seven CD’s in a solo or Duo capacity on labels including Chandos and Naxox. Her most recent CD Souvenirs (CHAN10563) with Craig Ogden (guitar) was released on the Chandos Label in Sept 09.

She worked on many projects in connection with Captain Corelli’s Mandolin including a best-selling CD (with Craig Ogden, guitar), a sell-out stage show (adapted by Mike Maran), the soundtrack for the Hollywood film, a BBC Radio 4 dramatisation, a Bookmark Documentary on BBC 2 and many poetry and music recitals with Craig Ogden and Louis de Bernières.

She will be sadly missed.

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