Stephanie Gilbert

Stephanie began playing the flute at 8 years old when she was inspired by seeing someone else playing one in a group. It soon became her passion, and as a teenager she went on to win many trophies at local festivals such as the mid-Somerset festival, became a regional finalist in the Audi Junior Musician competition, and a woodwind semifinalist in the BBC young musician of the year.

Stephanie then went on to study at the Royal Northern College of Music with Clare Southworth and Peter Lloyd, where she obtained a First Class Honours Degree and a Professional Performance Diploma. She then went on to do a Masters course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and was lucky enough to have lessons with Sam Coles, Ian Clarke and Philippa Davies. 

Stephanie is based in Bristol and enjoys a very varied career as a performer and teacher. She plays regularly with the Bristol Ensemble, the English National Baroque Ensemble, Orchestra de Cymru and has worked with Swansea City Opera, Manchester Camerata and Bath Philharmonia. She has played concertos in some glorious venues, including the Tempio di san Biagio for the Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte festival, Montepulciano and in St John Smiths Square in London. 

She also teaches the flute at Bristol University, Millfield School and Clifton College.

Stephanie and her husband Luke who also plays with the Bristol Ensemble moved back to Bristol in 2006 to be nearer to family, and began playing with the Bristol Ensemble not long after. She loves being part of the Bristol Ensemble family, and getting to make music with talented colleagues and friends is always such a privilege. Stephanie loves the varied nature of her job, whether it is playing for an orchestral concert, recording for a film soundtrack, playing in a wind quintet or giving a solo recital, everyday is different. 

When not playing her flute, or driving her three busy children to rehearsals, gymnastics or dance classes, Stephanie loves running and walking with her husband and dog in the beautiful countryside on the outskirts of Bristol.