Stephanie Tress

Steph’s career is mainly centred around chamber music; she is a founding member of the Solem Quartet, formed in Manchester in 2011. Former Junior Fellows at the RNCM, they enjoy a busy concert schedule including venues such as Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Kings Place and Kettle's Yard. Their debut album ‘The Four Quarters’ received critical acclaim and is regularly played on Classic FM, Radio 3 and Scala Radio. The quartet has worked closely with many of today’s leading composers, including Anna Meredith, Colin Matthews, Edmund Finnis and Thomas Adès. Their work has been recognised through generous awards from the Royal Philharmonic Society and Jerwood Arts.

Steph is also a member of the experimental group House of Bedlam, and she often joins other chamber ensembles as a guest (Jess Gillam Ensemble, Manchester Collective, SE26 Ensemble, United Strings of Europe, 12 Ensemble, London Chamber Orchestra and London Contemporary Orchestra). 

A particular recent highlight was a performance of Michael Gordon’s Industry for solo cello and live electronics at Hidden Notes Festival with Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood. Steph also performed this work at London’s Purcell Room, and separately for a BBC Radio 3 live broadcast. 

She often performs with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, was formerly Principal Cello of Sinfonia Cymru, and is currently a regular Guest Principal with Manchester Camerata. Steph also enjoys session work for TV and film and has played on several major film soundtracks.
A former RCMJD student (latterly with the late Michal Kaznowski), Steph comes from Kingston-upon-Thames. She went on to study at the HfK Bremen, Germany, and then in Manchester. She graduated from the Joint Course at Manchester University and the Royal Northern College of Music in 2014 with distinction, winning a number of awards and competitions including the Sir John Barbarolli Cello Prize.

Faculties / departments: Junior Department

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