Stephen Higgins

Stephen Higgins is an internationally experienced conductor, pianist and vocal coach who has worked with many of the UK’s leading opera companies, including the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Glyndebourne and Scottish Opera, as well as opera houses and festivals throughout Europe.

He studied at Oxford University, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the National Opera Studio in London. His conducting repertoire is exceptionally wide-ranging, encompassing Mozart, Verdi and Puccini alongside contemporary opera and musical theatre.

Stephen has conducted numerous acclaimed productions, including The Magic Flute for English National Opera, Owen Wingrave for Opéra national de Paris, L’elisir d’amore for Opera Holland Park and Don Giovanni in Portugal. He has also conducted several world premieres, including Damon Albarn’s Dr Dee, Torsten Rasch’s The Duchess of Malfi and Tansy Davies’ Between Worlds.

His musical theatre work includes collaborations with Stephen Sondheim on A Little Night Music and Sunday in the Park with George in Paris, alongside conducting The Phantom of the Opera in London’s West End.

Stephen became Head of Music at Bergen National Opera in Norway in 2016, where his work has included productions of Carmen and Hansel and Gretel.

A highly sought-after vocal coach and chorus master, Stephen regularly works with emerging singers and young artist programmes at leading conservatoires in the UK and internationally. He brings a wealth of operatic experience, musical insight and enthusiasm for nurturing performers of all levels.