Linton Stephens

British–Jamaican bassoonist and broadcaster Linton Stephens (he/him) hails from the Wirral and first picked up the bassoon at the relatively sensible age of 16. He studied at the Royal Northern College of Music as both a junior and undergraduate. He continued his training at the Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt in Weimar, Germany, because if you’re going to be a bassoonist you might as well do it internationally.

Now firmly established as a freelance musician, Linton performs regularly with many of the UK’s leading orchestras, including Aurora Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, The Hallé, English National Opera, English National Ballet, Opera North, and Manchester Camerata. He currently holds the bassoon chair with Chineke! Orchestra, where he performs orchestral and chamber music by composers both cannon and those long overdue a wider audience.

Alongside his performing career, Linton is a presenter on BBC Radio 3, hosting Classical Live on weekday afternoons. He regularly appears on BBC television, including as a presenter at the world’s largest classical music festival, the BBC Proms.

A passionate advocate for equality and inclusion, Linton has served as Chair of the Musicians’ Union Equalities Committee and currently sits as Chair of the Members’ Assembly. He also works as a consultant across the arts and beyond on matters of diversity and inclusion. His clients have included the BBC Philharmonic, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, the Association of British Orchestras, and NBC Film Studios.

Linton is an Artistic Associate of The Multi-Story Orchestra, an organisation whose commitment to inclusivity and artistic collaboration aligns closely with his own values.