Frank Stiles was born in London on the 2nd April 1924. He learned to play the violin and piano from an early age. During the war he served as a fighter pilot; then took a degree in engineering before going on to study composition at the Guildhall School of Music in London. He subsequently studied at the Paris Conservatoire with Nadia Boulanger. Afetr hearing a concert given by his yet to be teacher Winifred Copperwheat [one of Lionel Tertis´ star pupils] he took up the viola and was for many years a professional viola player during which time he played in many major orchestras under famous conductors. 

In 1989 Frank Stiles was commissioned by the Australian virtuoso Carmel Hakendorf to write a violin concerto for her, and also a triple concerto for the Carl Linger Ensemble.  Both works were performed in Adelaide and Melbourne the following year. In 1996 Frank Stiles was invited to China to hear a performance of his Second Symphony and Fourth String Quartet. On his return, Vivaldi Concertante performed his Fantasia Concertante on a Theme of Vivaldi at the Romsey Festival, a work commissioned by them.  Frank Stiles music covers a wide field and includes chamber music, particularly for the viola, two song cycles, choral and orchestra works including Masada a dramatic oratorio. He composed a work for the Lionel Tertis Viola Competition in 2003 and also wrote his 5th Symphony for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to his creative work, Frank Stiles has been an avid champion of British Music. As chairman of the Associtation of British Music he instituted the ABM-Guild concerts which gave members a chance to hear teir music to distinguished musicians and gain future performances. He often works on several compositions at the same time. His music has been described as substantial, free from gimmicry so fashionable in the late C20th, not remaining conventially ´traditional´ but having his own very distinctive style. His works have been performed and broadcast world-wide and he has been the recipient of many awards and accolades both here and abroad.

For a full list of his works click here.

Publisher Mixolydian, Cramer, Anglia

Another list of Frank Stiles compositions can be found on the Impulse site: http://www.impulse-music.co.uk/stiles.htm