Simon Stallard

Simon is a freelance musician (flute & whistles), folk singer, actor and Musical Director. As a musician he performs constantly, specialising in folk music but classically trained on flute and working with jazz bands, chamber ensembles, folk bands and other groups across multiple genres. He particularly loves Scottish and Irish traditional music, and enjoys a slow air or lament as much as a fiery set of reels. He is a keen researcher of the stories and contexts of traditional tunes, and brings that passion for story and emotion into his playing. He has performed as a soloist for weddings, parties, funerals, concerts and street events and at care homes, pubs and historic sites. The music of events like these becomes part of their story, and Simon will work with you to understand the atmosphere you want and how his playing can help create it. As a singer he has an extensive solo repertoire of songs from UK traditions, mostly in English and Scottish Gaelic. He won the Aigeallan Airgid (Silver Pendant), a prestigious singing competition at the Gaelic-speaking world's premiere festival The Royal National Mòd, and has performed on the Gaelic language TV channel BBC Alba. For the past 8 years Simon has been resident Musical Director of touring company This Is My Theatre, and has created the music for every one of TIMT’s shows and musical ventures, including the recent Concert for the Churches Conservation Trust, presented by Jools Holland. He has also worked as a freelance MD with Parkwood Theatres, and was co-arranger on a whole suit of songs by jazz-folk duo 'redbook' before touring with them as a flautist and supporting vocalist. He performs accompanied by guitarist Jake Tweddle in a separate duo, which is also available on Encore. Use Encore's Find Musicians feature to search 'Simon Stallard and Jake Tweddle', or look for Celtic bands in the Brighton area and you will find us.