Get to know the OBS Team working hard behind the scenes!
This is Steven Grahl, our Artistic Director.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
I grew up in Derby, where I was a chorister, and later Organ Scholar, at the Cathedral. After study in Oxford as Organ Scholar at Magdalen College, I completed a graduate course at the Royal Academy of Music in organ performance. I have kept up a dual career as a conductor and keyboard player since. Appointments include Director of Music at St Marylebone Parish Church, London, Assistant Organist at New College, Oxford, Director of Music, Peterborough Cathedral, Director of Music at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, and now Director of Music at Trinity College, Cambridge. I am also Conductor of Schola Cantorum of Oxford. My repertoire is wide-ranging, but I have particular interests in old and new music.
How long have you been working with OBS and what has been a highlight?
I have been associated with OBS for some years, having occasionally played organ/continuo for the group. My first directing was Christmas Oratorio in January 2025, and I took up the role of Artistic Director in September 2025. There have been many highlights: it’s a privilege to work with the dedicated singers and players, whether in our annual Christmas Oratorio or Passion performances, or in the more intimate programmes centred around the Cello Suites this year. Other pleasures have included Christmas concerts for Macmillan Cancer Support, and a performance of the Credo from the B minor Mass as part of a conference at Pusey House in Oxford.
What do you enjoy most about working with OBS?
The music, and the people! The loyalty of and engagement with our audience is rewarding, and I’m fortunate to have excellent colleagues on the staff team who work tirelessly to create memorable experiences for listeners. Collegiate working with all of the musicians is engaging and inspiring, and the chance to shape performances with the Choral and Continuo Scholars is a great delight.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Travel; walking; reading; jazz (listener and very occasional amateur performer)
Is there anything else you’d like to mention, talk about, plug, etc?
I’m looking forward to our upcoming concerts, in particular the St Matthew Passion in 2027. Schola Cantorum of Oxford has a number of exciting performances in the coming months, and I have two CDs with the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge to be released this year.
