Roger Huckle
VIOLIN, COMPOSER
Roger Huckle has been the inspiration and guide for Bristol Ensemble – Bristol’s professional chamber orchestra, and a cherished musicians’ collective of exceptional standard – since its foundation in 1994.
Born in Bristol, Roger studied at the Birmingham Conservatoire and with Frederick Grinke, was a member of Norway’s Bergen Philharmonic, and now performs with leading UK orchestras – including co-leading the London Concertante and Opera Box Orchestra.
Roger appreciates Bristol Ensemble players’ musical hunger and real commitment to the group’s performances. He always aims for heart-felt music making, and fondly recalls the transcendent spirituality of a 2004 Emerald Messiah.
Although his favourite journey is Bergen to Oslo by road, he loves Bristol’s Downs, and describes the tip of Worms Head at Rhossili in Gower as his favourite place in the world.
Marcus Davidson
KEYBOARDS, SOUNDS, COMPOSER
Marcus Davidson was a chorister at Worcester Cathedral. He read Music at Birmingham University, and later received a master’s degree in composition at City University, London, studying with Rhian Samuel.
Marcus is currently focusing on music which reflects sounds from nature, often working with recordings which are incorporated into his compositions. His work The Passing, which includes recordings from space, was broadcast by Radio Deutschland for their coverage of the CTM12 festival, and is now released by the Touch label.
Marcus featured in the Bergen International Festival 2012 with his Bee Symphony, a collaboration with renowned sound recordist Chris Watson, where recordings of honey bees are fused with human song. It was premiered at Queen Elizabeth Hall, London 2009.
Marcus is a member of Spire, the Organ based project by Touch, and has performed at festivals throughout Europe. He writes and arranges for the London based a cappella trio Voice, who included his works on their albums.