About Us
Bristol Ensemble – The Orchestra for the West of England
Bristol Ensemble is a dynamic collective of specialist musicians dedicated to delivering the highest calibre of performance to a wide range of audiences. Founded in 1994 by violinist and Music Director Roger Huckle, the ensemble has been at the forefront of musical life in Bristol and the Southwest for over three decades.
Versatility is one of Bristol Ensemble’s greatest strengths. Its repertoire spans from 17th-century music, performed on original instruments, to cutting-edge contemporary composition and experimental music. The ensemble maintains a vibrant schedule of concerts across Bristol and the West of England, alongside its regular concert series in Henleaze and Nailsworth, and as the resident orchestra with If Opera in Bradford-on-Avon.
“Bristol is fortunate to have such a fine orchestra as this”
Bristol Live
Since its foundation, Bristol Ensemble has collaborated with many of the world’s finest performers, including Nicola Benedetti, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Freddy Kempf, Peter Donohoe, Andrei Gavrilov, Chloë Hanslip, Matthew Barley, Alan Schiller, Willard White, Emma Kirkby, James Bowman, Andy Sheppard, Wayne Marshall, Lesley Garrett, Emma Johnson, Natalia Lomeiko, and Gabriel Prokofiev.
Bristol Ensemble Session Orchestra
Orchestral Recording Sessions for Film, TV, Video Game and Live Concerts.
Bristol Ensemble Contemporary
Making exciting contemporary music more accessible.
Bristol Ensemble Baroque
Period instrument orchestra exploring the repertoire of 17th and 18th century composers.
Bristol Ensemble Choral
Creating a thrilling atmosphere for your choral event.
Equally at home in the recording studio, Bristol Ensemble has contributed to numerous soundtracks for film and television, including award-winning productions for the BBC (Life in Cold Blood), Aardman Animations (Star Wars Vision – I Am Your Mother, Robin Robin), and Channel 4 (Any Human Heart).
Bristol Ensemble is deeply committed to its charitable work within Bristol and the wider community. Its Preludes Music initiative provides transformative musical experiences to more than 4,000 children each year and partners with local charities to present fundraising concerts and events.
As the orchestra for the West of England, Bristol Ensemble remains at the heart of the region’s musical life, delivering musical excellence, inspiring audiences, and shaping the future of classical music in the region through its innovative approach to performance and education.
MEET THE PLAYERS
WE’RE ON A MISSION
Preludes Music, the education arm of the Bristol Ensemble, works in areas of Bristol that are experiencing high levels of economic disadvantage and aims to put music at the heart of every child’s education. By doing so we improve confidence, co-ordination, speech and language and benefit all other areas of their learning.
Management
Roger Huckle
Founder & Music Director
roger.huckle@bristolensemble.com
Simon Kodurand
Artistic Director
simon.kodurand@bristolensemble.com
Judith Ogden
Publicity Manager
publicity@bristolensemble.com
Kat Kleve
Digital Marketing Manager
marketing@bristolensemble.com
Penny Rawlings
Preludes Music Creative Director
penny.rawlings@preludesmusic.com
Charlotte Dunling
Preludes Music Project Manager
charlotte.dunling@preludesmusic.com
Molly Zoeller
Development Coordinator
development@bristolensemble.com
BOARD
Charles Wyld
Chair of Trustees
Andrew Gustar
Treasurer
Danielle Radice
Trustee
Sonja Nisson
Trustee
Simon Cook MBE
Trustee
Penny Rawlings
Trustee
Jan Swann
Trustee
Jenny Hemming
Trustee