David Hackbridge Johnson
Conductor
David was born in Carshalton, England, in 1963. He started composing at the age of 11, and at 17 formed an orchestra to play Shostakovich's 8th symphony. He began work as a violinist in theatre orchestras before becoming a jazz pianist and drummer, forming his own group ‘Constellation’ which featured his compositions and arrangements. He has appeared as a drummer and violinist in numerous jazz festivals abroad and in this country, and has several jazz recordings to his credit including the album Did You See. All this in addition to studying conducting in masterclasses of George Hurst and Norman del Mar.
Among his other works there are 15 symphonies, 10 string quartets, 19 piano sonatas, 4 violin and piano sonatas, and many vocal works. His music has been recorded by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. He has written three operas, the second of which, Madeleine, was commissioned by Surrey Opera as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations and performed by them under their conductor Jonathan Butcher in 2021. His most recent opera, Blaze of Glory, was performed to great acclaim by Welsh National Opera last year. Hackbridge Johnson is also a poet and writer, and lives in Tooting, south-west London.
Our key members
Mario Basilisco
Concert master
Mario was born in London and began his musical studies at the age of seven with his father on the flamenco guitar. In 1991 he was a finalist in the BBC Young Guitarist of the Year.
After receiving a scholarship to study at the Centre for Young Musicians, he went on to Trinity College of Music where he completed his Bachelor of Music (Honours) Degree. He then received further scholarships to pursue a postgraduate diploma, graduating from the class of Michael Bochmann.
Mario studied conducting with Peter Stark and was coached and participated in master classes with members of the Amadeus, Chillingirian, Vellinger and Wihan string quartets as well as the pianists Yonty Solomon and Ian Burnside.
As a violinist, Mario was a finalist in the 2002 Vera Kantrovich Solo Bach Competition and in 2003 won the first prize in both the Barbirolli String Quartet Competition and the Cavatina Trust Chamber Music Competition.
Mario has given solo and chamber music recitals throughout London and the UK. He freelances and guest leads symphony and chamber orchestras throughout London, and is also the leader of The Wandsworth Symphony Orchestra, and teaches the violin and coaches orchestras for the Lambeth Music Service.
