Meet Our Team
Stephen is the Founder, Director and Conductor of USO.
His Zimbabwean-English heritage has engendered a deep affinity with a diverse range of musical styles and he specialises in projects that bridge different genres and cultures.
His passion for music began at an early age and he studied violin and piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, as well as film composition with Amit Sen.
Stephen’s professional career began as a member of the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra and he has since gained an impressive reputation playing, arranging, orchestrating and conducting ground-breaking projects both in the UK and internationally.
He has collaborated with some of the Industry’s finest artists to create many iconic recordings and award-winning projects, including Nitin Sawhney, Soul II Soul, Robert Miles, Take That, Nightmares On Wax, Octave One, Maxi Priest, Liam Gallagher.
Stephen Hussey - CEO & Musical Director
Since joining USO in 2015, Marcel has brought a wealth of experience in music, luxury hospitality, and event management to his role.
With a music degree and postgraduate training in performance and orchestral management, Marcel began his career with a placement through University of Surrey at the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the mentorship of its General Manager. This foundation led to his transition into luxury sales, where he worked with renowned brands such as Gianmarco Lorenzi, collaborating with celebrity stylists to coordinate global performances and appearances.
As a VIP Consultant for Selfridges in London, Marcel curated bespoke experiences for high-profile clients, managed exhibitions and events in the VIP Lounge, and worked closely with teams to deliver exceptional service.
Since joining USO in 2015 and becoming Head of Events and Sales in 2021, Marcel has overseen prestigious projects for distinguished clients at iconic venues worldwide, including The Dorchester and The Ritz in London, Palais Garnier and Musée Rodin in Paris, Shleissheim Palace in Munich and Antilia House in Mumbai, amongst others.
His passion for music and commitment to excellence continue to enhance USO’s reputation as a global leader in high-end events and music industry sessions.
Marcel Bechara - Head of Events & Sales
Mandy Weston - Events Logistics Manager
Mandy brings a wealth of experience from both the performing arts and production worlds. A graduate of the Guildford School of Acting (GSA) in Surrey, she trained as an actor, singer, and dancer. Over the years, she has performed at prestigious venues such as the Royal National Theatre, the Comedy Theatre, and the Lyric Theatre in London's West End, as well as in television, radio, and film productions.
As a co-founder of a successful theatre company, Mandy produced several critically acclaimed productions in London. She has also lent her expertise to a wide range of clients, producing audio content for platforms like Audible and Netflix.
In addition to her creative achievements, Mandy holds a degree in archaeology from University College London (UCL) and enjoys joining excavations across Europe and the UK in her spare time.
Mandy joined USO in 2022, where she has played an integral role in managing some of our largest projects, including the Classic Ibiza and Summertime Live Tours, as well as high-profile private events in Oslo, Paris, and London.
Emily Bell - Events & Marketing Manager
Emily began her career in the events industry in 2021 and, in a short time, has played a key role in national and international events for some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including Walt Disney Studios, The Premier League, Carnival Cruise Corp, and Netflix.
Before joining the Urban Soul Orchestra, Emily managed operations and marketing at a music and creative media studio. Thrilled to return to the music industry with USO, she brings her organizational expertise and creative energy to the team.
Since joining USO, Emily has successfully led some of the company’s most high-profile productions, including Classic Ibiza, the Rugby World Cup Awards, and the MTA Transport Awards. She is also an integral part of the team for major music industry projects, such as Liam Gallagher’s 2024 Summer Tour and recording sessions for various artists.
Outside of her role, Emily’s passion for music shines as she performs regularly as a vocalist at events across Kent and London.
Sam Craggs - Tour & Production Manager
Sam joined the Urban Soul Orchestra (USO) in 2011 as part of an industry placement during his Music Technology and Popular Music degree. Since then, he has maintained a close working relationship with the company while also developing a successful career as a musician, producer, and tour manager.
With a foundation in orchestral percussion from a young age and a seamless transition into contemporary music, Sam brings a diverse yet detailed understanding of music performance and production.
His career highlights include running a commercial recording studio, working with clients such as the BBC, Walkers, and DHL. As a tour manager, he has supported internationally renowned acts like P!nk, Jessie Reyez, and Mumford & Sons. In addition to his external ventures, Sam regularly manages and performs in USO’s productions.
With over a decade of experience at the highest levels of the music industry, Sam applies his expertise to USO’s projects, ensuring exceptional results.