Foreword from Our Chair

2023-24 has been a year of significant growth and remarkable achievement for Manchester Camerata. As my term as Chair of this wonderful organisation comes to an end, I believe that we are in a stronger position than ever – true to our vision and heritage but relentlessly innovating in our pursuit of excellence.

My term as Chair was extended in order to see through a transition from Covid, the implementation of an updated strategy and to the appointment of a new Chair. As I look back on the accomplishments of the last 12 months, I can see the difference that the board’s strategy is already making, both to Manchester Camerata itself and for the diverse audiences and communities it serves.

The significant impact we have made has only been possible thanks to the time that the board and senior team have previously committed to crafting a clear and compelling long-term vision and strategy.

Those strategic discussions and previous investment decisions are now being translated into impact. We are supporting the next generation of musicians and delivering world-class concert performances and recordings. At the same time, we are building the organisation’s capacity and continuing to drive positive change in communities.

Our artistic excellence continues to be the hallmark of the organisation, with our musicians consistently setting new standards in performance. This year I was delighted to see this recognised through a series of awards and accolades, accompanied by a substantial increase in national media coverage.

Last year, I wrote about the board’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent. In 2023-24, we fully launched the Manchester Camerata 360° Ruth Sutton Fellowship, generously supported by a major gift from the Ruth Sutton family trust. This year’s intake of Fellows are making significant contributions across our concerts and community work, demonstrating the powerful synergy between Manchester Camerata’s artistic and social missions.

The organisation itself continues to grow and evolve. In 2023-24, we have seen significant growth in our communications and marketing efforts, enhancing our ability to connect with diverse audiences. We have seen a step change in our fundraising too, with an ambitious aspiration and plan now in place to build a £10 million endowment fund.

Additionally, this year we also celebrated the exciting announcement that Manchester Camerata is to become the National Centre of Excellence for Music and Dementia. This is testament to the world-leading work we have been doing in this field for over a decade. Leading the new National Centre is also helping to transform the skills of our in-house team with the addition of two senior NHS leaders to the staff team who will complement our existing artistic capacity with established health expertise.

This has been a year of transformation, growth, and achievement for Manchester Camerata, and I am immensely proud of all that we have accomplished. As I step down as Chair, I leave a confident and successful organisation that is committed to the vision and to the values that have guided us to this point. I am confident that the best is yet to come.

Steve Dauncey, Chair