Concerts
Throughout 2023-24, Manchester Camerata has once again demonstrated the power of music to engage and inspire.
As an orchestra committed to excellence, we continually challenge ourselves to explore new venues, present innovative programmes, and uphold our standards in every performance, whether that is on the streets of Gorton or the stages of world-class concert halls.
This year has been particularly rich in variety and creativity. We performed an electrifying Beethoven concert at the iconic Albert Hall and delivered a unique, curated concert, Hearing Voices, at Stoller Hall working alongside Kantos Chamber Choir and Scottish mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill.
Our performances of Mozart, again at Stoller Hall, and the world premiere of Shikwa at the Bradford Literature Festival, were well received by audiences and critics alike, showcasing our dedication to connecting with diverse musical traditions and audiences.
We have also continued to take our music further afield, including our successful tour of Romania. This tour not only expanded our international presence but also reinforced our commitment to sustainability, travelling by coach rather than flying. This demonstrates that excellence can go hand in hand with environmental responsibility.
We were also delighted to launch the new artistic partnerships that will shape the next three years of our work, bringing fresh perspectives and new energy to our performances. The introduction of two new staff members has further strengthened our core team, enabling us to continue pushing the boundaries of what an orchestra can achieve.
This season, we also had the privilege of performing a brand-new, fully improvised work composed by one of our own members, showcasing the extraordinary talent within our ranks. Our new relationship with Company Chameleon has further expanded our creative horizons, leading to exciting collaborations that blend music with movement in innovative ways.
Manchester Camerata also continued to show its commitment to supporting research, building our understanding of the way that music can deliver maximum benefit to local communities. In 2023-24 we commenced a PhD project called “Putting an Orchestra in its Place”. This project will seek to uncover the impact of our music in the Gorton community. The learning generated by this study will help Camerata and other organisations that are seeking to understand the role that music can play in place transformation.
A major highlight of the year was the launch of the Camerata 360° Ruth Sutton Fellowship, a pioneering programme that is setting new standards in talent development. This Fellowship offers recent graduates in the North of England a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the full spectrum of work involved in a freelance career. With a paid stipend and unparalleled variety, the programme is providing new perspectives for our organisation and supporting the pipeline of talent.
Looking Forward
As we look forward to 2024-25, Manchester Camerata remains unwavering in its commitment to supporting talent and pursuing excellence. We will continue to unlock new creativity by connecting with audiences, cultures, and musical traditions that inspire and challenge us as performers. Our work is guided by humanity, originality, excellence, and fearlessness, as we constantly redefine what an orchestra can achieve.