Meet the team
Introducing our staff and board that keep Manchester Camerata breaking the boundaries of what it means to be an orchestra.
Board of Directors
- Nic Hailey – Chair
- Gregory Batsleer
- Martin Carr
- Michelle Duncalf
- Karen Gabay
- Kate Green
- Samantha Kennerley
- Lucy Makinson
- Caroline Monk
- Simon Pedley
- Rebecca Ward
Management Team
Bob Riley – Chief Executive
- Lead on strategic direction and secure funding
- Secure major partnerships and collaborations
- Oversee the staff team and board reporting
Ruth Ellul – Deputy CEO
- Connect with philanthropists who want to support our musicians, artistic programmes, and social impact.
- Dreaming up bold, exciting new ideas to secure our impact for the long-term.
- Sharing stories and celebrating the impact of philanthropy.
Clara Marshall Cawley – Head of Artistic Planning
- Develop and lead the orchestra’s artistic direction and deliver the programme of engagement work.
- Collaborate with artistic partners and external artists; building relationships with promotors and venues.
- Manage the Concerts Team and oversee the budget.
Sebastian Mariner – Head of Communications and Marketing
- Responsible for all Manchester Camerata communications across all outputs.
- Sales and Marketing of all Manchester Camerata activity.
- Responsibility for the Manchester Camerata brand.
Holly Passingham – Head of Funding Partnerships
(part-time)
- Establish and grow private and public sector funding partnerships for the orchestra.
- Work with colleagues and supporters to develop sector-leading programmes that connect people with music.
- Prepare reports and maintain effective stewardship of all partners.
Giles Wilmore – Director, Community
(part-time)
- Oversight of Camerata’s activity in the community, including Music in Mind and work with children & young people.
- Programme Director for the Power of Music Centre of Excellence for Music & Dementia.
- Oversight of international connections for Music in Mind.
Rachel Durkin – Finance Manager
(part-time)
- Develop and oversee the organisation’s financial strategies and budgeting processes.
- Monitor financial performance and provide detailed financial reports.
- Supervise daily financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting.
Lachlan Banner – Planning and Production Manager
- Overseeing and delivering the orchestra’s diverse and exciting artistic programme.
- Responsible for pre-project technical and set-up requirements.
- Supporting our artists and musicians to achieve their artistic aims.
Jay Cipriani – Digital Media Producer
(part-time)
- Capture Camerata’s performances, community work, and behind-the-scenes moments.
- Create promotional trailers that capture the essence of upcoming concerts and events.
- Record interviews with musicians, conductors, and composers to provide deeper insights into the music.
Amy Dunning – Senior Project Manager (Community)
- Collaborate with a diverse array of brilliant community groups to bring music projects to life.
- Develop and expand a sustainable creative program that empowers young people across Greater Manchester.
- Build a network of partners, both in the UK and beyond, who share our vision of music for change.
Rebecca Everett – Digital Marketing Manager
- Create, improve and maintain digital content across web, email and socials to raise brand awareness and connect with our audience.
- Manage the orchestra’s social media channels and plan annual programme of digital activity.
- Connect with artists and collaborators, sharing inspiring stories digitally.
Zoe Jenkins – Library and Concerts Assistant
- Organise and maintain the orchestra’s music library, preparing parts for rehearsals and performances.
- Support the running of all our concerts, to ensure smooth performances.
- Work closely alongside our fantastic Concerts team and Camerata musicians.
Jackie Parkes – Project Coordinator (Music in Mind)
(part-time)
- Executive support to Music in Mind Chief Executive Officer & Project Manager.
- Board support and Governance.
- Administration of the Project Manager’s office, and administration of the financial procedures and bookkeeping.
Jill Taylor – Partnerships Manager (Music in Mind)
(part-time)
- Managing partnerships with our funders, commissioners and Music in Mind delivery partners.
- Leading the team to grow our community of Music in Mind Music Champions.
- Developing a sustainable and scalable Music in Mind service to support as many people with dementia and their carers as possible.
Max Thomas – Creative Producer
- Producing and managing concert & community-based projects while leading the Manchester Camerata 360° Ruth Sutton Fellowship.
- Facilitating knowledge exchange between Manchester Camerata and The University of Manchester staff and students.
- Collaborate with external organisations on co-produced performances, professional development, and research-based practices.
Jo Watson – Orchestra Personnel Manager
- Book and manage all Manchester Camerata and freelance musicians.
- Assist in the scheduling of all concert events.
- Manage the Professional Experience Scheme to nurture talent development.
Alex Williams – Income and Data Manager
- Oversees the Orchestra’s CRM database.
- Responsible for data and process development, information management, and gift processing.
- Champion the effective use of data insight to support and develop our connection with audiences and supporters.
Helen Pexton – Executive Assistant
(part-time)
- Manage the Chief Executive’s diary.
- Organising the Camerata Board Meetings, including: Coordinating meeting dates, agenda and paper preparation, taking and distribution of minutes and follow-up actions.
- Preparation of communications, including letters, presentations, reports, and briefing materials for meetings.
Faye Kenny – Project coordinator (Community)
- Project Planning and Delivery – Coordinate projects, book venues, schedule musicians, and manage payments.
- Monitoring and Evaluation – Track budgets, analyse feedback, promote, and oversee safeguarding and data reporting.
- Team and Administrative Support – Handle inquiries, update website, and assist with online resources.