Staff & Board

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

  • Stephen Dauncey – 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

Click here to email Bob >

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.

Click here to email Ruth >

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.

Click here to email Clara >

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.

Click here to email Seb >

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.

Click here to email Holly >

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.

Click here to email Giles >

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.

Click here to email Rachel >

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.

Click here to email Lachlan >

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.

Click here to email Jay >

Amy Dunning – 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.

Click here to email Amy >

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.

Click here to email Reb >

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.

Click here to email Zoe >

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.

Click here to email Jackie >

Holly Randhawa – Project Manager (Community)

  • Deliver inspiring projects that connect and engage with our communities.
  • Promote and advocate for Camerata’s Music in Mind programme.
  • Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for music-making activities.

Click here to email Holly >

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.

Click here to email Jill >

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.

Click here to email Max >

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.

Click to email Jo >

Alex Williams – Income and Data Manager

(part-time)

  • 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.

Click to email Alex >

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.

Click to email Helen >