Chair’s Introduction
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.
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.
This has been a year of transformation, growth, and achievement for Manchester Camerata, and I am immensely proud of all that we have accomplished. I am confident that the best is yet to come.
Concerts
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.
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.
Fundraising
Manchester Camerata can only deliver the impact that it achieves through philanthropic contributions. Our fundraising work ensures we have the financial stability to deliver impact in all areas of activity.
In 2023-24, we began to see positive results from our work in previous years to develop and implement a new strategy for our fundraising. Our ambition remains undimmed, with the Board agreeing an aspirational plan to build a £10 million Future Fund to provide a financially stable future for the organisation.
We have also invested in building our organisational capacity to create the team and the mechanisms essential to succeed in an increasingly specialised fundraising environment. This year, we made significant strides by implementing a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, Beacon, thanks to a generous legacy donation.
Community
In 2023-24, our work has not only deepened our connections within Greater Manchester and beyond, but has also underscored our commitment to research-driven impact, ensuring our efforts remain innovative, scalable, and effective.
A key achievement this year was the successful delivery of our Music in Mind Remote project. Developed in partnership with The University of Manchester, this initiative expanded our reach, offering valuable resources to professionals in community and care settings to support those living with dementia.
The insights from this project were pivotal in securing Manchester Camerata’s leadership of the new National Centre of Excellence for Music and Dementia. As we embrace this national role, we are committed to deeper collaboration with academics and NHS stakeholders to assess the economic benefits of music-based therapies, building a compelling case for their broader adoption.
Communications
This year, we played live to over 35,000 people and reached 1 million more through our digital channels. The stories we tell are diverse, yet they all share a common thread – each demonstrates the ability that music has to transform lives.
There have also been several significant awards and achievements in the last 12 months. We were delighted that our Mozart CD was once again named Classic FM’s Record of the Week, an acknowledgement of the continued excellence of our recordings. Additionally, our Principal Flute, Amina Hussain, received the prestigious Association of British Orchestras Award for demonstrating the unique power music has to improve lives. Our performances have also received glowing reviews from major national outlets, including The Times, The Telegraph, and The Guardian. This critical acclaim further cements our reputation as one of the leading orchestras in the UK.
Governance
During 2023-24, the Board has focused on refining our business planning and strengthening our financial management processes, ensuring that the organisation remains resilient and well-positioned for the future.
There has also been extensive work around succession planning with our longstanding Chair, Stephen Dauncey, due to step down having been in post since 2017. Stephen has been the central driving force for this important work which has provided clarity and stability for the organisation.
With the new strategy now embedded, Manchester Camerata has commenced the process of recruiting a new Chair to lead the next phase of our journey. That new Chair will be supported by our expert and experienced board members, all of whom underwent a 360° appraisal in 2023-24, reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement and strong leadership.
Conclusion
As we move into 2024-25, Manchester Camerata stands at the threshold of an even brighter future.
This has been a year of consolidation, growth, and impact as the organisation has reaped the benefits that flowed from the development and implementation of its new strategic vision. That provides the foundation for our talented musicians and team to set new standards in performance across a diverse range of settings.
The remarkable strides Manchester Camerata has made in 2023-24 are just the beginning. With a clear mission, unparalleled talent, and unwavering commitment, we are poised to reach new heights and continue redefining what an orchestra can achieve.
The foundation we’ve laid is solid, the momentum we’ve built is strong, and the possibilities ahead are limitless.