Samantha McShane, who previously spent 4 years at Manchester Camerata as Head of Creative Programming until 2017, returns to the orchestra to take up the role of Creative Director in November. Samantha has been Head of Artistic Planning at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland since 2017. She will be replacing James Thomas who is leaving the orchestra to join the Royal Northern Sinfonia and Sage Gateshead as Director of Royal Northern Sinfonia & Classical Programme.

Samantha McShane, incoming Creative Director at Manchester Camerata, said: “Manchester Camerata and the City of Manchester holds a very special place in my heart. The curiosity, ability to challenge and vibrancy of the organisation and the city is something that aligns with me personally and professionally and I can’t wait to be part of it! The world that we live in requires the arts to be relevant, to connect to its communities and to help make change, and I believe that Manchester Camerata with its wonderful orchestral musicians, Artistic Partners – including the inspirational Gábor Takács-Nagy – and the award-winning community team can be a key part of this change.”

Bob Riley, Chief Executive of Manchester Camerata, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sam back to the team, where her progressive, original and broad-thinking ideas about how orchestras can make change, will be relished. Her experience as a musician, programmer, and recently in higher education gives her an unusual and powerful perspective which we hope will provoke and challenge us in our 50th year and beyond.”

Samantha will take up the role on 28 November 2022 – we can’t wait to start work with her!