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

  • Nic Hailey – Chair
  • Gregory Batsleer
  • Martin Carr
  • Michelle Duncalf
  • Karen Gabay
  • Kate Green
  • Samantha Kennerley
  • Lucy Makinson
  • Samantha McShane
  • 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 – 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.

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 Coordinator

  • 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 >

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 here to email Jo >

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.

Click to email Alex >

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.

Click to email Faye




We believe in the power of music to change lives.
If you want to join us on this journey here are 3 ways you can help:

Donate

As a charity, donations are our lifeblood. From breathtaking concerts, to life-changing Music Cafés for people living with dementia and their carers - the support we receive from individuals just like you make everything happen.

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