Nicholas Ward

4.3.22 | Northern Chamber Orchestra to perform its final three concerts at The Heritage Centre in Macclesfield

The Northern Chamber Orchestra, the North West’s longest-standing chamber orchestra, has announced its move from The Heritage Centre in Macclesfield to the brand new, purpose built, auditorium at The Kings’ School in Macclesfield. The auditorium is part of a £60 million campus, opened in July 2020.   

The final three concerts at The Heritage Centre also mark the departure of Artistic Director and principal violin, Nicholas Ward. Nicholas said, “Since starting as the leader of the Northern Chamber Orchestra in October 1984, I’ve had 37 years working with many great colleagues, with the support of a number of management teams, board members, friends, patrons and, of course, our audience. I have had some enjoyable and worthwhile music-making during that time, but the time has come to step down and leave the NCO to the next generation.” 

The concerts take place on Saturday 26th March, Saturday 23rd April (with the BBC Philharmonic’s principal horn, Ben Hulme playing Richard Strauss’ Horn Concerto No. 1) and Saturday 21st May (with Australian guitarist Craig Ogden playing Malcolm Arnold’s Guitar Concerto), all at 7.30pm. The concert on 26th March is the annual NCO Soloists concert, where the principal musicians from the orchestra will play works by Richard Strauss, Dvořák and Mendelssohn. Tickets for the concerts are on sale now from www.ncorch.co.uk or 0161 247 2220, starting at £18 (free for students and under 18s), with a discounted mini-season ticket available from www.ncorch.co.uk/season-tickets

The NCO will announce its new season, featuring internationally renowned guest soloists, at their stunning new venue in May 2022.