Concerts

17.10.23 | Northern Chamber Orchestra Presents Music of Innocence, featuring Chloe Hanslip, Nadine Benjamin and Delyana Lazarova

The Northern Chamber Orchestra (NCO) proudly announces a concert highlighting the exceptional talents of three extraordinary women in the world of classical music. Violinist Chloë Hanslip, soprano Nadine Benjamin, and conductor Delyana Lazarova will captivate audiences with their prowess in a performance that promises to be both powerful and emotionally stirring.

The Northern Chamber Orchestra, known for its commitment to artistic excellence, will bring Gustav Mahler’s Fourth Symphony to life. Mahler’s music often showcases soloistic orchestration, making it an ideal candidate for the chamber orchestra’s unique interpretation. Ian Farrington’s arrangement enables this monumental work to be experienced in the intimate surroundings of The King’s School.

Soprano Nadine Benjamin, whose star has been steadily rising since her debut with ENO in 2018, promises to enchant the audience with her sublime vocals. Benjamin’s remarkable journey has seen her perform at prestigious venues like the BBC Proms in 2019 and the Royal Opera House in 2020. In Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, she will take the audience on a celestial journey, portraying heaven through the innocent eyes of a child with her breathtaking voice.

Chloë Hanslip, the NCO’s esteemed Artist in Association, is a distinguished violinist renowned on the international stage. Her recent and upcoming concerto performances with renowned orchestras such as the London Philharmonic, Philharmonia, and Hallé orchestras have garnered critical acclaim. In this performance, Hanslip will grace the stage with Mozart’s youthful Violin Concerto No.4, showcasing her virtuosity.

Adding to the richness of the evening, Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s evocative composition, Cantus in memoriam Benjamin Britten, will be performed, paying homage to the late Benjamin Britten, whom Pärt greatly admired.

Delyana Lazarova, who triumphantly conducted Beethoven’s Eroica with the NCO last season, returns to lead the orchestra in this extraordinary performance. In the 2022/23 season, Lazarova made her American debut, collaborated with the Philharmonia Orchestra for the first time, and reunited with the Orchestre National de France and the CBSO.

Don’t miss this exceptional evening, featuring three remarkable women who continue to make their mark in the world of classical music.

Ticket Information:

Standard: £27.00, Under 30s £17.00, Full-Time Students and Under 18s free

For tickets and further information, please visit  www.ncorch.co.uk or call 0161 706 1990

24.08.23 | One Night Only…Again! at Buxton Opera House

One Night Only…Again!
Buxton Opera House, Sat 9 Sep 2023, 7:30pm

The stage is set for an enchanting night of music and performance as Buxton Opera House presents “One Night Only…Again!” This eagerly anticipated event will feature the return of renowned soprano Mary Bevan and tenor Nicky Spence, joined by the Northern Chamber Orchestra, Kinder Chorus, and conducted by John Andrews.

Prepare to be transported into a world of musical magic, as the evening promises a diverse array of classics from the opera and musical theatre genres. The concert, which serves as a fundraising endeavour, will not only captivate the audience’s hearts but also contribute to vital accessibility provisions at the Buxton Opera House, ensuring that the joys of the performing arts are accessible to all.

A Night of Unforgettable Performances

Mary Bevan, a name synonymous with excellence in baroque, classical, and contemporary music, will be taking the stage alongside tenor sensation Nicky Spence. Their previous collaboration left audiences in awe, and this year’s performance is expected to exceed all expectations. Bevan’s reputation as an international star is well-deserved, having graced prestigious stages worldwide with her captivating voice. Her recent appearance in Alcina at the Royal Opera House was met with resounding acclaim.

Nicky Spence, recipient of the esteemed “Personality of the Year” award by BBC Music Magazine in 2022, brings his unparalleled singing actor abilities to the forefront. With an OBE for Services to Music adorning his achievements, Spence’s honesty and depth in musicianship have elevated him to the zenith of the music profession. His recent roles in productions like Jenufa for the Royal Opera, The Valkyrie for English National Opera, and Káta Kabanová at Glyndebourne Festival have solidified his status as a true musical virtuoso.

Symphonic Harmony by The Northern Chamber Orchestra

Adding another layer of brilliance to the night, the Northern Chamber Orchestra, under the expert baton of conductor John Andrews, will grace the stage. Known for their masterful interpretations and synergy, the orchestra promises to enrich each performance with a symphonic tapestry that transcends the ordinary.

A Harmony of Voices: The Kinder Chorus

This year’s event becomes even more special with the inclusion of the Kinder Chorus, whose young voices will intertwine with the seasoned brilliance of Bevan, Spence, and the Northern Chamber Orchestra. This unique blend of talents ensures that the night will be etched in memory as a truly extraordinary musical experience.

Supporting Accessible Arts

Notably, each ticket sold for “One Night Only…Again!” contributes directly to enhancing accessibility provisions at the Buxton Opera House. By attending this remarkable event, patrons are not only treating themselves to an evening of world-class music but also playing a crucial role in ensuring that the beauty of the performing arts can be enjoyed by all members of the community.

Prepare to be swept off your feet by a night of operatic grandeur and musical theatre splendour. The Northern Chamber Orchestra invites you to join them on Saturday September 9th, 2023, at 7:30pm at the Buxton Opera House for an unforgettable experience. “One Night Only…Again!” is a testament to the power of music, collaboration, and shared passion, and it promises to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of all who attend.

Book your tickets now: https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/one-night-only-again

15.08.23 | Northern Chamber Orchestra Presents Enthralling Opening Concerts of its 2023-24 Season

The Northern Chamber Orchestra is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated opening concerts of its 2023-24 season, featuring a captivating programme that promises to delight classical music enthusiasts. Led by the esteemed violinist Sarah Brandwood-Spencer, the concerts take place at Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight (Friday 13 October 7.30pm), The King’s School in Macclesfield (Saturday 14 October 7.30pm) and Storyhouse in Chester (Sunday 15 October 3.30pm).

The concerts will commence with the timeless brilliance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s majestic Emperor concerto, showcasing the virtuosity of the renowned pianist Martin Roscoe. Known for his captivating interpretations and masterful command of the keyboard, Roscoe’s performances are set to leave the audiences spellbound. The Emperor, with its triumphant melodies and powerful orchestral passages, remains one of Beethoven’s most celebrated compositions.

In addition to Beethoven’s masterpiece, the concert will feature Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 104, affectionately known as the London. Haydn’s genius is evident in the symphony’s inventive melodies and sophisticated orchestration, which have secured its place as one of the composer’s most beloved works.

As an homage to American composer Charles Ives, the Northern Chamber Orchestra will present Ives’ The Unanswered Question. This thought-provoking piece, with its juxtaposition of different musical layers and contemplative themes, challenges the listener to ponder the mysteries of existence and the search for meaning.

Under the leadership of the dynamic and accomplished Sarah Brandwood-Spencer, the Northern Chamber Orchestra will infuse each composition with their trademark precision, expressive artistry, and unwavering dedication to musical excellence. Brandwood-Spencer’s mastery of the violin and her keen sense of musical interpretation have earned her widespread acclaim, making her a highly sought-after soloist on the international stage.

“We are thrilled to open our 2023-24 season with such an exquisite programme,” said Siobhan Parker, Marketing Manager of the Northern Chamber Orchestra. “The combination of Beethoven’s Emperor, Haydn’s London, and Ives’ The Unanswered Question promises an evening of profound musical experiences. We are honoured to have Martin Roscoe and Sarah Brandwood-Spencer join us for these extraordinary performances, and we invite all music lovers to join us for an unforgettable concert.”

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.ncorch.co.uk or by calling 0161 706 1990 (01244 409113 for Chester).

10.11.22 | Northern Chamber Orchestra: Beauty From Tragedy