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23.07.24 | NCO Announce New Artistic Leaders

01.07.24 | 2024-25 Season On Sale

07.03.24 | Death and the Maiden

28.02.24 | Fighting Fund campaign launched

25.02.24 | Mainly Baroque

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

05.10.23 | Macclesfield Music Centre collaboration

Macclesfield Music Centre

The Northern Chamber Orchestra (NCO) and Macclesfield Music Centre (MMC) are delighted to announce their second-year partnership project, set to bring enriching musical experiences to MMC members. Over the course of the year, NCO musicians will engage with MMC in a series of sessions tailored to various instrumental sections. These sessions will provide MMC members, regardless of their skill level, with the invaluable opportunity to interact with and learn from NCO specialists.

The programme spans six Saturday mornings, offering MMC members unique opportunities for musical growth. It features diverse sessions catering to various instrumental sections. The NCO specialists share valuable insights and techniques, benefiting participants’ skills. Advanced Orchestra members gain expertise from NCO cellists, and double reed players refine their skills in the Double Reed Session. Brass and woodwind players enhance their abilities through the Brass and Woodwind Sessions. The programme concludes with a Strings Session and a captivating String Quartet Performance in MMC’s coffee shop, creating an enjoyable musical experience for all members.

These sessions promise to enhance the musical journey of MMC members and foster a deeper appreciation for the art of music. For more information and details on how to participate, please visit the Macclesfield Music Centre website.

24.09.23 | National Day of Arts in Care Homes

Sunday 24 September 2023 marks a significant day in the calendar as we celebrate the National Day of Arts in Care Homes. On this occasion, we reflect on the profound impact of initiatives like our Mind Music project, which has been a beacon of hope and inspiration, showcasing the transformative potential of live music in improving the lives of individuals living with dementia.

The Northern Chamber Orchestra’s Mind Music project has been on a remarkable journey, touching the lives of many and spreading the joy of music to those who need it most. At its core, this initiative is a testament to the healing power of the arts, proving that music has the ability to transcend barriers, reach deep within the human soul, and foster connections that enrich the lives of all involved.

Mind Music at Morris Feinmann Care Home

Lawrence Dinh, Education Coordinator at the Northern Chamber Orchestra, expresses the significance of this project beautifully:

“Mind Music is not just about playing music; it’s about creating a space where the melodies resonate with the hearts of those who often find themselves in the shadows of dementia. It’s a language that transcends words and a bridge that connects us with our shared humanity.”

This project is not confined to the concert hall but extends its reach into the heart of healthcare policies and research. By engaging with caregivers, academic institutions, and parliamentary groups, the Mind Music project has paved the way for the integration of arts into healthcare, underscoring the importance of holistic approaches to well-being.

As we celebrate the National Day of Arts in Care Homes, we are reminded of the profound impact that initiatives like Mind Music have had, and continue to have, on the lives of individuals facing the challenges of dementia. It leaves behind a legacy of compassion, connection, and healing through the universal language of music.

The Mind Music project has, over the years, shown that music is not just a form of entertainment, but a powerful tool for enhancing the quality of life, fostering connections, and instilling hope in the hearts of those who need it most.

You can read more about Mind Music here: https://www.ncorch.co.uk/community/mind-music/