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27.06.25 | NCO’s clarinettist Elizabeth Jordan releases Kaleidoscope

Discover the remarkable versatility of the clarinet with Elizabeth Jordan’s new album: Kaleidoscope.  Spanning nearly 275 years of repertoire, the recording journeys from one of the earliest works for piccolo clarinet by Johann Melchior Molter, through Jean Françaix’s cheerful and witty concerto, to the moody, atmospheric Nocturne by Stephen Barlow—composed for clarinet, marimba and strings.

Kaleidoscope showcases some of the members of the clarinet family and their ability to be versatile, almost chameleon-like in adapting to style and range of emotional mood and genre”, says Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Jordan | Clarinet

Elizabeth Jordan

A collaboration Beethoven would have envied

The album is recorded with the Northern Chamber Orchestra, percussionist Tim Williams, and composer-conductor Stephen Barlow – who also performs on harpsichord.  “Working with NCO is always a joyous experience”, says Elizabeth. “They rise to a challenge and unfailingly bring to the table a terrific sense of energy, care and above all commitment.

One of the pieces featured on this album is composed by Stephen Barlow, who has worked with the NCO previously. Stephen: “Elizabeth is a joy to work with. And I love working with the NCO, always have done since we first met. I love their sensitivity, their openness to music they don’t know, their innate sense of making intimate chamber orchestra playing so detailed, and their ability to cross so stylishly with certainty from Bach to Verdi. I felt privileged benefiting from their commitment to my own contemporary piece, ’Nocturne’ with such alacrity.

Stephen Barlow

Stephen Barlow

Both Elizabeth and Stephen credit their longstanding relationship with the NCO for the success of this project.  “There was a constant and immense sense of support from my colleagues as we negotiated our way through this very demanding repertoire”, says Elizabeth. Stephen adds: “We were able to talk much around each piece on this disc, looking for a mutual understanding which is invaluable for soloist and conductor, let alone composer and soloist – a deep pleasure Beethoven himself would surely be jealous of!

Order Kaleidoscope or listen online

Kaleidoscope is now available on Amazon and Presto Music.
You can also listen online on the following streaming services:

We hope to have copies available for purchase at NCO concerts in Macclesfield, starting September 2025.

Do you want to know know more about the music on this album and the recording process? Sign up for our newsletter to receive upcoming interviews with Elizabeth Jordan and Stephen Barlow, as they reflect further on the making of Kaleidoscope.

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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