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

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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).

10.08.23 | Future Yard and Northern Chamber Orchestra Join Forces to Offer Emerging Artists a Unique Orchestration Experience Through Propeller Programme

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Future Yard, in collaboration with the Northern Chamber Orchestra (NCO), is excited to present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for four talented bands/artists under Future Yard’s artist development programme, Propeller, which offers bespoke opportunities and practical support for emerging musicians.

Future Yard is Birkenhead’s community music venue, home to the best local and international artists while providing training and talent development pathways for local people into careers in the live music industry.

If you’ve been yearning to explore the magic of orchestration and witness your music transform with a string section, this is your chance! The programme will kick off with an exploration of the possibilities that orchestration brings to your music. Imagine delving into uncharted territories and unleashing your creative genius to craft a masterpiece with the help of strings.

During the process, you will have the privilege of working alongside the NCO, which will allow you to experience firsthand how your track could sound with a string arrangement. To refine your creation and turn it into an actual arrangement, you’ll receive expert guidance from the accomplished Composer and Arranger, Ian Stephens.

The culmination of this unique experience will be a closed performance session at Future Yard, where you’ll get to perform your track with the NCO players. The performance will be professionally filmed and edited, and the sound will be captured from the mixing desk, providing you with valuable content to use in your single campaigns. As a bonus, you’ll have the arrangement to take away with you, along with an understanding of how to effectively collaborate with a string section. This knowledge will empower you to produce your own singles in the future with confidence.

Applications for this opportunity are exclusive to members of Propeller. If you are an aspiring artist, and want to learn more about this opportunity, become a member of Propeller here: https://propeller.futureyard.org/apply/

 

02.08.23 | Northern Chamber Orchestra’s Heartwarming Return to Belong Morris Feinmann Care Home

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Last week, the Northern Chamber Orchestra, the longest-standing chamber orchestra in the North West, brought the healing power of music back to the Belong Morris Feinmann Care Home in Didsbury, Manchester. This exceptional concert was not only a celebration of musical talent but also an opportunity to enrich the lives of care home residents as part of the Mind Music programme, specifically designed for individuals living with dementia.

Led by the talented musicians Michael Dale on viola, Simon Gilks on violin, Naomi Atherton on horn, and Diane Clark on double bass, the concert transported the residents on a melodic journey. The soothing sounds and harmonious melodies created a captivating experience that transcended the boundaries of age and memory, leaving a lasting impact on both the performers and their audience.

 

The Mind Music programme, a groundbreaking initiative designed to bring music therapy to those living with dementia, has proven to be a beacon of hope and joy for individuals in care homes. As dementia can often isolate and alienate its victims from their surroundings, music has proven to be an effective means of connecting with them on a profound emotional level. It has the ability to evoke cherished memories and emotions, igniting a sense of belonging and improving the overall well-being of the residents.

Belong Morris Feinmann Care Home, known for its commitment to fostering a warm and nurturing environment, welcomed the Northern Chamber Orchestra with open arms. The care home’s staff and residents eagerly anticipated the concert, knowing that it would be a memorable and enriching experience for everyone involved.

The orchestra’s commitment to the community, especially to those facing the challenges of dementia, not only showcases the orchestra’s artistic prowess but also proves that music has the capacity to heal and connect.

The concert at Belong Morris Feinmann Care Home was made possible through the generous support of CDL, a Stockport-based software company. CDL’s commitment to the community and its belief in the power of music as a healing force played a vital role in bringing the Mind Music programme to life.

25.07.23 | Northern Chamber Orchestra perform in Norwich with ‘The Land of Might-Have-Been’

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The Northern Chamber Orchestra is proud to be the orchestra for the production of ‘The Land of Might-Have-Been’, a bold musical built around the timeless songs of Ivor Novello. After a successful run at the Buxton International Festival, the show now moves to the grand stage of Norwich Theatre, captivating audiences between 25th and 30th July.

Book tickets now: https://norwichtheatre.org/whats-on/the-land-of-might-have-been

Step back in time to a long-ago perfect summer, where the enchanting melodies of ragtime swept through every ballroom, and debutante balls were the equivalent of modern-day Tinder. In this captivating tale, chaperones were the bane of every young woman in love, and the call of King and Country stirred the imagination of young men everywhere, setting the scene for an unforgettable experience.

The heart of ‘The Land of Might-Have-Been’ revolves around the life of Buxton’s very own pioneering feminist and pacifist, Vera Brittain. Her intriguing journey, alongside the lives, loves, and motivations of those closest to her, forms the foundation of this enthralling musical. Vera, along with her soon-to-be fiancé Roland, her brother Edward, and their close friend Bobbie, embarks on a transformative journey during a long, hot summer in Buxton in 1914. Each character harbors dreams of their own glittering futures, but the prejudice and conventions of their time stand as formidable barriers to their aspirations.

With the Northern Chamber Orchestra’s exceptional talent breathing life into Ivor Novello’s iconic compositions, ‘The Land of Might-Have-Been’ promises to transport audiences to an era of romance, heartache, and the enduring power of hope. The seamless blend of captivating storytelling and timeless melodies creates an immersive experience that lingers long after the final notes fade away.

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience ‘The Land of Might-Have-Been,’ where history, music, and storytelling intertwine to create an unforgettable performance. Join the Northern Chamber Orchestra and Buxton International Festival’s extraordinarily talented singers at Norwich Theatre between 25th and 30th July for a magical theatrical experience that celebrates the resilience of love and the power of dreams.

28.06.23 | Northern Chamber Orchestra embark on new venture in Chester and Port Sunlight

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The Northern Chamber Orchestra is set to embark on an exciting new venture as they pilot a groundbreaking approach to their upcoming mini seasons in Port Sunlight and Chester. This ambitious project will see the esteemed orchestra engaging with diverse community groups across Wirral and Cheshire, aiming to break down barriers and bring classical music to new audiences.

In a series of initiatives designed to foster inclusivity and accessibility, the Northern Chamber Orchestra will undertake an array of activities that go beyond traditional concert performances. This multifaceted approach includes mini-concerts, masterclasses, lecture demonstrations, and recording sessions with young rock bands, creating a unique fusion of genres and styles.

The orchestra’s presence will be felt in unexpected venues throughout the region as they pop up in schools, care homes, dance classes, bars, and libraries. This innovative strategy seeks to reach individuals who may not typically have access to classical music and bring the transformative power of orchestral performances to their doorstep.

The Northern Chamber Orchestra extends its gratitude to its valued partners for their support in making these extraordinary events possible. Storyhouse, FutureYard, Edsential CIC, and the Port Sunlight Trust have collaborated with the orchestra to facilitate this groundbreaking project, sharing a common vision of promoting cultural engagement and community integration.

Furthermore, the Arts Council has provided a generous grant to support the Northern Chamber Orchestra’s pioneering endeavour. This funding acknowledges the importance of fostering artistic innovation and connecting with diverse communities, enabling the orchestra to bring their captivating performances to audiences who may not have previously experienced the magic of live classical music. Their collaborative efforts aim to break down traditional boundaries and showcase the profound impact that music can have on individuals from all walks of life.

Through their involvement with schools, care homes, dance classes, bars, and libraries, the Northern Chamber Orchestra aspires to spark a love for music, ignite imaginations, and cultivate a sense of unity and belonging within the community. By engaging with young rock bands in recording sessions, the orchestra also aims to bridge the gap between different musical genres and create an innovative soundscape that resonates with diverse audiences.

This pioneering project promises to leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Wirral and Cheshire, uniting communities, and enriching lives through the universal language of music.

 

19.06.23 | 2023-24 season on sale

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10.11.22 | Northern Chamber Orchestra: Beauty From Tragedy

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Northern Chamber Orchestra
Withington Works
Withington
Manchester
M20 3EB

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