Manchester Camerata Ensemble
Biography Manchester Camerata Ensemble
Manchester Camerata
is one of Europe's best orchestras (Musika Magazine), renowned for dynamic performances, innovative collaborations and pioneering work in the community. Founded in 1972, the orchestra is home to some of the finest musicians in the world and uses music in innovative ways to redefine what an orchestra can do.
MUSIC IS HISTORY: Named after the Florentine Camerata, a group of 16th century musicians, writers and thinkers dedicated to the progress of the arts, Manchester Camerata uses the same principles to breathe new life into the classics and uncover the music of the future.
LOOKING FOR SOUND: Collaborating with some of the world’s most exceptional artists, Manchester Camerata is always looking to create immersive experiences that bring audiences and participants even closer to the music. Wherever there’s sound to be found, you might find the orchestra between Beethoven and The Beatles, the concert hall or even the car park.
The great Hungarian musician, Gábor Takács-Nagy, is in his fifth season as Music Director. A native of Budapest, Gábor is hailed for his limitless musical imagination and communicative powers with audiences, always seeking to unlock the meaning behind the music.
‘I feel music has to be spiritual medicine for people. Every note has to dance, sing or say something. This is how I see our performances – changing people’s mood and lifting them. It gives you a special buzz, a special electricity.’
— Gábor Takács-Nagy, Music Director
GOOD THINGS HAPPEN WITH CAMERATA: Camerata in the Community uses music to promote positive change and personal social development across three specialist areas of expertise: young people in schools, health and wellbeing, and our youth programme.
‘Something feels different...it’s a good feeling.’
‘Happy, really happy...I went to bed dancing.’
- Participants living with dementia
‘One of the best things in my life at school.’
- Pupil, Webster Primary School, Moss Side, Manchester
‘I was so proud of Jodie, she even let me hug her :) This is something that doesn’t usually happen. What a great project, thank you Camerata.’
- Parent of a child on the autistic spectrum
OTHER INTERESTING FACTS: Acclaimed Baroque expert, Nicholas Kraemer, has been making music with Camerata for over 30 years as Permanent Guest Conductor. Extraordinary violinist Gordan Nikolitch, Leader of London Symphony Orchestra, has been Camerata’s Principal Guest Director since 2006, and the exceptionally talented violinist Adi Brett was appointed as Leader in June 2014. Adi plays a 1752 Guadagnini violin, kindly on loan to the orchestra by Jonathan Moulds, former President of Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s European business. Our recent recording of Haydn Piano Concertos with Jean-Efflam Bavouzet and Chandos Records received 5 Star reviews in The Telegraph and Financial Times.
