Manchester Camerata has been presenting live music for thirty-five years and has established an enviable reputation as an orchestra which delivers high quality concerts in a refreshingly relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Based in England's North West, Manchester Camerata is Chamber Orchestra-in-Residence at Manchester's prestigious Bridgewater Hall and presents an annual series here and at the Royal Northern College of Music. The Orchestra gives concerts throughout the Northwest region and beyond; London, Hull, Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford, Birmingham, Aberdeen and Llandudno being some of the places in which it will perform this season. Manchester Camerata also enjoys flourishing residencies in Crewe, Colne, Stafford and Ulverston.

In June 2007 Manchester Camerata’s administrative base moved to the newly built wing of the Royal Northern College of Music, and the orchestra began using the state of the art rehearsal spaces there. This ground-breaking collaboration between a professional orchestra and an international conservatoire is the first of its kind in Europe.

Douglas Boyd, Manchester Camerata’s Music Director since 2001, is increasingly in demand both in the UK and the USA. Nicholas Kraemer, the highly respected Baroque specialist, is Permanent Guest Conductor and has been making music with the Orchestra for 25 years. In October 2006 Gordan Nikolitch, Leader of London Symphony Orchestra, was appointed to the position of Principal Guest Director.

Manchester Camerata works with many outstanding artists; soloists featured in our 2007-08 season include John Lill, Steven Isserlis and Anthony Marwood. The Orchestra’s repertoire spans 5 centuries including Baroque classics, the great Classical symphonies and concertos, and music from the 20th and 21st century chamber orchestra repertoire.

Manchester Camerata’s first two live CDs, recordings of Beethoven and Mahler with Douglas Boyd, have received great acclaim, and are available from all good record shops. Manchester Camerata’s most recent CD on the AVIE label was a disc of Mozart’s Symphonies no.40 and 41, released in the summer of 2006.

Education and life-long learning are at the heart of Manchester Camerata’s work. Workshops, concerts and coaching involve groups from all sections of the community and are increasingly integrated into our concert-giving activities. Manchester Camerata is committed to bringing high quality live music to all people, in particular to those who would not otherwise have access to orchestral concerts or instrumental tuition. Each year, over 300 education activities take place across the North West, involving children from nursery through to A-levels, adults, special need groups and those already specialising in music.

Principal supporters of all Manchester Camerata’s work are Arts Council England and the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, and the orchestra also works with a wide range of other supporters. Manchester Camerata was awarded an Arts and Business Bravo Award in April 2007 which recognised the long-standing relationship it has build with sponsor, Air Products plc.

The Orchestra’s name was inspired by a 16th century group called the Florentine Camerata who met to share ideas and discuss the arts. Their spirit of friendship inspires Manchester Camerata’s approach to all their work.