Northern Chamber Orchestra

Northern Chamber Orchestra (NCO) is a British chamber orchestra based in Manchester, England. Established in 1967, the orchestra gives concerts at The Kings' School, Macclesfield and The Stoller Hall, Manchester as well as a Christmas concert at Tatton Park, Knutsford and one-off engagements around the country. They are also currently the resident orchestra for the Buxton Festival.

History

The NCO was founded in 1967, and gave its concerts at The Heritage Centre in Macclesfield. Diana Cummings was leader and soloist of the NCO for 10 years, from 1975 to 1985. From 1985 to 2022, the NCO's musical director and leader was Nicholas Ward.[1][2] David Ellis served as the NCO's artistic director and composer-in-residence from 1986 until the mid-1990's.

In 2022, the NCO announced the relocation of its concerts from The Heritage Centre to The Kings' School.[3] In July 2024, the NCO announced the appointments of Zöe Beyers as its next music director and of Sarah Brandwood-Spencer as its new associate director.[4]

The orchestra has recorded commercially for the Naxos label, including works by composers such as Joseph Haydn,[5] Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart[6] and Georg Philipp Telemann.

References

  1. ^ "Artistic Director Nicholas Ward to step down after 37 years with the NCO" (Press release). Northern Chamber Orchestra. 2 February 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
  2. ^ "Northern Chamber Orchestra's Artistic Director Steps Down". The Violin Channel. 17 March 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  3. ^ "Northern Chamber Orchestra to perform its final three concerts at The Heritage Centre in Macclesfield" (Press release). Northern Chamber Orchestra. 4 March 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
  4. ^ "Northern Chamber Orchestra Announces New Artistic Leadership" (Press release). Northern Chamber Orchestra. 23 July 2024. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
  5. ^ "Haydn Symphonies - No. 22 in E flat, "Philosopher"; No. 29 in E; No. 60 in C, "II distratto". Northern Chamber Orchestra / Nicholas Ward. Naxos © 8 550724". Gramophone: 46. June 1995. Archived from the original on 30 December 2010. Retrieved 4 December 2010.
  6. ^ "Mozart Symphonies. Northern Chamber Orchestra / Nicholas Ward". Gramophone: 88. December 1995. Retrieved 4 December 2010.
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