Manchester Camerata continues to be at the forefront of the UK’s contemporary classical music scene with the announcement of three world premiere performances this summer.
Manchester Camerata’s summer of new music begins with the world premiere of Rushil Ranjan’s Shikwa (Complaint), the first symphonic interpretation of Allama Muhammed Iqbal’s famous poem of the same name. The performance, taking place at the Bradford Literature Festival, is the first orchestral rendering of any of Iqbal’s work. Abi Sampa will perform the work with the Camerata and Ranjan at St George’s Hall, Bradford on 23 June 2023.The Camerata joins together with other leading orchestras and ensembles from Manchester, including Manchester Collective, The Hallé and the BBC Philharmonic, for MCR: Classical, a weekend celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage. Conducted by Agata Zając, the Camerata performs a late-night show with violinist Daniel Pioro, in a programme that includes two newly orchestrated works from Pioro’s recently released album Saint Boy, in addition to the UK premiere of Holly Harrison’s Black Ice on 24 June.In partnership with OperaUpClose, Manchester Camerata performs the world premiere of Laura Bowler’s new eight-piece orchestration of Wagner’s early opera The Flying Dutchman which will tour waterside venues across England from 28 June to 23 July. Bowler’s orchestration uses an English adaptation of the libretto by Glyn Maxwell and will feature recordings of UK community choirs alongside a cast including Philippa Boyle, Timothy Dawkins, Carolyn Holt and Paul Putnins.Manchester Camerata continues its relationship with Manchester-based DJ and composer AFRODEUTSCHE with the world premiere of a new work at Factory International as part of Manchester International Festival (MIF) on 5 July. The show is part of the Camerata’s UNQUIET series, an ongoing collaboration with critically acclaimed conductor Robert Ames that merges classical, techno, house and electronic music in commissions from innovative and cross-genre composers.
Following on from their recent concert with Artistic Partner and regular collaborator Jess Gillam, the Camerata’s other highlights include a tour of Haçienda Classical – the classical-electronic shows with Haçienda DJ Graeme Park – across the UK including a show at Kew Gardens in London from 8 July to 26 August.
Manchester Camerata is committed to working in the local community, bringing music to people of all ages ranging from primary school children through to people in care homes. The Camerata has recently partnered with Leeds Conservatoire and Orchestras Live for a project called New Connections, which aims to support conservatoire students and develop their creative leadership skills whilst forging links with their local communities. Students from a range of disciplines such as film music, jazz, popular and classical music take part in workshops led by Camerata flautist Amina Hussain, composer James Redwood and other Camerata musicians.
Summer Listings:
Allama Muhammed Iqbal’s Shikwa at Bradford Literature Festival
23 June – St George’s Hall, Bradford
I Was Guided by the Following Vision. at Mcr:classical festival
24 June – The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
The Flying Dutchman
28, 30 June, 1 July – Turner Sims, Southampton
4, 5 July – SS Great Britain, Bristol
7, 8 July – Worthing Pavilion, Worthing
12, 13, 14 July – Grand Junction, London
18, 19 July – Trinity Market, Hull
22, 23 July – Invisible Wind Factory, Liverpool
AFRODEUTSCHE at Manchester International Festival
5 July – Factory International, Manchester
Haçienda Classical
8 July – Castlefield Bowl, Manchester
14 July – The Quarry, Shrewsbury
15 July – Kew Gardens, London
28 July – Newmarket Racecourses Trust, Newmarket
18 August – Hardwick Festival, Sedgefield
19 August – Doncaster Racecourse, Doncaster
26 August – Dreamland, Margate
