For the Love of the Recorder

Charlotte Spencer, Camerata's Head of Development, reviews First Love Sky Arts 1

"Did you catch First Love on Sky Arts 1 last night?  Don't worry if you didn't, there's another chance to see it on Sunday 12 September at 7.10pm.  The programme follows famous faces as they revisit their musical past, and this week it’s the turn of the journalist and broadcaster Janet Street Porter.  See a short video about the show. I was really surprised to discover she is a huge fan of classical music and the Baroque period in particular, and for her challenge she tackles re-learning the recorder.  Despite it's association with primary school, the recorder is actually a really difficult instrument to master and make sound good! In the show Janet prepares to perform in public in her own inimitable and entertaining way – although it is really clear from the way she talks about it that this music is something she cares deeply about, which I found quite touching.  I have to admit I was tipped off by a very good friend of mine Ian Wilson, a brilliant recorder player and Early Music specialist, who was involved in the programme! It’s a fabulous show, and really highlights how much effort actually goes into making something look effortless, which its all too easy to forget when watching and listening to talented musicians.  Here's a link to the programme. Really worth a watch!"

Camerata and the Big Arts Give!

Composer Emily Howard commissioned to create piece for digital concert by Manchester CamerataDevelopment Manager Matt Freeman writes about the Big Arts Give! and plans for an exciting digital project.

"We're really pleased to announce that Classical Digital, a unique concert and digital project will be part of Manchester Camerata's 40th birthday celebrations, and the project has been accepted onto the Big Arts Give. Delivered as part of the 2012 Future Everything Festival, Classical Digital will feature two world premieres and represents Manchester Camerata’s second collaboration with the visionary Manchester Digital Development Agency.

 Although the entire concert will feature a number of digital elements the focal performance will be a unique commission from award winning Manchester composer Emily Howard. This commission will combine live orchestral music with the ringing of the Town Hall bells, an additional musical element which will be beamed into the concert hall via digital weblink.  If you want to know more then get in touch - on 0161 908 0042 or via email at mfreeman@manchestercamerata.com "

Manchester Camerata plays for FIFA delegation

Manchester Camerata's performed for the England 2018 World Cup Fifa Inspector's meal which took place Wednesday night at the Town Hall in Manchester.  Football fanatic and new Leader of Manchester Camerata, the Italian/Venezuelan Giovanni Guzzo led Camerata for the occasion with Natalya Romaniw the soloist who'll be performing again with Camerata at the highly popular New Year's concerts. FIFA Delegates were treated to a menu of Vivaldi, Gershwin and Piazzolla. Camerata's Chief Executive Bob riley said "It's a fantastic privelege that Manchester Camerata is able to highlight the city's rich cultural and vibrant life for this very special occasion." The delegation's touring England to decide whether football's biggest tournament comes home after a 52-year absence.  A total of 12 cities in England are part of the bid but Manchester is one of the key players. More than a million people from over 200 countries have already officially ‘Backed The Bid', including Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Noel Gallagher and Sting.  Read more.

Camerata at the Just So Festival

It's a busy time for Manchester Camerata's Learning and Participation team with several exciting projects on the go this month.  Nick Ponsillo heads up the department and looks ahead to Camerata's involvement in the Just So Festival in Staffordshire.

"At Camerata we’re very excited to be involved in the Just So Festival, where we’ll be working with parents and their children in Dalcroze Eurythmics sessions - you can find our more about this fascinating technique in two videos we've just added to out Vodcast Page

Over the past two years we’ve developed this part of our learning programme, which can often be the first step on the road to being actively involved in music. During a recent presentation it surprised the group to discover that Camerata work with children as young as this and they were even more surprised to find out that we work with babies and pregnant mums too.

In fact, it sparked a small debate about at what age are children able to engage with music. Some members of the group suggested that at around 6 years old the children might be able to sit still, listen to the music and gain some understanding of what was being played to them.  But we feel that  for people of all ages to gain the most benefit from the arts they need to be actively involved in the creative proces

At the early years stage this can be achieved by engaging the children in creative play, with the ‘music’ element being gently woven into their everyday fun activities – for example, improvising a simple song as they play with a set of toys, engaging them in singing with you and asking for their input into what words to change to make it more relevant to the individual; placing simple percussion instruments around a play space and as the children encounter them and experiment with the soundworld engage them in an improvised ‘musical conversation’.

We took this approach during our recent project at a community centre in Chester. Check out the website to see the film and listen to the podcast.

We'd love to know what people think about these techniques, and their own experience of introducing music to children"

Nick Ponsillo
Head of Learning and Participation
nponsillo@manchestercamerata.com

Be Part of It!

There's always a lot of demand to be part of Manchester Camerata and what we do!  There are three opportunities to get involved just posted on our website. We're looking for interns for our Concerts, Marketing and Learning departments.  We're a small team and there's a lot to do, so you'll get tons of really useful experience.  Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get cracking. Read details here. Closing date is 23 August, with interviews week beginning 30 August. Good Luck!

Leader of the Gang!

We have a new Leader!!  Rising star, the Venezuelan/Italian violinist Giovanni Guzzo, has signed up to join Manchester Camerata as Leader from the 2010/11 Season!  Read our News Page about his appointment.  He's no stranger to the orchestra, or the Music Director designate Gábor Takács-Nagy, who takes over from Douglas Boyd next year. You may have spotted both working with the Verbier Chamber Orchestra this Summer.  You can see him next at the Stafford Gatehouse on September 29, and at the RNCM in Manchester on October 23. See details of those concerts.

With Friends Like This?

.....we can party!  The Manchester Jazz Festival is on at the moment.  It runs until the 31st of July. We've got a pair of tickets to give away for Saturday's Pavillion performance.  Details on how to be in with a chance - here.