Manchester Camerata: Disruptors at Albert Hall

Manchester Camerata are well known for blending genres, performing in unexpected scenarios and taking bold and artistic risks in their programming. This week, the orchestra are bringing Disruptors to the Albert Hall. Playing two monumental works of Beethoven alongside a new commission by Carmel Smickersgill, a Manchester local. Unlike other orchestral shows here the audience will be totally immersed in the music, sat as close as they can get to the action in the round.

Disruptors is all about doing things slightly differently, in a way that keeps the integrity of the music intact. Complimented by the Albert Hall‘s beautiful acoustic and glorious aesthetic, prepare to have your ideas of how an orchestral concert goes challenged.

Joining Camerata on the night will be Irish conductor Karen Ní Bhroin. A pioneering conductor who is rapidly gaining international acclaim as someone who isn’t afraid to try anything, but also has an excellent musical instinct for bringing the best out of older repertoire. One of these older works will involve pianist Ethan Loch, of BBC young musician fame, who will be joining the orchestra for Beethoven’s 2nd piano concerto. Yet another young, powerful and exciting voice in the world of classical music.

Alongside the two Beethoven’s sits a new work by Carmel Smickersgill called Actions Speak Louder. This piece breaks down the barrier between stage and audience, encouraging the hierarchy of the room to be disassembled and the power handed over to whoever feels brave enough to take it.

Camerata are brilliant at setting up daring collaborations to create concerts that people talk about for years to come and this looks set to be one such occasion.