Matthew Sharp with Northern Chamber Orchestra at Stockport Town Hall
Chris Horkan
This standout concert from Northern Chamber Orchestra’s current 50th anniversary season features ‘virtuoso of the arts’ Matthew Sharp.
The pioneering cellist and baritone is also an animateur – meaning he brings music to life in non-traditional ways – and has performed principal roles at the Young Vic and National Theatre. He may already be a familiar face (and voice) in the North West thanks to his work with Opera North and Manchester Camerata.
He returns to the region in March to collaborate with Northern Chamber Orchestra on two familiar works: performing cello wizardry for Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme for cello and orchestra; and then singing the haunting Erlkönig by Schubert – accompanied by the orchestra’s strings.
In the days preceding this concert, Sharp will also work with students from Stockport schools, culminating in a performance during this concert of Copland’s Appalachian Spring.
NCO’s composer-in-residence and bass player James Manson has penned the finale to the evening: his exciting bluegrass romp, Meeting at Nisqueunia – which, like Copland’s work, takes inspiration from Shaker melodies.
Students and under 18s can attend the concert for free – book in advance via the link below.
