Northern Chamber Orchestra with Steven Osborne

Johnny James, Managing Editor

Book now

Northern Chamber Orchestra with Steven Osborne

The Stoller Hall, Manchester
26 September 2021

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Steven Osborne
© Benjamin Ealovega
Book now

The Northern Chamber Orchestra – the oldest professional chamber ensemble in the North West – has got big plans for its return to the stage. An extensive 2021-22 season will see the NCO collaborate with a host of international classical music stars, from violinist Chloë Hanslip to cellist Raphael Wallfisch, in concerts spanning Manchester and Cheshire.

The first concert features pianist Steven Osborne, who joins the orchestra at The Stoller Hall on 26 September. Winner of the 2013 RPS Instrumentalist of the Year, Scotland-born Steven Osborne is widely celebrated for his insightful interpretations, his musicality and technique. Described by The Observer as “always a player in absolute service to the composer”, he’s particularly praised for his interpretations of Beethoven – a composer we’ll hear much of tonight.

Sometimes overshadowed by the legendary Third and the dah-dah-dah-dah familiarity of the Fifth, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 is nevertheless a stunning work by a composer at the height of his powers. It ranges wildly in character, by turns serious, high-spirited and playful. Among the symphony’s highlights is the boisterous Scherzo, filled with delightful syncopation, sudden harmonic and dynamic shifts, and a merry-go-round of spritely melodies. The Adagio second movement, meanwhile, is a thing of tender beauty. “Only amongst the giants of poetic art”, Hector Berlioz wrote of this movement’s final moments, “can we find anything to compare with this sublime page”.

Steven Osborne
© Benjamin Ealovega

 

Composed in the same year, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 is perhaps the most gentle and poetic of all of his concertos, and yet, beginning, as it does, with the piano alone, it is also one of his most radical. “It was with the Fourth Concerto, in G major, that the ultimate of condensation, of unity with the solo exposition, of imagination, and of discipline was attained,” wrote the pianist Glenn Gould. Expressive playing lies at the heart of the work, and we look forward to hearing how it unfolds in the hands of Osborne.

Completing the programme is a new work by James Manson, who is not only the NCO’s principal bass (a position he’s occupied since 1989), but also its Composer in Residence. This new piece will be Manson’s fourth to be performed by the ensemble.

As with all of the Stoller Hall concerts in the NCO’s 2020-21 season, this concert will be recorded for online streaming, available to view an unlimited amount of times during the week commencing 27 September.

Where to go near Northern Chamber Orchestra with Steven Osborne

Virgin Red Room
Manchester
Virgin Red Room

The Virgin Red Room is a new private members space located at Manchester’s AO Arena, with VIP access to some of the city’s biggest gigs.

Manchester
Restaurant
Chish & Fips

A special kind of Japanese-inspired fish and chip shop, from the team behind the incredible (and sadly-missed) Umezushi restaurant.

Manchester
Restaurant
Kitchen In An Arch

An offshoot from the much-loved Umezushi, this specialist deli is a one-stop-shop for all your sushi making needs, and also hosts occasional workshops to improve your culinary skills.

Chetham’s Library in Long Millgate in Manchester
Manchester
Library
Chetham’s Library

Chetham’s Library is one of the must-sees of any visit to Manchester. The library was founded in 1653, and is the oldest public library in the world – but the building dates back even further, to 1421.

Cathedral Quarter
Place of worship
Manchester Cathedral

A regular venue for gigs and one-off cultural events, Manchester Cathedral is nevertheless a working place of worship – open all year round.

Cathedral Quarter
Restaurant
Mamucium

High-class restaurant next to Victoria Station in Manchester, and attached to Hotel Indigo. Famed for steaks.

Cathedral Gardens
Cathedral Quarter
Park
Cathedral Gardens

Cathedral Gardens is a partially lawned public space in Manchester city centre, located between Manchester Cathedral and the National Football Museum.

Manchester
Event venue
Festa Italiana

The 2022 Festa Italiana was a roaring success, with great food options and captivating live music performances throughout the weekend.

The National Football Museum Manchester
Manchester
Museum
National Football Museum

The National Football Museum is now open to the public, ready to show off its impressive array of football-related exhibits and activities.

What's on: Music

Aisla dancing and Dj'ing
ActivityAncoats
Become A Superstar DJ

Get hands on with the decks in this funk and soul superstar DJ workshop from BBC Radio 6’s Ailsa.

Free entry
A youth band playing guitars Slam Dunk & Launchpad Youth Showcase
Music
Slam Dunk & Launchpad Youth Showcase

Launchpad & Slam Dunk have teamed up for a new Youth Showcase event, featuring 5 artists all aged 18 and under based in West Yorkshire performing at one of Leeds

From £8.00
Music
MusicStockport
That Night In Manchester

Join the electrifying musical ‘That Night in Manchester’. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Manchester indie scene. Step into the Madchester time machine as you hear a father recount the highs and lows of his life to his only son during the Madchester era spanning his life through the 70’s 80’s & 90’s as you experience the music performed live on stage.

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Experimental performance, thought-provoking new writing and our picks of Manchester International Festival - here’s what’s taking centre stage this summer.

A painting called Daphne, 2021, by Carolien Walker. The painting features Caroline’s own daughter as a toddler.
Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Cloudwater Production One
Tours and Activities in the North

Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.

A young boy with a white sash around his left arm cries.
Cinema in the North

Outdoor cinema announcements, a major retrospective at HOME, and the best of indie cinema.

Music in the North

Gigs are coming in hot this spring – from long-awaited returns to one-off happenings you’ll blink and miss if you're not careful.