Prima Facie Records

Manchester Accents (PFCD245) £12.50/£17.50

Northern Chamber Orchestra/Nicholas Ward

Track List

1. Terence GREAVES (1933-2009) Rondino for piano and small orchestra (1960) Jonathan Scott (piano) [5:52]
2. Anthony GILBERT (1934-2023) Another Dream Carousel (1984 orch.2000) [7:56]
3-7. Walter CARROLL (1869-1955)/Eric FOGG (1903-1939) Seascape: A Children's Suite for small orchestra (ca.1916, 1922-23) [6:59]
8-9. John McCABE (1939-2015) Two Dances from 'Mary Queen of Scots' for string orchestra and harp (1975)
10-15. Thomas PITFIELD (1903-1999) Theme and Variations for string orchestra (pub.1951) [13:24]
16-19. John MANDUELL (1928-2017) Diversions for chamber orchestra (1969) [15:53]
20-23. James LANGLEY (1927-1994) Four Movements for string orchestra [12:29]

About this Album

This CD is a re-release of ASC CS CD45.

Reviews of the previous release

"This disc is filled with both new discovery and, for me, the familiarity of a musical language which may or may not be alive and kicking today, but which at its best is as easy on the eye as friendly faces on the streets of one's home town. Every one of the pieces on this CD has its own atmosphere, substance and emotional weight... The recording is excellent, and set in an appropriately resonant acoustic. The playing of the Northern Chamber Orchestra is also exemplary. Fans of good music everywhere should snap this up before stocks run out." Dominey Clements, MusicWeb International.

"If one needs a reason to compile a recording of varying and attractive music, yet with a similarity of accent, then the idea of a regional bias is not inappropriate - and I imagine that... further compilations may appear. If they are of this standard then I eagerly anticipate." Colin Scott-Sutherland, MusicWeb International

"None of it is anything less than charming and it’s often more: melodies with immediate appeal, buoyant rhythms, transparent orchestral textures. The Northern Chamber Orchestra under Nicholas Ward sound as if they are really enjoying themselves." Martin Andersen, Punch

Credits

Recorded at St. Thomas Church, Stockport, 30-31 October 2000.
Producer: Andrew Walton
Executive Producer: Steve Plews
Balance Engineer and Digital Editing: Richard Scott

You can read the booklet from this album on the Prima Facie blog, Recitative.

The Northern Chamber Orchestra’s former Artistic Director and lead violin, Nicholas Ward, stepped down from the role from the end of the 2021-22 season, having started as the leader of the Northern Chamber Orchestra in October 1984.

The Northern Chamber Orchestra (NCO) has undergone a remarkable journey since its establishment in 1967. Presently, it curates an annual series comprising eight concerts hosted at The King’s School and St Michael’s Church in Macclesfield, a platform that consistently attracts accomplished soloists of the highest caliber. Expanding its reach even further, the NCO has embarked on an exciting new chapter by venturing into Chester and Wirral with a fresh season of musical excellence.

Comprising approximately twenty-five musicians, the orchestra boasts an ensemble of distinguished chamber players, many of whom frequently step into the limelight as soloists. The orchestra is led by the talented Zoë Beyers as Music Director and Sarah Brandwood-Spencer as Associate Director. Through collaborations with prestigious entities such as the Buxton Festival, Orchestras Live, MMU Faculty of Education, Chetham’s School of Music, and leading Music Hubs, the NCO is immersed in an array of high-profile partnerships. It is deeply committed to an extensive learning and development program that extends to schools, colleges, and music groups in various concert venues. The NCO is dedicated to nurturing emerging talents. Collaborations with Chetham’s School of Music have facilitated remarkable learning experiences, allowing gifted music students to rehearse with and share the stage with the NCO’s accomplished musicians, fostering an enduring learning and performance partnership.

The orchestra’s remarkable influence extends beyond live performances, with over thirty critically acclaimed recordings in its discography, appreciated across continents. While showcasing expertise across a diverse repertoire, the NCO embraces opportunities to premiere contemporary compositions by esteemed composers such as Adam Gorb, Anthony Gilbert, and David Ellis, thereby contributing to the evolution of musical artistry.