Allied London has launched a new kind of orchestra for like-minded amateur musicians of all abilities, led by Glastonbury openers, UK Ensemble of the Year (RPS Music Awards 2017) and ‘Probably Britain’s most adventurous orchestra’ (The Times) – Manchester Camerata.
St. John’s Collective is a new musical initiative, designed to engage the local community and inspire people to be creative with classical music. Perhaps you haven’t picked up your clarinet since you played at college, maybe you play in a chamber orchestra from time to time or perhaps you’re a dedicated musician looking for a new challenge. All are welcome to come along with their instrument, to experience the joy of ensemble playing and to be mentored by some of the finest musical talent in the city.
Recruitment for the new orchestra will begin in neighbouring Spinningfields with a very special open air performance given free of charge by Camerata on Thursday 14th September at 6pm in the Oast House Courtyard, Spinningfields.
Musicians are invited to sign up online, and there will be an opportunity for everyone to meet in person at Camerata’s Festive Happening at the on 10th December. Beginning in January 2018, there will be a series of workshop sessions in unusual, hidden spaces across the city, where the group, mentored by Camerata musicians, will learn and rehearse a new work by Jonathan Raine, composed specifically for the Collective. In spring 2018, the musicians will come together for a massed rehearsal and public performance, showcasing their progress and premiering the piece.
Jonathan Raine, composer and Allied London’s Director of Corporate, said, “We have always been clear from the start that the new St. John’s neighbourhood is founded on the three pillars of enterprise, culture and living, which is the driving force in everything we do here. Of course, the Factory will be coming to this part of Manchester in 2020, but there are also many other ways in which we can showcase the huge untapped cultural potential within the city.
It has always been Allied London’s and my ambition to use music to bring people together within the communities we have and will create as developers, and the St. John’s Collective will aim to do just that in a fun, inspiring and innovative way alongside some of the best musicians in the city”.
Bob Riley, Chief Executive of Manchester Camerata, said “Camerata has moved into St. John’s because we share the same spirit of collaboration and innovation as Allied London. The Collective marks an exciting first step in working together to create new musical experiences from within our new community as it grows over the coming years.”
If you want to get involved, please go to www.stjohnscollective.com for more information and to register your interest in joining this new musical movement.