previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations
with Steve Cooke
AATA MIDWEEK COLUMN WED 07 JUNE 2023
MANCHESTER CAMERATA THREE NOT TO BE MISSED PERFORMANCES IN MANCHESTER JUNE – JULY
PREVIEW By Steve Cooke
The wonderfully eclectic Manchester Camerata have three not to be missed upcoming performances in Manchester.
Saturday 24 June at Bridgewater Hall
I Was Guided By The Following Vision - In times of disruption and chaos, the world craves peace and tranquillity.
This concert with British/Polish violinist Daniel Pioro is the embodiment of the internal struggle between chaos and the need for peace, taking us on a journey somewhere between transcendental spirituality and gut-wrenching disruption. We begin with a sonic meditation for orchestra alongside two newly orchestrated works from Pioro’s recently released album, Saint Boy. Pioro’s serene sound is juxtaposed by Anna Clyne and Holly Harrison’s works, full of relentless chaos and anguish. We finish with Vasks’ Lonely Angel, which is inspired by the vision of ‘an angel hovering over the world, contemplating the state of the battered Earth with tears in his eyes’.
These are troubling times we live in, but we invite you to join us as we look to reconnect with the beauty in all of it.
“Daniel Pioro’s playing is the sound in my head when I write for the violin.” — Jonny Greenwood
Wednesday 5 July at Factory International
Unquiet - Afrodeutsche with Manchester Camerata conducted by Robert Ames
A night of musical innovation from three creative forces
Acclaimed conductor and composer Robert Ames teams up with two icons of Manchester’s cutting-edge music scene: the world-renowned Manchester Camerata and polymath DJ, composer, and producer Afrodeutsche.
Unquiet is a progressive new live experience created by Robert Ames in collaboration with Manchester Camerata. For MIF23, they premier a brand-new piece composed by Afrodeutsche specially for the Festival.
Merging contemporary classical, techno, house, and electro, Afrodeutsche is no stranger to pushing boundaries. As a DJ, she commands crowds from Berghain to Dimensions, while hosting shows on BBC Radio 6 Music and NTS. As a composer and producer, her works blend a range of genres.
Her latest work is performed by Manchester Camerata – one of the UK’s most adventurous orchestras. Whether it’s opening Glastonbury Festival or making music in care homes, Manchester Camerata reimagines the chamber orchestra for the modern age. This is the second piece AFRODEUTSCHE has composed for them – the first, He Sings Over Me, premiered at the Southbank Centre in London as part of the PRSF New Music Biennial.
For MIF23, this new composition is brought to life by internationally renowned conductor Robert Ames – who’s known for championing new music and working with some of the most exciting artists around today.
Saturday 8 July at Castlefield Bowl
Hacienda Classical Castlefield Bowl - FAC51 The Hacienda
Record Breaking Seventh Castlefield Bowl Event With Graeme Park and Manchester Camerata.
American House Pioneers Roger Sanchez & Todd Terry alongside Peter Hook Make Up The DJ Line-Up.
Performing all the hits from back in the day, most ravers will know every song and be transported back to when they used to hit the clubs. And younger ravers are sure to leave with a little bit of envy at not being able to experience the Hacienda madness first-hand.
Castlefield Bowl, Rice St, Manchester M3 4JR, UK
Visit: https://www.viagogo.co.uk/Concert-Tickets/Other-Concerts/Hacienda-Classical-Tickets/E-151340300
The Octagon to hold auditions for next cohort of young performers.
PREVIEW By Steve Cooke
The Octagon Theatre are now recruiting for the next cohort of young people for the
performance company.
The Young Octagon is the Octagon’s performance company, ‘developing excellence in young actors aged 13-19. The company offers committed young people the chance to work. with professional directors and creatives, to create bold and adventurous pieces of theatre. for performance’.
Young Octagon is for young people who are interested in a more intensive and demanding performance experience. It is for participants with some performance experience who are. ready to progress further, would like more opportunities to perform and who are considering. acting as a potential career.
Over the past two years, Young Octagon members have taken part in the National Theatre’s annual, nationwide Connections youth theatre festival.
Applications are now open for interested young people to apply for their 2023/24 intake.
Creative Engagement Manager at the Octagon, Alex Joynes commented: “We are. thrilled to be recruiting for the next cohort of Young Octagon. This is an exciting opportunity. for young people who want to take their acting skills to the next level and take part in a full production. Over the last few years, our Young Octagon company have created bold and exciting productions and we can't wait to see what this year's cohort create!”
Young Octagon is a yearlong commitment running for a full academic year over three terms, from September 2023. All participants will work towards a major performance in the spring/summer.
Anyone interested in applying can visit octagonbolton.co.uk/get-involved/young- people/young-octagon to fill out an online application by 9am on Monday 19 June.
Applicants will then be invited to attend an audition workshop at the Octagon on either. Friday 23 June, 6.30pm – 8pm or Saturday 24 June, 11.30am – 1pm.
RECOMMENDED
Friday 09 June
Pop Up Painting Paint like Monet
This sip & paint event at The Plough will be themed around Claude Monet ’s painting of the Japanese bridge in his garden at Giverny. Beautify your canvas with impressionistic brushstrokes, capturing movement, light and colour!
Unleash your creativity – wine glass in one hand, paint brush in the other. No experience needed!
Your PopUp Painting experience will include:
All art supplies – including paint, brushes, canvas, and apron.
Guidance from a practicing artist – but feel free to go off-piste!
A themed playlist to immerse you in your experience.
Your canvas is yours to keep. Hang it with pride!
£32.99 (buy 2 tickets and get the 3rd free)
Phone: Debbie Lord 07805 726165
Visit: http://popuppainting.com
7.30pm
The Plough, Bolton Road, Marland, Rochdale OL11 3LW
Saturday 10 June
Littleborough Food Festival Craft Fair
The charge to stallholders for a table is £20.
Free
Phone: Littleborough Coach House 01706 378481
Visit: https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/sites/littleborough-coach-house/coach-hous.
10am - 3pm
Littleborough Coach House, Lodge Street, Littleborough OL15 9AE
Saturday 10 June
Riverside Artisan Market
Running on the second Saturday of every month, the successful Riverside Artisan Market returns again to Rochdale Riverside this weekend.
A warm welcome is waiting from over 20 small independent businesses who grow, rear, make or bake what you see. All different, all quality and made by the people you speak to.
From artisan meats to hand made fudge and glass creations.
From room sprays, wax melts, handmade soaps, and quirky gift ideas
From preserves, chutneys, oils and vinegars to delicious savoury pies, sweet treats and fresh fruit and veg and so much more.
Free
Phone: 07447 412534
10am - 4pm
Riverside Retail & Leisure Complex, Riverside Walk, Rochdale OL16 1TR
An oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
https://www.allacrossthearts.com