Manchester Camerata at Gorton Monastery Sunday January 28th

A real treat to be able to see Manchester Camerata with violinist  Daniel Pioro, playing Baroque music of Bach, Rameau and Vivaldi at the stunning Gorton Monastery on a Sunday afternoon.

A warm welcome from lovely front of house staff and took our seats in the beautiful nave. Truly a spectacular venue for this candlelit concert.

A packed house of excited concert goers set a great atmosphere and the orchestra were greeted enthusiastically as they took their places, most of them remaining standing to play, which added to the experience for the audience.

Daniel Pioro’s programme notes state that he finds Bach’s music hard to define, but that it is no less enjoyable to play for all that. The first half of the performance was sublime, grand and beautiful to hear, the setting just perfect for the audience experience. The harpsichord and harp were heavenly alongside the rest of the orchestra, the most delightful combination. We made a note of the programme for future listening at home.

The second half was a piece by Jean - Philippe Rameau and 2 Vivaldi pieces. It had a more lighthearted feel and it was easy to imagine how delightful it must have been to attend a ball and dance to music like this. The orchestra were clearly thoroughly enjoying themselves and the use of the brass instruments in the Vivaldi pieces was charming and we felt, quite unusual but complemented the pieces beautifully.

We didn’t want it to end it was so enjoyable. Again, note made of the pieces for future listening.

A further treat to be able to see the gorgeous golden harp up close after the performance finished, quite a celebrity in its own right. Lovely afternoon.

Thank you to everyone at Gorton Monastery who made us very welcome in their beautiful space. Looking forward to a return visit very soon.

Manchester Camerata’s home is now the Monastery. They work with schools and Youth Zones in the surrounding area and host a free weekly music cafe for people living with dementia and their carers. Please see manchestercamerata.co.uk/support-us for more information on supporting this vital work.

Next Camerata shows are in April and 2 in May, not to be missed. They are easily found on all social media platforms and more information is here  

Christine Ince for Canal St Media

Published: 30-Jan-2024 (7372)