Manchester Baroque
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Continuo Foundation grantee
Supported by Continuo Foundation
Since our launch in 2019, Manchester Baroque has built a reputation for engaging and vibrant performances of historical music on period instruments. True to the traditions of Manchester as the world’s original modern city, we create concerts that are more than just music; creating talking points, placing a spotlight on our city’s musical heritage, performing the great Baroque works alongside lesser-known musical treasures, but above all playing in a style that brings this music back to life.
Manchester Baroque is a flexible ensemble, delivering a broad range of concerts to diverse audiences each season, including oratorios, orchestral concerts of concerti and smaller chamber music concerts within our Intimate Notes series. Programmes are curated by our Artistic Director, Dr Pauline Nobes. Partnerships are central to our approach to historical performance. Our concert series, creative engagement work and support of early-career musicians links closely to collaborations with partners across the cultural and education sectors, including the RNCM, Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester Cathedral, Manchester Libraries, Schools and Community Groups across Greater Manchester.
We believe in the power of music to change lives and, since our formation, have delivered diverse education projects to widen access, increase participation and enhance wellbeing through music. A core focus recently has been support of Ukranian refugees arriving in Manchester; since Spring 2022 we have provided hundreds of free tickets to Ukranian residents in Manchester and organised dedicated fundraising events.
Musicians
- Asuka SumiViolin
- David HatcherViols, Recorder
- Martyn ShawFlute
- Pauline NobesViolin, Trumpet
- Poppy WalshawCello, Viola da Gamba, Strings
- Mark BaigentOboe
- James WoodrowViolin
- Andrew TahenyViolin
- Alex MitchellViola
- Bill ThorpViolin, Viola, Strings
- Rachel GrayCello
- Sophie SimpsonViolin
- David FrancisHarpsichord, Fortepiano, Organ
- Brendan Howell
- Mike Escreet
- Jane Burnell
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Concerts
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J.S. Bach - St John Passion BWV 245
Fri 18 April 2025
Manchester Cathedral
7:00pm
£10-£45
Season 2024/25
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'Musick' in Manchester 1744/45
Sat 17 May 2025
St. Ann's Church, Manchester
7:30pm
£8-£30
Season 2024/25
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Intimate Notes - 'Bach Family'
Sat 28 June 2025
St. Ann's Church, Manchester
7:30pm
£6-£25
Season 2024/25
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Intimate Notes - 'Evening of Songs'
Sat 19 July 2025
St. Ann's Church, Manchester
7:30pm
£8-£25
Season 2024/25
Past programmes
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Les Nations
Sat 15 February 2025
Hallé St. Peter's, Manchester
7:30pm
£8-£30
Season 2024/25
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Handel - Messiah HWV. 56
Sat 30 November 2024
Manchester Cathedral
7:00pm
£10-£50
Season 2024/25
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Intimate Notes - 'The French Flute'
Sat 26 October 2024
St. Ann's Church, Manchester
6:30pm
£8-£25
Season 2024/25
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Battle, Storm and Fanfares
Sat 28 September 2024
Hallé St. Peter's, Manchester
6:30pm
£8-£30
Season 2024/25
Summer Vivaldi
Sat 20 July 2024
Manchester Cathedral
7:30pm
£10 - £30
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Baroque Classics in Leeds
Sat 29 June 2024
Leeds Minster
7:30pm
£20 (Free FTE/U18)
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Queens of the Baroque
Sat 15 June 2024
Manchester Cathedral
7:30pm
£10 - £30
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Intimate Notes
Sat 11 May 2024
St. Ann's Church, Central Manchester
7:30pm
£6 - £25
- âž•1 other performance
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J.S. Bach St Matthew Passion
Fri 29 March 2024
Manchester Cathedral
4:30pm
Tickets £10-£45
Musick in Manchester 1744/45
Sat 17 February 2024
St Ann's Church, Manchester
7:30pm
£6 - £25
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Handel's Messiah
Sat 9 December 2023
Victoria St, Manchester
7:00pm
£10 / £15 / £25 / £45