Timothy Ridout joins Manchester Camerata for an evening of sublime orchestral works featuring Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro Overture, a burst of charm and energy. The programme includes Pēteris Vasks’ Viola Concerto, a searching, emotional work, closing with Brahms’ Serenade No.2, a warm, violin-less piece about hope and renewal that explores diverse musical worlds.

Experience a programme of orchestral works with Manchester Camerata and internationally acclaimed violist Timothy Ridout, a former BBC New Generation Artist. This concert explores different musical worlds, driven by invention, colour, and emotional depth.

We open with Mozart’s Overture to The Marriage of Figaro. It’s a sparkling, recognisable start, full of wit, energy, and momentum. Its rapid string writing and orchestral playfulness capture Mozart’s genius for drama and theatrical flair! The journey continues with Pēteris Vasks’ expressive Viola Concerto. This work has emotional contrast and spiritual depth. Written for Maxim Rysanov, it places the viola at its centre as a searching, solitary voice.

We close with Brahms’ Serenade No.2 in A major. This early work shows a composer shaping his orchestral voice. Written without violins, it has a warm, mellow sound, with violas, cellos, and woodwind taking the lead. It moves between still moments, folk rhythms, and bright passages. This piece is about hope and renewal, holding darkness and light side by side. This is a rare chance to hear these works together.

This event will last approximately 90 minutes, with an interval.

About Manchester Camerata

Manchester Camerata is the UK’s most relentlessly pioneering orchestra, known for constantly innovating – redefining what an orchestra can be.

Whether performing with the Pet Shop Boys live on MTV to over 300 million people worldwide, or touring international concert halls with the greats of classical music, Manchester Camerata exists to transform lives through exceptional music.

Led by their Music Director, Gábor Takács-Nagy, and their artistic partners, they have hosted orchestral raves, brewed beers, released award-winning short films, made sportswear, and have attracted millions of streams worldwide. They are also proud to be Classic FM’s only partner in Greater Manchester.

Reviews

Manchester Camerata

‘They are simply really good, in a way that’s easy to thrill to but hard to describe.’ ★★★★★ The Telegraph

‘The highlight of the Buxton International Festival’ ★★★★★ Bachtrack

‘It doesn’t get much better than this’ ★★★★★ The Independent