Manchester Camerata appoints Creative Director

Manchester Camerata has announced SAMANTHA MCSHANE as Creative Director. 

McShane will return to the opera from November, having previously spent four years as Head of Creative Programming until 2017, when she joined the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland as Head of Artistic Planning.

She replaces JAMES THOMAS, who is leaving to join the Royal Northern Sinfonia and Sage Gateshead as Director of Royal Northern Sinfonia & Classical Programme.

McShane said the Manchester Camerata and City of Manchester holds a special place in her heart.

“The curiosity, ability to challenge and vibrancy of the organisation and the city is something that aligns with me personally and professionally and I can’t wait to be part of it,” McShane said.

“The world that we live in requires the arts to be relevant, to connect to its communities and to help make change, and I believe that Manchester Camerata with its wonderful orchestral musicians, Artistic Partners – including the inspirational Gábor Takács-Nagy – and the award-winning community team can be a key part of this change.” 

The Chief Executive of Manchester Camerata BOB RILEY is delighted to welcome McShane back to the team. 

“Her experience as a musician, programmer, and recently in higher education gives her an unusual and powerful perspective which we hope will provoke and challenge us in our 50th year and beyond,” Riley said.