Northern Sinfonia is one of Europe's most exciting chamber orchestras. Under its Music Director Thomas Zehetmair Northern Sinfonia's repertoire covers the full range of Western classical music from early baroque, through the classical and romantic periods, to specially commissioned new work.
The Future
Northern Sinfonia is moving into a bright future during its 50th Anniversary Season, embarking on a brand new stage in its development. It is the orchestra of The Sage Gateshead central to the extensive classical music programme in its stunning multi-million pound home.
Programming
Northern Sinfonia is noted for its dynamic approach to programmes and performances, ranging from small-scale ensembles in intimate locations to the full orchestra in the major concert halls of Europe including The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, The Philharmonie in Berlin and The Musikverein in Vienna.
There is an equally flexible approach to the times of performances, incorporating concerts throughout the day, and early and late evening.
To view The Sage Gateshead's current Classical Subscription Series, of which Northern Sinfonia is at the heart, click here.
Out and About
Touring forms an integral part of Northern Sinfonia's work. From its home at The Sage Gateshead it continues to perform across the North of England and fly the region's flag throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Touring plans for the 50th Anniversary Season include the Hong Kong Festival with Northern Sinfonia Chorus, and a European tour with Ian Bostridge.
Classic FM Partnership
Northern Sinfonia is proud to be Classic FM's orchestra in the North East. Click here to visit Classic FM's website and find out more. Don't miss Northern Sinfonia Week on Classic FM from 1st June. For details of exclusive recordings and broadcasts, click here.
Guest Artists
Northern Sinfonia is proud to work with its Music Director, Thomas Zehetmair, along with other distinguished visiting musicians including Franz Bruggen, Imogen Cooper, Thierry Fischer, Lesley Garrett, Evelyn Glennie, Richard Hickox, Heinz Holliger, Kiri Te Kanawa, Sir Roger Norrington and Heinrich Schiff.
50th Anniversary Season
The special 50th Anniversary Season opened on Friday 3rd October when Northern Sinfonia and Music Director Thomas Zehetmair performed a complete cycle of Beethoven's nine symphonies over five concerts in chronological order to critical acclaim. "Audiences at The Sage Gateshead are in for the time of their lives!" Metro, 3rd October 2008. You can download more information to commemorate the Sinfonia's 50th Annivesary Season here.
As the orchestra looks to an exciting future, including playing the 2009 Hong Kong Festival with Northern Sinfonia Chorus and touring Germany with tenor Ian Bostridge, some of the great conductors and artists Northern Sinfonia has worked with over the years tell us why Northern Sinfonia is so special to them:
'One of the most thrilling and memorable events of our career was performing 'Battleship Potemkin' with Northern Sinfonia at Swan Hunter's shipyard in Wallsend in 2006. Northern Sinfonia is a magnificent, world-class orchestra with a fresh approach to music of all kinds. It was a privilege to share a stage with them.' Neil Tennant
'I have always had a special affection for Northern Sinfonia, as they really saved my career and confidence on my first visit... At the point where I had seriously contemplated giving up conducting, I met this wonderful orchestra, so welcoming and flexible, and by the end of a week, came to the conclusion that there was still some point in carrying on after all. There were many memorable meetings after that, including my first EMI recording. I hold these memories very close to my heart, and am thrilled to know that the orchestra goes from strength to strength. ' Sir Simon Rattle
'Northern Sinfonia is a National Treasure.' Lesley Garrett
'I have only worked with the Sinfonia once, but was immediately struck with the relaxed and warm atmosphere, as well as the terrific playing. Long may you flourish!' Magdalena Ko'enà
'The years I spent with you as a chief conductor are truly unforgettable - I will be always grateful for what you have given to me. It was also wonderful to experience your musicianship and further development in the years after... I am grateful to make music with you every time I come to [the North East]... Thank you!!' Heinrich Schiff
Recordings
Recordings and broadcasts form an integral part of the orchestra's work. The most recent recording, released on 25th May 2009, sees Thomas Zehetmair, Music Director of Northern Sinfonia, return as both soloist and conductor with a new recording of Symphonies 3 & 6 by Sibelius and Stravinsky's Violin Concerto. Recorded The Sage Gateshead, the CD is the fourth recorded in the world-class acoustics of Hall One and is already gaining critical acclaim with four stars in the Guardian, "Thomas Zehetmair directs the concerto from the violin; he brings the work alive marvellously." Previous releases have also won critical acclaim, including '(Zehetmair and) Northern Sinfonia's interpretation achieves a level of intimacy between soloist and orchestra that is almost unrivalled elsewhere.' BBC Music Magazine CD of the Month July 2007 for the Brahms Violin Concerto and Schumann Symphony no. 4.
Education
Northern Sinfonia players take part in The Sage Gateshead's wide-ranging Learning and Participation programme, which features projects to involve people of all ages and abilities along with community performances.
Northern Sinfonia also has an associated award-winning youth orchestra, Young Sinfonia, and is joined for both performance and recording by Northern Sinfonia Chorus.
Visit ExploreMusic to find out more about forthcoming soloists and guests of Northern Sinfonia, composer biographies and to access Grove Online.
