Meet James
Meet James Woodrow, one of our violinists, who has played with Manchester Baroque since our first concert.
Do you remember your first exposure to historical performance on period instruments?
“I have pretty much been aware of historical performance and period instruments for as long as I can remember. I was born and brought up in York; my parents used to take me regularly, as a child, to concerts at York University and the York Early Music Festival. I therefore thought playing on period instruments was the norm! I had my first baroque violin lesson during my second year of music college aged 19. I wanted to start earlier in the first year, however it wasn’t allowed!”
What attracts you to historical performance and playing on period instruments?
“The sound world is particularly attractive to me. For the violin, I love the more varied possibilities of colour that gut strings can give. However, I do believe the musical performance isn’t just about the equipment; I can happily listen to Bach played on the piano by someone like Andreas Schiff for instance.”
What is your most memorable moment with the ensemble so far?
“There have been many highlights and I’m not sure I can pick one. Right at the top of the list are our two visits to Richmond for the Swaledale Festival as well as the B Minor Mass last season with Robert Hollingworth and The 24. The combining of the two ensembles resulted in something rather special.”
What are you looking forward to in the upcoming 2025/26 Season?
“I’m looking forward to returning to the Matthew Passion again; the concert was such a success two years ago. Other things I’m excited about include the April ‘Phantasticus’ programme of early 17th century music. This style of music is so different to that which we usually play. Also, the first concert of the season, ‘Dance of the Nations’, where I’m really looking forward to see what the two dancers of the Mercurius Company bring to the performance.”
What do you enjoy doing outside of music making?
I enjoy reading, a mixture of fiction and also history books. I enjoy walks, visiting country houses, art galleries and museums. I am very slowly learning German on Duolingo, which I started in the pandemic.