Our Season 2025-26 is now live…
Indulge in a musical journey which captures the essence of historical music performed with passion and creativity. Be captivated by our engaging and vibrant interpretations.
Experience the magic of period instruments bringing centuries-old music to life. Manchester Baroque invites you to immerse yourself in a world where music transcends time and resonates in your soul.
We love welcoming new attendees to our performances and want to ensure everyone feels comfortable. We've put together some FAQs to help those who are unsure of what to expect. If your query isn't listed, please feel free to contact us – we'd love to hear from you!
Evening of Songs
A celebration to mark the end of our 2024-25 Season.
2-for-1 now available on Eventbrite Nave Tickets. Click on the button below to claim your discount!
A captivating evening of Baroque song and instrumental colour. Soprano Jane Burnell returns with a selection of dazzling arias, joined by Manchester Baroque’s Fellowship players and ensemble regulars.
Performers:
Manchester Baroque - performing on period instruments
Jane Burnell – Soprano
Pauline Nobes and Andrew Taheny - Violin
James Heathcote – Cello
David Francis - Harpsichord
Programme:
‘Ye gentle spirits of the air’ from the Fairy Queen - Henry Purcell (1659–1695)
‘The Grand Chaconne’ from 10 Sonatas in 4 parts - Henry Purcell
Plaint from the Fairy Queen - Henry Purcell
Ricercare No.5 - Domenico Gabrielli (1651-1690)
‘Battaglia de Barbaso yerno de Satanas’ from Il Primo Libro di Canzone, Brandi - Andrea Falconiero (1585–1656)
Interval
Le Parnassus ou L’Apothéose de Corelli - François Couperin (1668–1733)
Armida Abbandonata (HWV 105) - George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)
Dance of the Nations
Dance of the Nations - With the Mercurius Company
Supported by the Continuo Foundation
Manchester Baroque perform a programme of Baroque dance music with live dancing on stage by period dance specialists Ricardo Barros and Kath Waters. From the delicacy and refinement of the French style to the more ornate and extravagant Italian music of Vivaldi, this will be an unforgettable experience - not to be missed!
PROGRAMME
England
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) - Suite from the Water Music
Handel - Queen Caroline March from Scipione
(choreography by Anthony L’Abbé, 1728)
France
François Couperin (1668–1733) - Grande Ritornele from Apotheose de Corelli
Anon - Courante La Bocannes (Anon. choreography, 17th-century)
Jean-Baptise Lully (1632–1687) - Passacaglia from Persée (choreography by Guillaume Pécour, 1704)
Italy
Arcangelo Corelli (1653–1713) - Ciacona, Op.2 No.12
André Campra (1660–1744) - Forlana from L’Europe Galante (choreography by Pécour, 1700)
Spain
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) - Overture from Burlesque de Quixotte
Lully - Sarabande Espagnole pour homme from Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme
Campra - Entrée pour les Espagnols from Europe Galante
Domenico Scarlatti (1685–1757) – Sonata
Portugal
Telemann - Les Portugais from Les Nations, TWV 55:B5 (choreography by Ricardo Barros, 2019)
INTERVAL
Middle Eastern
Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764) – ‘Les Fleurs’ from Les Indes Galantes, Scene V
Rameau - Deux Entrées des Persans from Les Indes Galantes (choreography by Ricardo Barros, 2019)
Michel Corrette (1707–1795) - Concerto Comique Op. 8 No. 9 ‘La Turque et La Confession’
Telemann – ‘Les Turcs’ from Les Nations TWV 55:B5
Crossing The Ocean
Antonio Vivaldi (1678 – 1741) - Folia (choreography by Feuillet, 1700)
Marin Marais (1656-1728) – ‘Entrée des Matelots’ from Alcyone (choreography by Feuillet, 1706)
New World
Rameau - Entrèe des Esclaves Africains
Rameau - Danse du Grand Calumet de la Paix (Les Sauvages) from Les Indes Galantes (choreography by Ricardo Barros, 2022)
Manchester Baroque - performing on period instruments
Pauline Nobes and James Woodrow - Violin
Laura Robinson - Viola and Recorder
Martyn Shaw - Flute
Theorbo - Paula Chateauneuf
Viola da gamba - David Hatcher
Harpsichord - David Francis
Mercurius Company
Ricardo Barros and Kath Waters - Dancers
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Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.2
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.2
In his second Brandenburg concerto, Bach took the Baroque concerto form to its limit, pitting solo trumpet, oboe, recorder and violin against the orchestra, offering a remarkable palette of colour alongside dazzling harmonic invention. We also perform Bach’s Suite in B minor with Manchester Baroque’s flautist Martyn Shaw alongside concertos by Vivaldi, Telemann and Handel featuring our leader, violinist Pauline Nobes, oboist Michael Niesemann, trumpeter Robert Vanryne, and special guest on recorder Yasaman Mashhouri.
Programme
Johann Sebastian Bach Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor (BWV 1067)
(1685–1750)
Martyn Shaw - Flute
Antonio Vivaldi Concerto for recorder in C minor (RV 441)
(1678–1741)
Yasaman Mashhouri - Recorder
Gottfried Finger Sonata in C major for trumpet, violin and oboe
(1660–1730)
Robert Vanryne - Trumpet, Pauline Nobes - Violin, Michael Niesemann - Oboe
George Frideric Handel Concerto Grosso in D minor, Op.3/5
(1685–1759)
INTERVAL
Georg Philipp Telemann Concerto for flute, violin and cello in A major (TWV53:A2)
(1681–1767)
Martyn Shaw - Flute, Pauline Nobes - Violin, Rachel Gray - Cello
Johann Sebastian Bach Brandenburg concerto No. 2 in F major (BWV 1047)
Robert Vanryne - Trumpet, Michael Niesemann - Oboe, Pauline Nobes - Violin, Yasaman Mashhouri - Recorder
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Handel - Messiah HWV 56
Handel - Messiah HWV 56
With Manchester Cathedral Choir
Hallelujah! Handel’s enduring masterpiece, including powerful choruses and exquisite solo arias, still captures our imagination after more than 250 years. Always one of the highlights of the Manchester Baroque season, Messiah is a wonderful way to mark the start of Advent and the Christmas season within the atmospheric surroundings of Manchester Cathedral.
Conductor - Christopher Stokes
Leader - Pauline Nobes
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Celebration
Celebration
An uplifting selection of vocal and instrumental works. Soprano Jane Burnell makes a welcome return, singing Bach’s Cantata Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen alongside vocal music by Handel and A. Scarlatti. Instrumental music includes Telemann’s Concerto for 3 violins and Vivaldi’s boisterous Concerto alla Rustica.
George Frideric Handel “Let the Bright Seraphim” from Samson (HWV 57)
(1685–1759)
Johann H. Schmelzer Sonata à 5 in C major
(1623–1780)
Henry Purcell 3 parts upon a Ground in D major (Z.731)
(1659–1695)
Alessandro Scarlatti Cantata Su le Spondo del Tebro (H. 705)
(1660–1725)
INTERVAL
Antonio Vivaldi Concerto for strings “Alla Rustica” in G major (RV 151)
(1681–1741)
Georg Philipp Telemann Concerto for 3 violins (1733, Musique de table, Part II, No. 3 (TWV 53:F1)
(1681–1767)
Johann Sebastian Bach Cantata: Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen (BWV 51)
(1685–1750)
Manchester Baroque (Performing on Period Instruments)
Soloists
Pauline Nobes - Artistic Director, Violin
Jane Burnell - Soprano
Robert Vanryne - Trumpet
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Solo Harpsichord Recital - The Nightingale in Love
Solo Harpsichord Recital - The Nightingale in Love
Our harpsichordist David Francis takes the spotlight in this intimate solo harpsichord recital.
The Nightingale in Love
Combining buoyant dance rhythms, sonorous textures and beguiling melodies, the contrasting styles of French and Italian music are featured in this programme as seen through the eyes of Bach and his contemporaries. Framing his captivating Overture in the French Style, and Concerto in the Italian Style will be colourful descriptive music by Couperin referencing love, including Le Rossignol en amour; along with sonatas by Scarlatti which betray their operatic origins with lush harmonies, seductive melodies and infectious rhythms.
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J.S. Bach - St Matthew Passion BWV 244
J.S. Bach - St Matthew Passion BWV 244
With Manchester Cathedral Choir
Good Friday 3rd April – 4.30pm. There will be a break 5.45pm. The concert will restart at 7.30pm and finish at c.9.15pm.
Join us on Good Friday as we perform one of sacred music’s greatest masterpieces. First performed on Good Friday 1727, this is the more reflective of Bach’s Passions. The Matthew Passion is an emotive journey of Jesus’ final days. Written for two orchestras and two choirs, the power of the music is so immediate, that regardless of one’s belief, the music has a lasting universal impact.
Conductor - Christopher Stokes
Leader - Pauline Nobes
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Phantasticus
Phantasticus
Enter the distinctive sound world of 17th Century Italy, in music for violins and continuo, including works by Castello, Fontana, Uccellini, Gabrieli and Marini. These early composers for the violin contrast Monteverdi-like vocal lines with dazzling displays of violin virtuosity, with constant flits of mood and character. By popular demand, Paula Chateauneuf and her theorbo are back!
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Intimate Notes
Intimate Notes
Our chamber music concerts 'Intimate Notes' showcase our historical instruments at their very best. With a selection of solo and ensemble pieces for oboe, flute, violin, cello and harpsichord, you will hear the beauty of each instrument in breathtaking detail. Alongside Bach and Vivaldi, we present a rare chance to hear neglected composers such as Fux, Biber and Janitsch.
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'Musick' in Manchester 1744/45
'Musick' in Manchester 1744/45
Reconstruction of an original concert from 23rd July 1745
Join Manchester Baroque as we perform another original 18th century concert programme, one that took place in our city on 23rd July 1745. Whilst in Manchester’s Central Library our Artistic Director, Prof. Dr Pauline Nobes came across a transcript of concert programmes and a centenary review of Manchester’s first subscription concert series. Her groundbreaking musical and historical research includes the reconstruction of these 16 concert programmes, originally performed between November 2nd 1744 and August 20th 1745.
The music always includes popular Baroque composers Corelli and Handel, with any gaps in the original titles being filled, often by early 18th Century English gems from Manchester's rich archives. We have been working our way through recreating these concerts ever since Manchester Baroque formed, so join us on our next instalment!
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Past Events
Intimate Notes - ‘Bach Family’
Image by Claudia Terpstra
This ‘Intimate Notes’ concert showcases our historical instruments at their very best. With a selection of solo pieces and works for small groups of musicians, you will hear the beauty of each instrument in breathtaking detail.
This programme highlights the wealth and variety of music composed by the Bach family. As well as the father (Johann Sebastian), we showcase rarely performed music by sons Johann Christian, Johann Christoph Friederich, Carl Philipp Emanuel and Wilhelm Friedemann. Telemann gets an honorary Bach family membership, as he was the Godfather to CPE. Join us as we perform music by the most talented family the world has ever known!
Performers:
Manchester Baroque - performing on period instruments
Pauline Nobes – Violin
Martyn Shaw – Flute
Rachel Gray – Cello
David Francis - Harpsichord
Programme:
Nouveaux Quartuors, ‘Paris Quartet’ in D Major (TWV43:D3) - Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)
Cello Sonata in G Major (HW x/1) - Johann Christoph Friederich Bach (1732-1795)
Sonata in F Major, (Thulemeyer 55) - Wilhelm Friedemann Bach (1710–1784)
Interval
Twelve Short Pieces Nos.1-6 (W. 81) - Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788)
Harpsichord Sonata in E Major Op.5/5 - Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782)
Flute Sonata in E Minor (BWV 1034) - Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Trio Sonata in A Major (TWV 42:A2) - Georg Philipp Telemann
‘Musick’ in Manchester 1744/45
Swaledale Festival
We are delighted to be returning to the Swaledale Festival to perform a reconstruction of an original concert first performed on 14th May 1745.
Join Manchester Baroque as we reconstruct an original concert programme that took place in our city on 14th May 1745. 'Musick' in Manchester is based on original research by our Artistic Director Dr Pauline Nobes, who discovered a transcript of sixteen subscription concert programmes which took place in Manchester between November 2nd 1744 and August 20th 1745. We have been working our way reconstructing these concerts since Manchester Baroque formed, so join us on our next instalment!
We bring Manchester’s rich archives of music to life, performing on period instruments in Manchester’s only surviving 18th Century Church. Highlights of the programme include Corelli’s Concerto Grosso Op.6 No.7, Overtures and Arias from Handel’s Operas Alexander the Great and Admetus, and Handel’s celebrated Water Music.
Programme
Overture to Alessandro - arrangement by Handel for solo harpsichord - George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Flute Concerto in G Major - Johann Hasse (1699-1783)
’Endless pleasure, endless love’ from Semele- Handel
Harpsichord Concerto Op.1/1 in C major (Johnson, [1744]) - William Felton
Trio Sonata in G Major (Young, [1726]) - John Humphries
Interval
Overture to Admetus - Handel
‘Luci care, addio posate’ from Admetus (1726) - Handel
Concerto Grosso in D Major, Op. 6/7 - Arcangelo Corelli (1653 – 1713)
Violin Sonata in A Minor, Op. 3/1 - Michele Mascitti (c.1664 – c.1760)
Water Music Suite (1730) - Handel
Performers
Manchester Baroque - performing on period instruments with soloists:
Jane Burnell - Soprano
David Francis - Harpsichord
Pauline Nobes - Violin
Martyn Shaw - Flute
Tickets can be booked directly through the festival website - Click the link below to be directed
This concert is supported by the Continuo Foundation
‘Musick’ in Manchester 1744/45
Reconstruction of an original concert from 14th May 1745
Saturday 17th May, 7.30pm
St Ann’s Church, Central Manchester
Join Manchester Baroque as we reconstruct an original concert programme that took place in our city on 14th May 1745. 'Musick' in Manchester is based on original research by our Artistic Director Dr Pauline Nobes, who discovered a transcript of sixteen subscription concert programmes which took place in Manchester between November 2nd 1744 and August 20th 1745. We have been working our way reconstructing these concerts since Manchester Baroque formed, so join us on our next instalment!
We bring Manchester’s rich archives of music to life, performing on period instruments in Manchester’s only surviving 18th Century Church. Highlights of the programme include Corelli’s Concerto Grosso Op.6 No.7, Overtures and Arias from Handel’s Operas Alexander the Great and Admetus, and Handel’s celebrated Water Music.
Programme
Overture to Alessandro - arrangement by Handel for solo harpsichord - George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Flute Concerto in G Major - Johann Hasse (1699-1783)
’Endless pleasure, endless love’ from Semele- Handel
Harpsichord Concerto Op.1/1 in C major (Johnson, [1744]) - William Felton
Trio Sonata in G Major (Young, [1726]) - John Humphries
Interval
Overture to Admetus - Handel
‘Luci care, addio posate’ from Admetus (1726) - Handel
Concerto Grosso in D Major, Op. 6/7 - Arcangelo Corelli (1653 – 1713)
Violin Sonata in A Minor, Op. 3/1 - Michele Mascitti (c.1664 – c.1760)
Water Music Suite (1730) - Handel
Performers
Manchester Baroque - performing on period instruments with soloists:
Jane Burnell - Soprano
David Francis - Harpsichord
Pauline Nobes - Violin
Martyn Shaw - Flute
This concert is generously supported by the Continuo Foundation
🎶 Experience the magic of Manchester Baroque—no barriers, just music! 🎶
We believe that everyone should have the chance to enjoy our incredible events. That’s why we offer Community Tickets, free and based on trust. They’re for those who might not otherwise be able to attend—so if you’re able to, we kindly encourage you to select another ticket option to help support our mission.
Let’s make great music accessible to all! 🎻✨
J.S. Bach - St John Passion BWV 245
Join Manchester Baroque, in our first partnership with Lincoln Cathedral Choir, for a performance of one of the greatest works of all time – Bach’s St John Passion. The John Passion was first performed on Good Friday in 1724 in Leipzig. It has become one of the best-known musical works to depict the Easter story. Both dramatic and moving, the St John Passion is a captivating and memorable musical journey.
The Choir of Lincoln Cathedral
Conductor: Aric Prentice
Leader: Pauline Nobes
Christus: Johannes Moore
Evangelist: Mark Wilde
FAQS
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We are a professional ensemble based in Manchester but working across the North. We play music written between roughly 1600 and 1750 as we think it would have been heard then. We use instruments (and replicas) from the period and perform in a style we think reflects how the music was played at the time.
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We think it is beautiful sounding - energetic, engaging, tuneful. We play everything from small chamber concerts with a just a few musicians to very large concerts with a choir and full orchestra. Baroque instruments have a soft, intimate sound and are played at a different pitch to modern instruments. This means the same 'note' on the page sounds lower when we play. Many of the pieces are very short - they were like the pop music of the day.
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Probably the best known piece is Vivaldi's Four Seasons. It's wildly popular 300 years after it was written - and rightly so given how good the tunes are. But Handel, Bach and Corelli are other well known composers and the lovely thing about our concerts is that we often play pieces that are very little known and may never have been publicly performed in this city.
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We always send an email out before the concert saying what time the doors open, when it finishes and other useful logistical information. Seats are unallocated within the area you have bought tickets for so it is worth getting to the concert early so you can choose one. During the concert the performers talk about the pieces you will hear, giving you an insight into the music, period and their instruments. There will also be programmes - free for small concerts and with a charge for the larger ones.
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Whatever you feel comfortable in. There is no set dress code and no one will judge you!
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Yes! All the musicians are professionals and at different stages of their careers. We are very lucky to have extraordinarily accomplished players who, led by Dr Pauline Nobes, are creating an amazing sound. Manchester Baroque has been formed as a charity and has a very active set of trustees who work as a team with the musicians, our funders, donors and most importantly of all you, our audience.