Northern Sinfonia , Orchestra of Sage Gateshead and the UK ’ s only full-time chamber orchestra , has built a distinctive reputation as a fresh-thinking and versatile orchestra . Under its longest serving Music Director , Thomas Zehetmair , Northern Sinfonia has taken a dedicated approach to stylistic excellence in all genres and has developed an extensive and ambitious repertoire . Core classical music remains at the heart of the programme whilst precision , excellence and deep musical understanding are equally applied to its chamber , contemporary , light music and cross-genre performances . All performances are underpinned by Zehetmair ’ s maxim ; to perform “ as if the ink was still wet on the page .”
Founded in 1958 , the orchestra has been integral to the cultural life of the region and reached new heights with the opening of Sage Gateshead in 2004 as its world-class home . A critically acclaimed cycle of Beethoven Symphonies marked the orchestra ’ s 50th anniversary and the orchestra has since given equally lauded symphonic cycles by Schubert , Brahms and Schumann , the piano concertos of Beethoven and the complete Brandenburg Concerti by JS Bach whilst continuing to explore the symphonies of Tchaikovsky and Sibelius . Northern Sinfonia has worked with many of the most in-demand artists in the world including Sir Mark Elder , Yannick Nezet-Seguin , Gidon Kremer , Ian Bostridge , Pierre Laurent-Aimard and Heinz Holliger whilst also offering opportunities for the next generation of star conductors and musicians . The orchestra ’ s commitment to contemporary music is highlighted by frequent commissions and premieres , most recently by Simon Bainbridge , David Lang and John Woolrich . Performances of the most current composers are a regular feature of the orchestra ’ s work . A unique and extensive programme of chamber music celebrates the individual talent of Northern Sinfonia musicians with performances in the intimate setting of Hall Two as well as regular solo and concerto performances by leading players in Sage Gateshead ’ s Hall One .
Part of a vibrant programme of music at Sage Gateshead , Northern Sinfonia takes regular opportunities to collaborate with artists from other art forms including Sting , Pet Shop Boys , Joanna Newsome , Efterklang , Spiritualised and Raul Malo . The orchestra has also taken an active role in Sage Gateshead ’ s flagship festivals ’ including Gateshead International Jazz Festival and SummerTyne Americana Festival .
Performances in its landmark home are complemented by an extensive programme of activity in the local and regional community as well as nationally and internationally . Residencies at the Aldeburgh Festival and Hong Kong Arts
Festival with Thomas Zehetmair are among the many recent invitations to perform at venues and festivals around the country and abroad with visits to Germany , Sweden , Portugal , Holland and South Korea as well as the regular performances at the BBC Proms and involvement in the 2013 The Rest is Noise festival at London ’ s Southbank . The orchestra is broadcast on radio each season whilst recordings on its own label are complemented by regular commercial releases on AVIE , Signum , Naxos and NMC .
Northern Sinfonia continues to contribute to the cultural life of the region through its work with adults and youngsters alike . Performances for families and schools , gala concerts with community choirs and workshops and premieres of student compositions are regular projects whilst the individual members play a key role coaching and mentoring in Sage Gateshead ’ s Young Musicians ’ Programme and In Harmony project . www . sagegateshead . com 05