Three New Appointments Strengthen Manchester Camerata Board

Manchester Camerata has announced the appointment of three new board members, strengthening and enhancing the existing team at an important time in the organisation’s development. It is a statement of intent by the Manchester-based chamber orchestra which has recently undergone a period of re-evaluation resulting in a renewed vision to ‘redefine what an orchestra can do’.

Mike Emmerich, Chief Executive of the Commission for the New Economy. Emmerich is Chief Executive of New Economy, which leads on strategy and economic policy for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and LEP. Mike Emmerich has extensive experience in economic development and regeneration. Prior to joining New Economy he was the founder Director of the Institute for Political and Economic Governance at the University of Manchester. No stranger to Camerata through New Economy’s involvement in the orchestra’s Music In Mind project he says ‘Camerata have been an important part of Manchester’s cultural scene for as long as I can remember. Under Gábor Takács-Nagy’s leadership and with the support of Bob Riley and his team, I think they can be more still: a driving force for the cultural renaissance of the city, something I’m keen to support as a Director.’

Richard Harding, Partner, Transaction Advisory Services at EY (formerly Ernst and Young). Richard specialises in advising both private and public companies, banks and private equity houses on investments, acquisitions and disposals. As head of the EY Transaction Services team in the North West he has led numerous transactions in the UK and overseas in US, France, Germany, Norway and Italy. A keen musician himself he says of his appointment ‘I’m very excited to be joining the board at this important time in its development and look forward to combining my business experience and interest in music to help the orchestra achieve its strategic goals.’

Andy Spinoza, Managing Director of the award-winning PR agency SKV Communications. SKV Communications has promoted Manchester nationally and internationally and launched numerous arts and culture attractions and programmes. In 2007, Spinoza was named Outstanding PR Professional by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations North-West, and in 2011 he received a Medal of Honour from Manchester University, for his contribution to the university’s alumni association. On joining the board he says ‘Camerata is challenging the traditional ways of an orchestra, with its compelling programme, unusual venues and charismatic performers. I want to be along for the ride.’

Judith Watson, Chairman of Manchester Camerata’s Board of Directors, said ‘We are delighted to welcome Mike, Richard and Andy onto our board. Their wealth of experience will bring new impetus and ideas to Camerata, which has wide-ranging and ambitious plans for the future. Their input will be vital as we position ourselves at the forefront of championing a new look and vision for classical music.’