How-Do / Manchester Camerata opts for graffiti in Nonconform approach

Chamber orchestra Manchester Camerata is breaking with convention for its new season brochure, opting for graffiti images to showcase works such as Handel’s Belshazzar, Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 and Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1.

The new approach has been delivered courtesy of budding graffiti artist Sophie Backhouse, part of the creative team at Liverpool-based design firm Nonconform.

Inspired by listening to the pieces due to be performed over the season Backhouse, known in paint can circles as Luna, created a series of images based on words expressing the season’s themes –  such as exchanges, atmosphere, provoke, create, transform and inspire.

This process started with her making small pen and ink designs and progressed to her recreating the curving calligraphy style work on real brick walls, which were then photographed for the brochure.

Bob Riley, Manchester Camerata’s chief executive, commented: To have some print which itself is the result of a most unusual cultural exchange – the linking of the ultimate anti-establishment art-form with classical music – is absolutely thrilling.

“Sophie’s design’s, and Nonconform’s treatment of them, are beautiful and it is pleasing to realise that some brilliant new art has been created as the result of our commission.”

Nonconform is an established force in the regional classical music sector, having designed brand identities and marketing campaigns for clients such as Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Northern College of Music and England’s Eight Symphony Orchestras.

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