The Northern Chamber Orchestra (NCO) has come a long way since it was set up in 1967. It now presents a successful, annual series of eight concerts at the Heritage Centre in Macclesfield, which attracts top-flight soloists. The 2021-22 season features pianist Steven Osborne, oboist John Roberts, cellist (and NCO President) Raphael Wallfisch, violinist (and NCO Artist in Association) Chloë Hanslip, horn player Ben Hulme and guitarist Craig Ogden. The NCO is ‘Orchestra in Association‘ at The Stoller Hall, Manchester’s newest space for music and performance. Our players also perform annually at Buxton Festival, playing for its main opera productions, and the NCO regularly gives orchestral concerts at St John’s Church in Buxton. Buxton Festival’s ex-Artistic Director and Honorary Patron of the NCO, Stephen Barlow, commented: “…the NCO never ceases to amaze me with its ability to soak up pressure (three operas, always new to them, in varying styles), and deliver outstanding playing with care and love, and who are now…an indispensable part of the Festival.” The orchestra also performs across the North of England and is regularly included in Orchestras Live programmes across rural areas, including the Lake District.