ABOUT
PETER MANNING
British Conductor and Artistic Director Peter Manning shapes today’s orchestral and opera scene with a visionary approach that resonates across the globe.
From the world’s most iconic concert halls and performance venues, his presence is felt through transformative performances and broadcasts.
His deep connection to classical music as a global platform is evident in his collaborations with leading orchestras such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra, The Dallas Opera, The Royal Philharmonic, and the Malta Philharmonic.
For over 25 years, his influence has extended to organising prestigious music festivals, with unforgettable events in Arjeplog - Sweden, Valetta - Malta, Fringe Festival - Edinburgh and under the Pyramid at The Louvre, Paris.
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INNOVATIVE & NEW CONCERT PROGRAMMING
Peter Manning, as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, has guided the reinvention of the Bath Festival Orchestra into the Chromatica Orchestra.
This new ensemble also focuses on nurturing gifted early-career musicians under the direction of emerging conductors.
Chromatica Orchestra represents a bold step forward in contemporary classical music, designed to engage and inspire the next generation of audiences.
EDUCATION
Appointed as the youngest-ever professor of violin at The Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, Peter has had a profound impact on music education.
He holds honorary positions at the Royal College of Music in London and has served as a Visiting Fellow in New Work at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and as a Professor at Edinburgh University.
His global influence is further evident in the masterclasses he has delivered around the world, including prestigious orchestra classes at the Paris Conservatoire.
INTERDISCIPLINARY & APPLIED MUSIC DEVELOPMENT
Peter’s broad expertise extends into interdisciplinary and applied music development, where he integrates various art forms to create innovative, engaging musical experiences.
His leadership with the newly formed Chromatica Orchestra is a testament to his forward-thinking approach, blending traditional music with cutting-edge techniques to reach diverse audiences. His work with the Mozart KinderOrchester in Salzburg during Mozart Week further exemplifies his commitment to applying music in ways that resonate with both performers and listeners, ensuring classical music remains relevant and vibrant.
COMMISSIONING
Peter’s unique position in the British arts scene has fueled his passion for commissioning new works that push the boundaries of classical music.
Published by Universal Edition and Schott in London, he is deeply involved in fostering the creation of contemporary music that speaks to modern audiences. His extensive work in live performances, music journalism, and recordings as a conductor for the BBC and other outlets underscores his dedication to bringing fresh, compelling music to the forefront.
ENGAGEMENT & ELDERSHIP
Peter’s 18 seasons as Concertmaster of the Royal Opera House, combined with his leadership roles at the LPO and RPO, have endowed him with a visionary outlook for the future of orchestras and opera orchestras.
His commitment to nurturing young talent and advocating for live music accessibility is reflected in his position as a board member of the Campaign for the Arts and as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Recently elected to the Worshipful Company of Musicians in The City of London, Peter continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of the arts.
PETER MANNING’S
JOURNEY IN MUSIC
1960s
Child Prodigy: Debuted at Manchester’s Free Trade Hall, winning national junior competitions and appearing on television.
1970s
Royal Over-Seas League: Won Gold Medal and First Prize, following in the footsteps of Jacqueline du Pré.
1980s
Royal Northern College of Music: Became the youngest-ever professor of violin and made his debut with the Philharmonia Orchestra.
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Appointed as leader by Sir Georg Solti.
Britten String Quartet: Founded and signed to EMI Records; toured globally with an award-winning discography.
Debut: He made his Royal Festival Hall debut with the Philharmonia Orchestra in a live broadcast of the Mendelssohn Concerto.
1990s
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Became leader, contributing to the orchestra's repositioning.
Royal Opera House: Appointed Concertmaster.
2000s
Manning Camerata: Founded to foster dialogue in the arts; produced the first performance under the Louvre Pyramid.
Musica Vitae: Appointed music director, securing a national radio contract.
Shakespeare’s Globe: Produced the first opera in collaboration with Seamus Heaney.
2010s
Manning the Baton: Subject of an award-winning documentary.
Professor of New Work: Joint appointment at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the University of Edinburgh.
Commonwealth Games: Conducted the ‘Concerto for the Commonwealth’ with Nicola Benedetti.
St Paul’s Charity Event: Music Director for a major charity gala, featuring notable guests and Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall.
The Heavenly View: Part of the Oxygen festival series at the Edinburgh Fringe, based on Mahler’s 4th Symphony.
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland: Recorded Mahler’s 4th Symphony with students, released on Nimbus.
Dallas Opera: Guest Concertmaster and Conductor for the 2015-2016 Season, including a revival of Puccini’s Tosca.
Mozart Kinderorchester Salzburg: Appointed Music Director, leading young musicians in Mozart Week.
Three Palaces Music Festival: Artistic Director, curating a diverse selection of international and local artists.
Malta Philharmonic Orchestra: Conducted Mozart’s Great C minor Mass in St. Paul’s Cathedral.
2020s
The Bath Festival Orchestra: The orchestra performed its inaugural concert, recorded for BBC Radio 3, as part of The Bath Festival’s artistic program.
Recorded for BBC Radio 3 from Bath Abbey.
Chromatica Orchestra: Built the legacy of the Bath Festival orchestra into Chromatica Orchestra as Founding Artistic Director and Conductor to give new vigour and opportunity to develop the finest emerging professional artist musicians, soloists and conductors of the newer generation .