Karen Ní Bhroin
Credit: Marshall Light Studio

Last night, acclaimed conductor Karen Ní Bhroin led the Manchester Camerata in a highly successful concert at The Albert Hall, Manchester. The programme featured a new work by Carmel Smickersgill, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8. The evening was a stunning showcase of both contemporary and classical music, highlighted by the performance of BBC Young Musician finalist, pianist Ethan Loch.

The concert opened with the world premiere of Carmel Smickersgill’s new work, a rising star in the contemporary music scene known for her innovative and evocative compositions. This was followed by Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1, with Ethan Loch captivating the audience with his technical prowess and expressive playing. After an interval, the performance concluded with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8, a work celebrated for its energetic and joyful character.

As highlighted in a five-star review, Karen Ní Bhroin was praised for this performance; The Guardian noted, “Karen Ní Bhroin, a young Irish musician with a rising reputation, conducted… As well as giving an explosive, quickfire account of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8, the Camerata showed their finesse in his Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major.