The Untold Orchestra are a collaborative, non-classical, Manchester orchestra in 2017. At the centre of the work is collaboration with bands/artists outside the orchestral world that has led to recording projects with 20 artists, including Grammy award winning Bill Laurance and live gigs with various artists, most notably Manchester rapper Skittles as part of Manchester International Festival. In addition, the orchestra this year has had two extremely special sell out shows at the NIAMOS theatre in Hulme, Nina: An Orchestral rendition (working with singers, poets and storytellers to celebrate the legacy of Nina Simone) and 50 Years of Abbey Road: An Orchestral Rendition (celebrating the legacy of the Beatles). The Untold Orchestra want to redefine the conceptions of an orchestra in the 21st century, working not just with different genres of music, but with different art forms to create powerful and educational productions that make the idea of an orchestra more accessible whilst exploring important social and cultural issues. This last year the orchestra has become resident orchestra at the NIAMOS centre, and has various plans for 2020 that include many projects working with many people. The core team already has partnerships with Samsara Collective (videographers), Hope Mill Studios (recording engineers) and other freelance creatives, including renowned Manchester illustrator Stanley Chow and music manager and owner of Band on the Wall, Mike Chadwick.
