Henrietta Smith-Rolla is a dynamic force in UK music, seamlessly blending her talents as a composer, DJ, and radio host. Of Ghanaian, Russian, and German heritage, her compositions are often infused with elements of techno, house, and classical music. In recent years she has collaborated with orchestras including the Manchester Camerata, London Contemporary Orchestra and the BBC Concert Orchestra. She also hosts a weekly radio show, ‘The People’s Party’, on UK national radio station BBC 6 Music, where she creates a space for people to come together and let loose through a shared love of music.

www.afrodeutsche.com

British violinist Roberto Ruisi has rapidly emerged as a versatile, charismatic and bold artist and is the recipient of many awards, including the highly-coveted Tagore Gold Medal.  In 2022, Roberto was appointed Leader of the Hallé and he made his debut with Richard Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben in October of that year. Elsewhere, he is regularly sought after as a guest leader, most recently appearing with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in Korea, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Japan Philharmonic in Tokyo, BBC Philharmonic and Britten Sinfonia. 

www.robertoruisi.com

Martin Schäfer, born in Rees, Germany, has performed with the Hallé orchestra in Manchester since 2014, and was appointed sub principal in 2015.  He has frequently worked with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne, the BBC Philharmonic and Royal Northern Sinfonia. Martin currently holds a position of Professor of Viola at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK.

Lucy Arch is a cellist in the Hallé and has played guest principal with orchestras including Manchester Camerata, the Hallé, London Concert Orchestra, and Northern Ballet Sinfonia. Most recently, she served as principal cello on the Les Misérables World Tour. As a soloist, she has performed Schumann, Elgar, Dvořák, Saint-Saens and Haydn cello concertos, alongside giving several recital performances.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, JP started dancing street dance, jazz and contemporary dance at the age of 17. After graduating at The City University of Hong Kong in Material Engineering, she went on to train and graduate at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Art (HKAPA) in 2021, majoring in Contemporary Dance. She has worked with many renowned choreographers including Marcus Jarrell Willis (USA), Martin Piliponsky (Argentina), Mickaël ‘Marso’ Rivière (UK), David Steele (UK) and Li Yongjing (Hong Kong).

Originally from Italy, Alice formally trained in dance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance graduating with a First-Class Honours degree. During her time at Laban, Alice worked with industry acclaimed professionals such as Alison Curtis-Jones, Zoi Dimitriou, Fernanda Prata, Maciej Kuzminski amongst others and she performed in works by Maxine Doyle and Sir Matthew Bourne.

Kadafi was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and moved to England when he was five years old. He grew up in Leeds, where his high school teachers supported and encouraged him to dance as they saw potential in his skills. His dance background is self-taught in hip hop and acrobatics. He has undertaken contemporary and ballet training at De Montford University and is currently working with Company Chameleon as an Apprentice as part of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance Apprenticeship Scheme.

Independent creative producers, From The Other, specialise in innovative work and live music productions, with a focus on championing underrepresented artists and grassroots culture from Greater Manchester. Their flagship event, Sounds From The Other City, has been celebrated as one of the UK’s leading independent music festivals, offering a platform for diverse voices and transformative live experiences for the past 20 years.  Since founding as a year-round organisation in 2023, From The Other has further developed its work with some of the most exciting boundary-pushing artists in the UK, whilst continuing to foster the collaborative and community-centred ethos of alternative and DIY music culture.

fromtheother.com

Company Chameleon was founded by Kevin Edward Turner and Anthony Missen. Two ordinary lads from Manchester, they trained with the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, and set up Company Chameleon in 2007. The company now stages over 50 indoor and outdoor performances every year, both in the UK and touring internationally. An extensive learning and participation programme takes place alongside the touring programme, where Chameleon introduce people to their accessible and original movement style through dance classes and workshops. Dame Darcey Bussell, the world renowned ballerina, is Company Chameleon’s Patron.

companychameleon.com

Belladonis is a queer-owned fashion brand, combining traditional couture techniques and innovative 3D printing to uplift and imbue the wearer with confidence. Based in Manchester, Belladonis aims to retell myth and legend  through a queer lens, highlighting the struggles, love and metamorphosis that still resonate with modern society. Founders Will Kerr and Charlie Orr-ewing create one off fantasy-fulfilling garments that exude joy and expression; “It’s important to retell these stories from the queer perspective as they are the ones that are often forgotten or ignored in traditional art and history.”

www.instagram.com/belladonis_oek/

Innovation has been central to the Hallé since its foundation in 1858 by Sir Charles Hallé; a true pioneer, his fundamental belief that music should be for everyone remains central to the orchestra’s vision today. In 2024 Kahchun Wong was appointed Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor and has now opened a new chapter in the Hallé’s history. At the heart of the orchestra are its players, led by their two dynamic Leaders, Roberto Ruisi and Emily Davis. The Hallé has been resident at the specially built Bridgewater Hall, one of the world’s great concert venues, since 1996. Hallé St Peter’s opened in the Ancoats area of the city in 2013; now including the triple RIBA Award-winning Oglesby Centre, it provides a home for the Hallé to rehearse, record and perform, as well as a base for Hallé Connect, the Hallé’s extensive education, community outreach and ensembles programme.

halle.co.uk