The Taraneh Orchestra is a new, Manchester-based orchestra founded and run by recent graduates of the University of Manchester.
The name “Taraneh” comes from the Farsi (Iranian) language (ترانه) and means “melody” or “song” in its feminine form. This name was inspired by one of our founders, who is Persian.
One of our main goals is to provide opportunities for young musical professionals in the North-West. We also aim to inspire a love for classical music in a wide audience by making it more accessible and deeply engaging for everyone.
We are dedicated to creating concert experiences that are not only welcoming and inclusive but also tailored to meet the needs of all individuals, including those who are neurodivergent. Through thoughtful programming, accessible venues, and innovative approaches, we aim to break down barriers and foster a sense of belonging, ensuring that the joy of live music can be shared by all!
Our first concert, ‘Artistic Reflections’, which traced links between music and other art forms, is now available on YouTube. If you weren’t able to make it, you can now watch that here!
Newsletter
Each week, our newsletter will bring you some thoughts or reflections on a topic pertinent to classical music, running an orchestra, or our next concert, as well as a Meet the Player section and our What’s On - your guide to exciting classical music in here. Our aim in doing so is to bring you closer to the orchestra, our players, and to lift the curtain on starting a new orchestra. (This all sounds rather grand - I can assure you that it won’t be). If you’re interested, please subscribe, so this drops into your inbox every Monday.
Meet the player: Jacob, viola & publicity manager
Fun Fact: I once played a (maybe 15-second) solo in the Royal Albert Hall! It was a really interesting event, and I was maybe probably almost definitely a better player then than I am now, but there’s no time to think about that.
What do you do outside of Taraneh? I graduated last summer - now I work at a charity and do a bit of freelance journalism when I have time.
What music are you playing at the moment? I’m in the beginning stages with a new quartet. We’re playing Haydn mostly to get into the rhythm of things.
What are you listening to? I got recommended this, I Cannot Attain Unto It, by Nico Muhly, by someone I met on a night out recently. Very cool - would recommend. (Also would recommend - talking to people you’ve only met once before about their taste in late 20th century choral music).
Quick note - if you’re in Taraneh, and you’d like to appear, or would be grudgingly willing to appear, in one of these sections - get in touch!
What’s On: Classical Music in Manchester this week
On Tuesday, Jonathan Biss comes to the RNCM, playing two Schubert sonatas, and a piece by Tyshawn Sorey, For Anthony Braxton, which Bliss premiered in 2024. Tickets - £22 (under-26/students £14)
Thursday brings with it The Hallé playing The Rite of Spring at Bridgewater Hall, as well as two pieces by Thomas Adès and one by spectralist Kaatja Saariaho. Tickets from £17.
On Friday, the Quatuor Danel appears at Stoller Hall, playing the 15th quartet of both Beethoven and Shostakovich. Tickets £19.50. FTE/U18 £5.50
On Sunday, you can hear Bach’s Mass in B Minor played by Manchester Baroque in collaboration with University of York choir The 24 in Manchester Cathedral. Tickets from £11.55