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The Minguet Quartett, supported by the Goethe Institut, visited MMC on Saturday 28 February 2026 to share advice about playing chamber music. We were treated to an open rehearsal where we could observe how they worked at a passage and then listened to an informal performance of that extract. Five chamber groups then spent time with the players being coached on chamber music they had been working at.

“I really enjoyed having the Minguet Quartett with us on Saturday, It was a privilege to see how they rehearse together. Quite eye-opening and I certainly learnt a lot from them. In fact I was passing on some of the tips at Replay last night! It was also good having the chance to play in a quartet and interesting to have the coaching. Again, gave me several things to think about.”

“It was an eye opening experience to understand a professional group’s practice routine, which though repetitive can only improve their ultimate performance.”

“It was useful to hear about the metronome practice.”

Eight Northern Chamber Orchestra musicians visited MMC on Saturday 21st February 2026 joining in the rehearsal of MMC’s orchestra. They worked at the Minuet from Beethoven’s 8th symphony which the NCO performed that evening in Macclesfield, and the first movement of Mendelssohn’s 3rd symphony. The full orchestra rehearsal was followed by sectional rehearsals, allowing members of MMC orchestra to gain top tips and advice from the NCO musicians.

“That was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative morning. It was great to have several wind players embedded in the orchestra and very helpful having Jane in the oboe section giving us tips both from technique and interpretation viewpoints. The breakout sessions afterwards were also very helpful.”

“…the ‘side by side’ approach gives the younger members of the groups more confidence to ask questions and try different approaches to playing the pieces.”

“I really enjoyed Saturdays visit from the NCO. I picked up a number of tips which will be really useful for my future playing. We also got a lot of help with some of the orchestral pieces we are studying. Both Simon and Sarah were very approachable.”

“Really enjoyed the session found the advice very valuable.”

Our collaboration with the NCO is described here.