Twitter: @beckyjparnell Thesis Title Putting the Orchestra in its Place: Partnership, Community and the Dynamics of Collaboration at Manchester Camerata’s ‘new home’ in Gorton Institution University of Manchester

In May 2024 I presented a poster at the Associated Board of British Orchestras/University of Liverpool/Music in the Round symposium Making the Case for Classical: Research, Insight and Advocacy in Sheffield. Titled, ‘Putting the Orchestra in its Place: Approaches to Exploring the Connections Between Music and Place’, the poster introduced my PhD project, detailed context and methodology, and presented three key approaches to exploring music and place: musical topophilia, heterotopia, and a tripartite model for ethnographic research into ‘place’ and music. I was able to explain potential approaches to my work with attendees, gaining particularly valuable feedback on the topic of building design and audience comfort at orchestral concerts. Although some academics were in attendance, the majority were in industry, giving me the unique opportunity to consider the perspectives of those who work in the field. My discussions on building design, feelings of audience comfort, and the creation of new ‘worlds’ during musical production and consumption were of particular interest to those I spoke with. Manchester Camerata’s relocation to a culturally underserved area was the catalyst for the research question, and this launched a number of conversations around other organisations which are undertaking or considering a similar move.

Presenting the poster gave me the opportunity to build my confidence when discussing my work and allowed me to develop and foster both new and existing relationships. Having previously attended ABO events as a person working in industry, this was my first experience of attending as a researcher. I consider the experience invaluable in my development as a researcher and am keen to present again in the near future.

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