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Our Story
We create, curate and collaborate with people across Manchester to create musical memories, build uplifting communities and tell stories untold.
Whether it’s a show celebrating the legacy and impact of musical icons such as Nina Simone and David Bowie, a multi art form project centred on social change, a community choir supporting each other through thick and thin, or a young musician having the opportunity to jam with artists and musicians that have toured the world - we know the power music can play in making the world a brighter place for everyone.
Our History
The Untold Orchestra was founded in 2019 after a group of musicians ran a small, DIY project focused on offering up and coming Manchester artists the chance to perform their original music, backed by an orchestra.
During this time The Untold Orchestra connected with a community of creatives and activists centred around the NIAMOS Arts Centre; a theatre based in Hulme that boasts an incredible history of music, culture and social change. Previously the NIA Centre and BBC Playhouse, the space has been a hub of creativity in the heart of Hulme for years. Whilst much of the building is in a state of disrepair, the spirit of the community thrives. From day one Untold have been supported by the local people of Hulme and Moss Side alongside the NIAMOS in infinite ways. Forging amazing musical memories focused on the music and stories of the local community. So much of Untold's work is inspired and motivated by the visit of Nina Simone to the NIA Centre in 1991. A connection which led to the, now revered, ICON shows of Untold's repertoire.
Why our work matters
In a 2019 report into Manchester’s orchestral music audiences, it was found that 98% of audience members were white. In a city where two thirds of the population are from global majority backgrounds, this statistic does not just highlight a local issue, it reflects a national reality across the orchestral and wider arts sectors.
At The Untold Orchestra, we are working to change this by actively creating space for artists, stories and audiences who have been historically excluded from this world. That means rethinking how and where we perform, who we collaborate with, and what stories we tell. It also means building meaningful, long-term relationships with communities and investing in the next generation of artists and audiences.
In a sector where 94–97% of professionals are White (ACE Fair and More Inclusive Classical Music Sector report), we’re delighted that our freelancer community reflects a much broader diversity:
44% of our freelancers are from global majority backgrounds
28% of our freelancers are LGBTQIA+
55% of our freelancers identiify as female (including trans and non binary people)
