Manchester Collective Archives

This Savage Parade – Manchester Collective

24Jun

By Clare ChandlerNo Comments

North West

This Savage Parade – Manchester Collective

The Manchester Collective continue to programme their seasons in a manner that seems remarkably prescient. This evening as inflation rises, industrial unrest unfurls, ice caps melt and war bleeds ever closer to home, they perform a set of ethereal music for voice and string orchestra declaring that ‘in a volatile world, sometimes you just need a good tune to hang on to’. There are many ‘good tunes’, enhanced by the atmospheric backdrop of Hallé St Peter’s, in this final offering of the season from the Collective. Manchester Collective concerts are always a little different, devoid of the pomp associated with classical music their shows feel democratic, and collaborative. Audience and performers meet in the space between the music – even when over exuberant attendee...

Manchester Collective announces 2022/23 season

22Jun

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

NEWS

Manchester Collective announces 2022/23 season

In their sixth year, Manchester Collective continue to cement their reputation as trailblazers at the forefront of new classical music programming, with a 22/23 season that presents cutting-edge performances that break down barriers and demystify the art form. The season showcases a return to the Collective’s roots, with a programme reflecting their innovative approach to the classical repertoire and commitment to shining a spotlight on radical artistic voices from the past and present. Six groundbreaking projects will tour to 11 cities across the UK, taking audiences on a thrilling sonic journey – from the genre-busting sound of Oliver Leith to an in-depth exploration of Thomas Adès’ Arcadiana, and from a new work for electronics and string quartet by Moor Mother to George Crumb’s min...

2Apr

By Clare ChandlerNo Comments

North West

The Oracle – The Future Yard

A building that reimagines the role of a live music venue seems the perfect setting for an arts organisation pushing the boundaries of classical music. Tonight, the collaboration is further enhanced by the contribution of South African cellist Abel Selaocoe, an artist who is redefining the parameters of his instrument. As Selaocoe explains, in South Africa mastering ‘Western’ instruments is a form of protest as you can put your culture on top. This layering of cultures, timbres and sounds is evident throughout The Oracle as pieces by Stravinsky, Rameau and Vivaldi sit alongside Selaocoe’s own compositions. An oracle is a form of divination, providing a message for the wellbeing of the community and there are moments of this programme that are sublime as it explores Afrofutu...

15Feb

By Clare ChandlerNo Comments

North West

A Little Requiem – Hallé St Peter’s

This performance marks a special anniversary for the Manchester Collective, it is five years since their first Manchester concert. It is also almost two years since this reviewer saw them on the cusp of the pandemic in the atmospheric White Hotel venue. This evening’s surroundings – a Grade II listed former church where the Hallé Orchestra rehearses – are more refined but equally atmospheric. This venue has Corinthian columns rather than corrugated iron shutters but as ever the Manchester Collective present a programme that duets with the architecture to provide further resonances. A Little Requiem was performed in Bristol the night before but it feels tailor made for this venue, which - like us all - has returned to life following a period of lockdown. A Little...

17Aug

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

North West

Recreation – Manchester Collective

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Manchester Collective perform over the last three years, indeed one of my final live reviews prior to lockdown was their ‘Cries and Whispers’, an eclectic collection of music to move you, scare you, and inspire you in equal measure. Used to performing in small, intimate venues, the advent of social distancing has seen them turn instead to the recording studio for their debut EP, ‘Recreation’. Due for release on 4th September, I was thrilled to receive an advance copy to review. Founded in 2016 by Rakhi Singh and Adam Szabo, Manchester Collective is a daring and disruptive arts organisation unafraid to challenge convention with their fearless programmes of classical and contemporary music. Famed for their frenetic and frenzied performances of lesser kn...