We create intimate and intense human experiences inspired by the music that we love, for everyone.
We are the true believers. We passionately believe in the power of music to move us and to excite us. It doesn't matter to us if you're a seasoned concert-goer, or if it's your first time. All are welcome.
From the concert hall to the factory, from the recital room to the mill, the only thing we ask of you is that you open your ears and let yourself listen. Really listen.
And in return, we will create something extraordinary.
"The craziest, most mental, intense, dark and passionate piece of art I've ever witnessed. Maddest night sober I've ever spent."
Known for their imaginative programming, daring collaborations and engaging performances, the work of Manchester Collective has expanded at break neck speed since their formation in 2016. The Collective’s vision is to reshape the future of classical music by creating radical artistic work from their base in the north of England.
The shape-shifting ensemble performs a combination of cutting-edge contemporary music, classical masterpieces and staged work nationally and internationally, in spaces ranging from concert halls to warehouses, nightclubs to festivals. They collaborate with an exciting array of award-winning artists, pushing at the boundaries of how classical music is presented and experienced. Notable previous projects include The Oracle with South African cellist Abel Selaocoe, Rosewood with guitarist Sean Shibe, The Unfurrowed Field with jazz pianist Fergus McCreadie and a multimedia performance of Michael Gordon’s ‘Weather’ with an installation by sound recordist Chris Watson.
New music is of vital importance to the Collective. Crossing different musical genres, in recent years they have commissioned major works by composers including Edmund Finnis, Ben Nobuto, Hannah Peel, Oliver Leith, Kelly Moran, Moor Mother, Lyra Pramuk, Laurence Osborn, Isobel Waller-Bridge and Alice Zawadzki. In 2021, Manchester Collective made their Royal Albert Hall debut as part of the BBC Proms Festival and are currently artists-in-residence at the Southbank Centre in London. In 2023, they won the Royal Philharmonic Society’s prestigious Ensemble award. Their third studio album NEON was released in June 2023.
Manchester Collective record for the Icelandic label Bedroom Community.