Manchester Collective to mark 10th anniversary
Photo: Giulia Spadafora
Started in early 2017 by a small group of artists, Manchester Collective have been disrupting, innovating and breaking new ground in the presentation of classical music for almost a decade, cementing a reputation as one of Britain’s most innovative and distinctive organisations.
From their base in Manchester, the Collective create bold artistic projects that tour the UK and beyond – presenting work that is rooted in human connection, collaboration and radical thinking. Over a ten-year history, they have become known for redefining audiences’ relationship with classical and bold new music through work that reflects, challenges and changes the world we live in.
Rethinking the classical music narrative
Chief executive Linda Begbie says: “Manchester Collective was founded on the fundamental belief that music and culture are essential for human connection. Now, ten years into this journey, I’m extremely proud that it has paved the way for radically rethinking the narrative around classical music – who gets to experience it, who gets to write it, and who gets to take up space in our world. We have never rested on the canon or been afraid to take risks. That has allowed us to present ambitious and relevant projects that showcase some of today’s most exciting artists.
We want the Collective to be a meeting point for different voices, ideas and artistic practices; a place where the old leans up against the new and where creative conversations and collaborations can flourish so the art form continues to move forward. It’s a real privilege to work alongside our brilliant artistic directors Rakhi Singh and Jasmin Kent Rodgman, as well as our ever-growing, shape-shifting powerhouse of creative collaborators, as the organisation continues to grow and evolve.”
10 years of shaping the music and artists of tomorrow
Smashing through the silos of different music genres and artforms, the Collective are reimagining how artists create. From ambitious collaborations with dance-theatre company Thick & Tight and electronic artist Clark, to breaking new musical ground with jazz pianist Fergus McCreadie and South African cellist Abel Selaocoe, the shape-shifting ensemble is paving the way for new types of cultural experiences. In the process, they have been blurring the line between performer and composer, showcasing how creative and versatile classical musicians can be through improvisation, communication and working with amplification.
As champions of the music of tomorrow, the Collective celebrate the commissioning of their 50th new work in 2027, marking a decade of bold artistic investment. Through an ambitious commissioning programme, they have amplified diversity and given a voice to artists who have historically been underrepresented in classical music. Major commissions from the likes of Ben Nobuto, Nabihah Iqbal and Hannah Peel, who have since been spotlit from the BBC Proms stage to Apple’s international product launch, highlight the breadth of creators shaping the Collective’s evolving sound world.
They continue to deepen their impact in the north of England through artist development programmes that support the next generation of classical and contemporary music-makers with a focus on risk-taking. The Manchester Collective x RNCM Studio gives postgraduate string players real-world experience of the alternative pathways available to musicians outside of traditional orchestral roles. Alongside this, EXPERIMENTA supports creators from diverse musical backgrounds – particularly those rooted in the North – who are curious about contemporary classical but have lacked access to it. Alumni have included LINTD, Anja Ngozi and Jacob Samuel.
10 years of shaping the audiences of tomorrow
Equally at home in a concert hall or an underground nightclub, Manchester Collective are changing the way we think about the format and presentation of classical music, transforming how, where and by whom it is experienced.
From intimate shows in Salford’s iconic The White Hotel and Future Yard in Birkenhead, to being Resident Artists at the Southbank Centre, the Collective continue to challenge expectations by inviting audiences into an experience that feels welcoming and disarmingly human. Every performance – whether on a major stage or in somebody’s front room – is an authentic expression of their core values: artistic excellence, openness and connection.
By breaking down the norms around classical performances and cultivating environments built on shared curiosity and open-mindedness, the Collective are redefining what the audience for classical and experimental new music can be. Attracting classical music aficionados and the culturally curious alike, in the process they are building a community that feels part of something alive, adventurous and forward looking.
Co-founder and co-artistic director Rakhi Singh says: “Ten years ago, Adam Szabo, Simmy Singh and I planted a seed and watered it with a whole lot of love and dedication. Little did we know that it would end up growing into a pioneering company that has changed the classical music scene in the UK. It’s been an interesting, challenging and rewarding process to experience how a dedication to instinct and the act of creation can be a guiding force. It’s also proven to me that bravery to go into the unknown, combined with rigour and devotion, can result in experiences that connect us on a deeper level as players and with our audience.”
Discover Manchester Collective’s 10th anniversary season.