An exhilarating musical journey, where West African and European traditions call out to each other.
Join Manchester Collective’s string ensemble, percussionist extraordinaire Sidiki Dembélé and his band for folksong and storytelling from the Ivory Coast, Mali and Senegal. Born out of his family’s griot tradition of West African oral history and music, Sidiki’s work ‘Teriya’ (‘friendship’ in Bambara) celebrates where our roots intertwine.
Our destination is the musical meeting point between cultures. Guiding us there and directing from the violin is Rakhi Singh. Hear the old anew with her bold reimaginings of classical and folk tunes, baroque mixed with African percussion, and plenty of improvisational magic along the way.
Adding her own colours to this vibrant palette is Nwando Ebizie. The Northern composer and multidisciplinary artist creates a brand-new work filtered through her very own Afrofuturist vision. Drawing from the power of ancestral heritages and rites, her piece looks to the future by calling on the spirits of the past.
Constellations is a human experience of sharing and connection. You can be sure that rhythm will be your friend here.
Constellations is supported by the Radcliffe Trust, the Leche Trust and the Maria Björnson Memorial Fund. Nwando Ebizie’s new work is commissioned by Manchester Collective with support from the Vaughan Williams Foundation.
2026 Dates
2 Oct – Liverpool – The Tung Auditorium – Book →
4 Oct – London – Southbank Centre – Book →
7 Oct – York – Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall – Book →
9 Oct – Manchester – Royal Northern College of Music – Book →
10 Oct – Leeds – Howard Assembly Room – Book →
Check times, ticket prices and access info via the booking links
Setlist
Sidiki Dembélé* Teriya, Sinsiensigui, Tama, Djikunu, Shaka, Chefari Dundun, Ita
Traditional* Johnny Faa
John Playford* Wallom Green, The Virgin Queen set
Henry Purcell* The Old Bachelor, Z.607: Hornpipe, The Virtuous Wife, Z.611: Air, Timon of Athens, Z.632: Curtain Tune
Hans Abrahamsen Ten Preludes for String Quartet: Selections
Emily Hall So Far
Edmund Finnis Hymn (after Byrd)
Nwando Ebizie For You, small in the embrace of untethered, unwinding possible futures
Sidiki Dembélé / Rakhi Singh Simiya / Suo Gan
*arranged for string ensemble by Rakhi Singh
Approximate runtime: 115 mins plus interval
Line-up
Sidiki Dembélé Ensemble Calabash, djembe, ngoni, dundun, balafon, vocals
Manchester Collective String ensemble, bass guitar
Rakhi Singh Creative direction, violin
Main image: Sidiki Dembélé and Nwando Ebizie by Mike Skelton
Part of
26/27
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We’re all about the atmosphere and immersion. You might encounter lighting to set the mood, amplified sound to deliver music straight to your eardrums, or maybe a little bit of haze.
Between pieces, our performers often share a short explanation about the music. They might chat about what to listen out for, the themes or their personal experience.
Rather than the standard black attire, our musicians wear what they feel is comfortable: whether that’s a colourful dress, or a woolly jumper if it’s chilly.
To us, music is most powerful when it’s immediate and personal, not bound by convention. Whether you’re a first-timer or veteran concert-goer, you’re invited to a new kind of classical music experience.
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From warehouses to concert halls, everywhere we play is unique.
At underground and independent venues, it’s a more intimate experience. You can expect to get up close and personal to the musicians, hear outside noise and grab a drink at the bar. Don’t forget to wrap up warm!
The “Book” links under Dates & Tickets lead to venue websites. There, you’ll be able to find specific access information. Please note that some independent venues might be standing shows, with the option to request a seat if you need one. This will be specified on the booking page.
If you have any questions at all about access, get in touch at events@manchestercollective.co.uk and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
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Our performances aren’t formal – so you don’t have to be either! Dress in whatever style makes you feel comfortable, just as our performers do.
If you’ve never been to a classical concert before, you might be worried about rules and etiquette. That’s not what we’re about. You’re free to bring the same excitement and respect you would to any other performance.
Depending on the venue, you might be able to take a couple photos and short videos during the show. If you’re filming the entire gig, we promise we have better recordings on our YouTube channel.
All we ask is that you listen with an open mind and ears.
“The restless dedication of the players was physically infectious”
OBSERVER, SHAKER LOOPS
“Beautiful, life affirming, joyful and heartbreaking in equal measure”
AUDIENCE MEMBER, SIROCCO