“Totally magical evening, a truly immersive experience” – audience member
Some of the most visceral, memorable moments in Manchester Collective’s 10-year history have taken place off the beaten track. On this tour we set foot in venues old and new – a former market hall, trades club, storage depot, church – each with its own character and story to tell. You are invited to get up close and personal, or to close your eyes and sink back into the sensations.
Philip Glass’s music has this captivating quality, which pulls us straight in. Centre stage in this show are the tension and drama of two of his string quartets. The brooding intensity of No. 2 ‘Company’ is buttoned up and repressed until it bursts out. Meanwhile, No. 4 ‘Buczak’ is an act of love and remembrance. Dedicated to the artist of the same name after his untimely death at 32 from AIDS complications, it moves us through grief and hope.
Here, there are other tales of keeping faith alive in desolate places. We find music at the edge of the world, on a remote windswept peak. A desert ghost town is sustained by a one-woman show. And an old hymn prays for light in the blackest night. Even in darkness, there will always be flickers of light.
Part of Manchester Collective’s Glass Reframed series
Glass Reframed is supported by the Leche Trust and the Maria Björnson Memorial Fund.
2027 Dates
11 Mar – Hebden Bridge – Trades Club
12 Mar – Bristol – St George’s Bristol – Book →
13 Mar – Stalybridge – Victoria Market Hall – Book →
17 Mar – Glasgow – Mackintosh Queen’s Cross Church
18 Mar – Bradford – Loading Bay
19 Mar – Birkenhead – Future Yard
22 Apr – Cambridge – Kettle’s Yard
Check times, ticket prices and access info via the booking links – updated as and when tickets go on sale. Get notified about new shows and tickets.
Setlist
John Luther Adams Wind in High Places, II. Maclaren Summit
Edmund Finnis String Quartet No. 1 ‘Aloysius’, IV. Hymn after Byrd
Philip Glass String Quartet No. 2 ‘Company’
Kevin Volans String Quartet No. 2 ‘Hunting: Gathering’, 1. First Expedition
Missy Mazzoli Death Valley Junction
Andrea Tarrodi String Quartet No. 1 ‘Miroirs’
Philip Glass String Quartet No. 4 ‘Buczak’
Approximate runtime: 80 mins plus interval
Line-up
Rakhi Singh Violin
Donald Grant Violin
Ruth Gibson Viola
Peggy Nolan Cello
Main image: Peggy Nolan 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.
“Loved the informality of the stage in the round – made for a great atmosphere”
AUDIENCE MEMBER, THE TURNING @ FUTURE YARD
“In a small intimate venue, the skill and energy of the performance was amazing”
AUDIENCE MEMBER, THE TURNING @ TRADES CLUB