Enter a hall of mirrors, where past and present forever recur.
For Philip Glass’s 90th anniversary, Manchester Collective give their unconventional take on the musical icon – by pairing him with an artist unafraid of big metal and classical sounds.
Glass stands as a towering figure not just in minimalism but contemporary culture, having collaborated with everyone from Martin Scorsese to Aphex Twin. Encounter the end and beginning of his 20th-century quartets, from early dissonance to later musical freedom and his trademark lyrical repetition.
His music is flanked by Rylan Gleave. Working across doom metal, experimental and orchestral music, he’s established himself as a fearless performer and composer. Expect haunting vocals and a dark, imaginative take on an ancient prayer, alongside a drone-drenched new work for string quartet and voice. Providing a shaft of light is Edmund Finnis’ ‘Devotions’.
Part of Manchester Collective’s Glass Reframed series
Glass Reframed is supported by the Leche Trust and the Maria Björnson Memorial Fund. Rylan Gleave’s new work is commissioned by Manchester Collective with support from the Vaughan Williams Foundation
2027 Dates
29 Jan – Leeds – Howard Assembly Room
30 Jan – Bristol – Bristol Beacon – Book →
31 Jan – London – Southbank Centre – Book →
4 Feb – Nottingham – Lakeside Arts
5 Feb – Manchester – Royal Northern College of Music – Book →
6 Feb – Birmingham – Bradshaw Hall
7 Feb – Liverpool – The Tung Auditorium
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
Rylan Gleave Kyrie Eleison, All Men Unto Me
Philip Glass String Quartet No.1, Part I.
Edmund Finnis ‘Devotions’ String Quartet No.3
Rylan Gleave New commission
Philip Glass String Quartet No.5
Approximate runtime: 75 mins plus interval
Line-up
Rakhi Singh Violin
Donald Grant Violin
Ruth Gibson Viola
Peggy Nolan Cello
Rylan Gleave Vocals
Main image: Rakhi Singh 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