Rock, fire and oil. The elements drip, crash and thunder against each other in Black Gold.
Feel the ground tremble as Manchester Collective morph into a bass-heavy ensemble. Sliding rhythms and revving engines from James Tenney’s ‘Glissade’ rip open a chasm from which Luke Mombrea’s atmospheric ‘Black Gold’ emerges.
Tracing the history of a disastrous oil well fire, Luke’s audiovisual piece takes us from rising Californian mountains to the rumblings of industry – until we’re plunged into the inferno. Fragmented photographs and textural projections by visual artist Nate Mohler complete the story.
Sitting between these tectonic pieces is a new commission by composer Sasha Scott, who’s known for her shattering, glitchy music. Providing catharsis is a selection of contemplative Bach chorales and a cinematic vista from Hildur Guðnadottir. Much loved for her TÁR, The Joker and Chernobyl scores, her piece 'From the Other Place' is a masterclass in restraint and expanse before we plummet back towards the shattered earth.
Dates 2026
25 Nov – Nottingham – Lakeside Arts
3 Dec – Leeds – Howard Assembly Room
4 Dec – Manchester – Aviva Studios – Book →
6 Dec – London – Southbank Centre – Book →
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
J.S. Bach Selections from Orgelbüchlein
James Tenney Glissade I. Shimmer and II. Array (a’sysing)
Sasha Scott New commission
Hildur Guðnadottir From the Other Place
Luke Mombrea Black Gold
Approximate runtime: 85 mins plus interval
Line-up
Manchester Collective Flute, viola, cello, double bass, percussion
Main image: Luke Mombrea 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.
★★★★ “Experimental music pioneers”
THE GUARDIAN, PAPILLONS
“Out of this universe. One of the best performances I’ve seen”
AUDIENCE MEMBER, THE UNFURROWED FIELD