Ambient drone music meets baroque masterpiece…
Evoking the haze and heady atmosphere of underground clubs, violinist Rakhi Singh and bass guitarist Alan Keary (aka Shunya) come together to venture into unknown sound worlds. Expect a collision of genres in this eclectic set, replete with experimentation.
Originally written for nine bagpipes and reinvented here for just one very loud violin – plugged into a fuzzy guitar pedal – ‘LAD’ by Julia Wolfe is a formidable wall-of-sound experience. There’s no escaping its power. Elsewhere, a staple of the violin repertoire roars onto the stage. 300 years on, Bach’s ‘Chaconne’ continues to captivate listeners with its relentless energy, intricate melodies and undeniable swagger. The third pillar is Steve Reich’s ‘Electric Counterpoint’ for guitar and tape. Cool, controlled and utterly mesmerising.
This is the kind of intimate and intense experience the Collective do best – a place where the boundary between performer and listener completely dissolves.
Dates & Tickets
19 Oct – Leeds – Howard Assembly Room – Book →
20 Oct – Birkenhead – Future Yard – Book →
21 Oct – Newcastle – Star and Shadow – Book →
22 Oct – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds – Book →
25 Oct – Salford – The White Hotel – Book →
26 Oct – Bristol – St George’s Bristol – Book →
27 Oct – London – Southbank Centre – Book →
Check times, ticket prices and access info via the booking links above. Please note that some of our shows may contain haze.
Setlist
Hildegard von Bingen O virtus Sapientie
Trad. (Bulgaria) Kopanitsa*
Stoyan Paurov Buchimish*
Shunya Shattered Creek
J.S. Bach Violin Partita No. 2, ‘Chaconne’
Steve Reich Electric Counterpoint, III. Fast
Trad. (Denmark) Despair Not, O Heart*
Shunya Goodbye Spring
Julia Wolfe LAD*
*arranged by Rakhi Singh
Approximate runtime: 75 minutes
LISTEN TO THE ORIGINAL VERSION OF ‘LAD’ →
Line-up
Rakhi Singh Violin, shruti box, vocals
Alan Keary Bass guitar, electric guitar, violin, electronics, vocals
Programme Notes →
PART OF
23/24
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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.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before. It was atmospheric and mesmerising”
AUDIENCE MEMBER, HEAVY METAL
“Phenomenal programme, electric performances”
AUDIENCE MEMBER, BLACK ANGELS
Experimental programming.
Engaging performances.
Radical human experiences.
