The days are shorter, the nights longer. Lights and places flicker endlessly…
Encounter a kaleidoscope of sounds and cross-genre experimentation in a radiant celebration of voices bursting from Britain’s contemporary music scene. These are artists capturing the here and now: technological dystopia, the dark electricity of raves, the melancholic night bus journey back home.
Scottish artist Anna Meredith’s playful blend of electronic beats and acoustic instruments defies genre, earning her a Mercury Prize nomination and Pitchfork’s Best New Music seal of approval. And you can feel the heat haze of jazz in the work of Belize-born, Orkney-based Errollyn Wallen. Her work has represented Britain on an international stage – even in outer space.
Some of these musicians lead double lives. Composer Mathis Saunier moonlights as the founding member of a French noise-pop band, and the electric guitar shreds through his performance art piece ‘HYPER MEMORIA’. Londoner Jocelyn Campbell grew up playing double bass before diving headfirst into alternative pop and electronica, while curator and composer Alex Groves finds inspiration in contemporary visual art practices.
The spirit of reinvention thrums under this gig. Expect a high-energy night, including special guests LINTD (in Salford) and Anja Ngozi (in London), who are both EXPERIMENTA 2025 artists.
Dates
30 Oct – Salford – The White Hotel SOLD OUT
9 Nov – London – Southbank Centre – Book →
Check times, ticket prices and access info via the booking links. Please note this performance contains strobe and flashing lights.
Setlist
Mathis Saunier HYPER MEMORIA
Alex Groves Alula
Errollyn Wallen All the Blues I See
Jocelyn Campbell 3AM: Lights and places flicker endlessly, passing by alongside old memories that evoke but will not linger
Anna Meredith Tuggemo
Approximate runtime: 85 mins plus interval
Line-up
Rakhi Singh Violin
Jonathan Martindale Violin
Carol Ella Viola
Peggy Nolan Cello
Daniel Shao Flute
Mathis Saunier Electric guitar
Main image: Rakhi Singh by Mike Skelton
Part of
25/26
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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.
“Full of playful experimentation and atmospheric sounds”
THE TIMES, LAD
“Out of this universe. One of the best performances I’ve ever seen”
AUDIENCE MEMBER, THE UNFURROWED FIELD