Rhythmic connection and ecstatic euphoria.
What happens when friends and strangers come together en masse to move, to listen, to dance together? Night Works is all about that beautiful collision.
Feel a rush of energy as we’re plunged into the heady darkness of '90s club life through the lens of Manchester filmmaker Graham Hector, whilst the Collective battle it out on stage in Steve Reich’s punchy ‘Double Sextet’. Reich has always opened his window to the sound of the street, taking in the frenetic energy and cultural collage of New York. Fast, slow, fast: ‘Double Sextet’ is a soundtrack to the city that never sleeps.
We’re dropped into another metropolis with Hannah Peel’s mesmerising ‘Neon’, which opens with the rush hour bustle of Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station. In this nocturnal vision, the city offers bright possibilities but also the anonymity of sinking into shadows. Its restless pace threatens to leave old ways of life behind, like the dying craft of neon signs.
But nostalgia has the power to capture what would otherwise be ephemeral. Amidst the haze and bustle, pop culture and classical sounds spar in a brand-new work by artist and composer Jacob Samuel.
For 10 years, we’ve been uniting artists and curious listeners under the Collective. In Night Works, we revisit some of our favourite works through new eyes and ears. We look back to how we got here and who came before us, and make a declaration of what we take forward.
Night Works is supported by the Leche Trust and the Maria Björnson Memorial Fund. Jacob Samuel’s new work is commissioned by Manchester Collective with support from the Vaughan Williams Foundation.
2027 Dates
28 Apr – Manchester – Royal Northern College of Music
More dates to be announced
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.
Programme to include
Steve Reich Double Sextet
Hannah Peel Neon
Jacob Samuel New commission
Approximate runtime: 80 mins plus interval
Line-up
Manchester Collective Violin, cello, flute, clarinet, piano, vibraphone
Graham Hector Film
Main image: Graham Hector
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
“A patchwork of styles that shouldn’t work together but, by some mysterious alchemy, absolutely do”
THE TIMES, LAD