PAPILLONS

England tour
May 2026

 
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Butterflies: symbols of transfiguration and the ephemeral.

Don’t be fooled by their fragile appearance. The butterfly is a creature of extraordinary strength, breaking down its own body to rebirth itself anew. To take control of your destiny is an act of freedom and defiance. 

Dissolving the boundaries between classical music and other artforms, Manchester Collective join forces with dance-theatre company Thick & Tight to present a searing live performance like no other. Drawing on queer culture, Daniel Hay-Gordon and El Perry’s radical work flits between ballet and cabaret, the absurd and the disarmingly moving.

At the heart of the show is Kaija Saariaho’s ‘Sept Papillons’ – a set of seven miniatures for solo cello, darkly exquisite and fiendishly difficult. Great strength is needed to handle something so delicate. Taking up the mantle is Laura van der Heijden, one of the leading cellists of her generation.

Manchester-based multimedia artist CHAINES completes this riotous line-up. Their work synthesises cutting-edge technology with their classical training to create surreal, glitchy textures.

Papillons is co-created by Manchester Collective and Thick & Tight. CHAINES’ new work is commissioned by Manchester Collective with support from our Commissioning Club

Dates

9 May – Manchester – Royal Northern College of Music

Check times, ticket prices and access info via the link above

Setlist to include

Kaija Saariaho Sept Papillons
CHAINES New commission

Approximate runtime: 90 mins plus interval TBC

SKY WITH THE FOUR SUNS SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

Line-up

Laura van der Heijden Cello
Thick & Tight Dance
CHAINES Electronics

 

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

“Sensuous, exhilarating and revelatory”

THE TIMES

“Fantastic, stunning musicians, so beautiful – moved to tears”

AUDIENCE MEMBER, THE UNFURROWED FIELD