PAPILLONS

 
 

England Tour
April—
May 2026

 
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As their habitats deteriorate, butterflies are losing their colour. How do we appreciate something in a time of loss? 

Part performance, part reflection, Papillons invites us into a world where artists respond to music through movement and composition, visual art and conversation.

The boundary-pushing Manchester Collective collaborate with dance-theatre company Thick & Tight and multimedia artist CHAINES for this disarmingly intimate performance. 

At its heart is Kaija Saariaho’s ‘Sept Papillons’ (Seven Butterflies) – an exquisitely brittle and luminous set of seven miniatures for solo cello performed by Laura van der Heijden, one of the leading cellists of her generation. 

The Camberwell Incredibles, an arts collective of practising and learning diverse artists, complete the line-up on film.

Weaving haunting electro-acoustic sound worlds, delicate choreography and live visuals together with personal reflections, Papillons celebrates the power of subjectivity and creativity within each of us.

Each performance is captioned and partially audio described and will be followed by a Q&A with the artists.

Dates

30 April – London – Southbank Centre – Book →
3 May – Birmingham – The Bradshaw Hall – Book →
6 May – Nottingham – Lakeside Arts – Book →
9 May – Manchester – Royal Northern College of Music – Book →

Check times, ticket prices and access info via the booking links

Featured music

Kaija Saariaho Sept Papillons
CHAINES (Cee Haines) oysters sing of silkworms
Imogen Holst The Fall of the Leaf

Approximate runtime: 70 mins

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

Line-up

Laura van der Heijden Cello
Thick & Tight Dance
CHAINES Electronics, visuals
The Camberwell Incredibles Mixed media

Papillons is co-created by Manchester Collective, Thick & Tight, CHAINES and Laura van der Heijden. CHAINES’ new work is commissioned by Manchester Collective with support from Hinrichsen Foundation and The Leche Trust. Thick & Tight’s work with the Camberwell Incredibles is supported by Lowry.

Main image: Thick & Tight (Daniel Hay-Gordon) by Camilla Greenwell

 

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

“The best gig I have been to for years. Outstanding.”

AUDIENCE MEMBER, THE UNFURROWED FIELD