Rhythm begins with the body.
Embrace a bold and colourful sound world as we bring to life work by titans in contemporary experimental music. For these women, music is an embodied, grounding experience. It’s in the vibrations of our vocal chords and in our heartbeats.
Classical music wasn’t big enough to contain Meredith Monk. Best known for her vocal acrobatics and influencing the likes of Björk, her work stretches into choreography, filmmaking and theatre. Here, the Collective perform a rare treasure: the flickering instrumental piece ‘Backlight’.
Improvisation, human connection and Black culture are at the heart of Cassie Kinoshi’s practice. She darts between spaces: London’s thriving jazz scene and Berlin, leading bands as a saxophonist, and composing for theatres such as the Globe. This vibrant mix of influences flows through her brand-new piece for piano, string quartet and electronics.
Often taking meditative singing as her starting point, Cassandra Miller taps into music that lies deep within us. ‘Perfect Offering’ was penned in the throes of illness, exploring the passage of time while our body remains inert.
Cassie Kinoshi’s new work is commissioned by Manchester Collective with support from the Marchus Trust, The Leche Trust, The Fidelio Charitable Trust, and our Commissioning Club. Please note Cassie will not be performing live.
Dates
26 Jun – Leeds – Howard Assembly Room – Book →
28 Jun – London – Southbank Centre – Book →
30 Jun – Manchester – Aviva Studios – Book →
Check times, ticket prices and access info via the booking links
Setlist
Meredith Monk Stringsongs, IV. Phantom Strings
Cassandra Miller Perfect Offering
Clarice Assad Sonic Landscapes, I. Continuum
Cassie Kinoshi ARTEFACT/AUTOMATON
Meredith Monk Backlight
Approximate runtime: 70 minutes plus interval
Programme notes →
Line-up
Aaron Holloway-Nahum Conductor (Meredith Monk)
Haim Choi Violin
Lily Whitehurst Violin
Ruth Gibson Viola
Peggy Nolan Cello
Alex Jakeman Flute
Sergio Castelló López Clarinet
Helena Mackie Oboe
Andres Yauri Bassoon
Katherine Tinker Piano (Leeds, London)
Clíodna Shanahan Piano (Manchester)
Main image: Cassie Kinoshi 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.
“An ensemble with the vision and skill to truly see into the future”
THE OBSERVER, PLACES WE KNOW
“Fantastic, stunning musicians, so beautiful – moved to tears”
AUDIENCE MEMBER, THE UNFURROWED FIELD