Life, death and divine ecstasy.
Music and movement are doorways to spiritual experience. Enter the Shakers. A radical Protestant sect with roots in 18th-century Northern England, they harnessed this power for holy connection and transcendence. American minimalist composer John Adams pays homage to their frenzied worship and ecstatic energy in the high-octane ‘Shaker Loops’.
This is no ordinary concert. Weaved into Adams’ oscillating rhythms is freshly-penned poetry from lyrical force Christ Bryan. The Lancastrian poet emerges from the depths of The White Hotel – the iconoclastic Salford nightclub and arts space – to join the Collective live on stage. In three poems, we wade through the industrial smog of the past and the spiritual malaise of the present to seek salvation.
Before we reach the heavens, there’s a mysterious ode to the departed and an ancient hymn invoking the Holy Spirit. Come, let the light in, and surrender to a force larger than yourself.
Dates
26 Sep – London – Southbank Centre – Book →
27 Sep – Leeds – Howard Assembly Room – Book →
3 Oct – Bristol – St George’s Bristol – Book →
5 Oct – Manchester – Royal Northern College of Music – Book →
Check times, ticket prices and access info via the booking links
Setlist
Dobrinka Tabakova Such Different Paths
Kaija Saariaho Terra Memoria
Hymn arr. Rakhi Singh Veni Creator Spiritus
John Adams Shaker Loops feat. Christ Bryan
Approximate runtime: 90 mins plus interval
Programme notes →
Line-up
Manchester Collective String ensemble / string orchestra
Christ Bryan Poetry
For full line-up, see programme notes above
Main image: Christ Bryan and 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.
★★★★ “An evening of intensity and introspection”
THE TIMES, SHAKER LOOPS
★★★★★ “Love and commitment [shines] through the entire performance, reaching out to the audience with directness and intelligence.”
BACHTRACK, SHAKER LOOPS