Enter a realm flooded with light and sound.
The Alaskan wilderness and the Arctic sky is where night and day steadily unfold with a special kind of magic. These horizons stretch far and wide across the nature-infused music of John Luther Adams. His ‘Canticles of the Sky’ for string quartet is stark, bright and expansive. It takes inspiration from sunbeams that hit ice crystals and refract, forming vivid halos and sundogs. To hear it live is to feel the steady, creeping warmth of a frosty day…
On our way to these distant soundscapes, we bask in the radiant purity of Arvo Pärt’s ‘Summa’ and briefly leave Earth behind for alien terrains. Experimental British musician and composer Mica Levi is best known for their disconcerting scores for films like Under the Skin and The Zone of Interest. In a new commission for the Collective, Jasmine Morris manipulates time with her slow-crawling textures and otherworldly sounds.
Join us and ascend to the highest heights.
Jasmine Morris’ new work is commissioned by Manchester Collective with support from our Commissioning Club
Dates
3 Feb – Bristol – Bristol Beacon
5 Feb – Nottingham – Lakeside Arts
6 Feb – Leeds – Howard Assembly Room
7 Feb – Birkenhead – Future Yard
8 Feb – Manchester – Aviva Studios
12 Feb – London – Southbank Centre
Check times, ticket prices and access info via the links above
Setlist
Arvo Pärt Summa
Benjamin Britten String Quartet No. 2, I.
Henry Purcell Fantasia in C Minor, Z. 738
Mica Levi You Belong to Me
Jasmine Morris New commission
John Luther Adams Canticles of the Sky
Approximate runtime: 85 mins plus interval
SKY WITH THE FOUR SUNS SPOTIFY PLAYLIST →
Line-up
Manchester Collective String quartet
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.
“Sensuous, exhilarating and revelatory”
THE TIMES
“Fantastic, stunning musicians, so beautiful – moved to tears”
AUDIENCE MEMBER, THE UNFURROWED FIELD