An exhilarating journey through time and memory.
From the sweet sound of forest birdsong to the grinding gears of industry, the music in this show encapsulates a huge range of human experience.
Inspired by Steve Reich’s childhood memories of railway journeys, ‘Different Trains’ intricately weaves together a live score for strings with field recordings and fragments of spoken word. Through mesmerising repetition and rhythmic patterns, Reich vividly evokes the contrasting destinies faced by train travellers – from passengers on leisurely trips to those caught in the horrors of the Holocaust. “It’s as much terror as it is music” says Pitchfork.
Popping up everywhere from state funerals to trance raves, Samuel Barber’s iconic ‘Adagio’ has lost none of its emotive power since its first performance 85 years ago. A musical catalogue of birdcalls by Cassandra Miller, and fresh new work from subversive British-Malaysian composer Jasmin Kent Rodgman, catches us up to the 21st century.
This voyage from nature to the man-made, past to present, may be turbulent at times. But it’s definitely worth it.
Jasmin Kent Rodgman’s new work is commissioned by Manchester Collective and supported by PRS Foundation’s The Open Fund
Dates & Tickets
14 Sept – Birmingham – Royal Birmingham Conservatoire – Book →
16 Sept – Liverpool – Tung Auditorium – Book →
17 Sept – Leeds – The Warehouse in Holbeck – Book →
20 Sept – Manchester – Royal Northern College of Music – Book →
22 Sept – London – Southbank Centre – Book →
24 Sept – Stroud – Hidden Notes Festival – Book →
Check times, ticket prices and access info via the booking links above. Please note that some of our shows may contain haze.
Setlist
Cassandra Miller Warblework
Samuel Barber String Quartet Op. 11, ‘Adagio’
Jasmin Kent Rodgman four-person simulation (world premiere)
Steve Reich Different Trains
Approximate runtime with interval: 100 minutes
LISTEN TO ‘DIFFERENT TRAINS’ ON SPOTIFY →
Line-up
Sara Wolstenholme Violin
Anna Tulchinskaya Violin
Alex Mitchell Viola
Christian Elliott Cello
Programme Notes →
PART OF
23/24
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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.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before. It was atmospheric and mesmerising”
AUDIENCE MEMBER, HEAVY METAL
“One of the best gigs I've been to… Completely absorbing”
AUDIENCE MEMBER, BLACK ANGELS
Experimental programming.
Engaging performances.
Radical human experiences.
