Urgent, haunting and unforgettable.
A breathtaking expedition through four landscapes, WEATHER is an artistic record of threatened habitats, where live music meets audiovisual installation.
You’ll be transported from an East Asian rainforest to the world’s oldest desert; from an Icelandic glacier to a sunken medieval town off the English coast. Each singular in their beauty, each bearing the scars of extreme weather events.
At the heart of this hour-long odyssey is Michael Gordon's cult piece ‘Weather’ for string orchestra and electronics. Inspired by chaotic weather patterns, embracing both danger and calm, here it is brought to life by the boundary-pushing Manchester Collective.
From Cabaret Voltaire to David Attenborough’s Frozen Planet, seminal sound artist and field recordist Chris Watson has had a storied career. Out of his rich archive, the slow bubbling of melting ice, merciless desert winds and the morning cries of tropical birds animate the space around us.
Completing our voyage, two screens envelop the stage with panoramic vistas captured by Watson’s long-time collaborator and filmmaker Carlos Casas.
The world around us is irrevocably changing. But what if we got it right? Before the performance, join us for a panel discussing how we can reimagine our collective future in the face of the climate crisis.
★★★★ “This work, noisy, sobering, dizzying, offers no easy conclusions. Nor is it one to forget” – The Observer
2027 Dates
27 May – Oxford – Schwarzmann Centre
28 May – London – Southbank Centre
Check times, ticket prices and access info via the booking links – updated as and when tickets go on sale. Get notified about new shows and tickets.
Programme
Michael Gordon Weather
Approximate run time: 70 minutes
Pre-show discussion details to be announced
Creative Team
Manchester Collective String orchestra
Rakhi Singh Creative and music direction
Chris Watson Sound installation
Carlos Casas Film installation
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23 Sep – Manchester – Royal Northern College of Music
24 Sep – London – Southbank Centre
Main image: Mark Allan
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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.
“The restless dedication of the players was physically infectious”
OBSERVER, SHAKER LOOPS
“Love and commitment shone through the entire performance”
BACHTRACK, SHAKER LOOPS