What if everything that came from the past was influenced by the future?
Enter a musical time warp where sound resonates across the ages. Manchester Collective teams up with electronic musician Clark and choreographer Melanie Lane for a dizzying performance merging the worlds of contemporary dance, classical and experimental music.
Linear time is a story we tell ourselves. But what if we rewrote it? In Refractions, medieval and baroque music crashes against modern electronica. Dancers call upon rituals from both ancient and alien civilisations.
Creative director and violinist Rakhi Singh maps constellations between music that lives light years apart. Conceived as one continuous aural and visual experience, Refractions moves through planes of emotions: explosive drama dissipates into moments of calm, disorder collapses into joyous rapture.
At a young age, Clark abandoned his violin for a drum machine. His career has embraced the full spectrum of electronic – from hard-hitting techno to soft ambient and found sound. Refractions uncovers the classical traces hidden all along, with Clark joining the Collective strings and piano ensemble live to perform brand-new arrangements of his work.
Music and movement are forever intertwined. Melanie Lane’s visceral choreography takes flight as a trio of dancers travels forwards to inhabit imaginary new worlds. Chaos and harmony, darkness and light, speed and stillness punctuate this journey.
Suspend yourself in time and let go. Alternate realities await.
Refractions is produced by Manchester Collective and is co-commissioned with Southbank Centre and The Bridgewater Hall, with support from Jonathan and Ariella Green
Dates
25 Apr – Manchester – Bridgewater Hall
26 Apr – London – Southbank Centre
Check times, ticket prices and access info via the booking links. Please note that this performance contains flashing lights.
Approximate runtime: 90 mins
Artistic Team
Rakhi Singh creative direction, violin
Clark electronics
Melanie Lane choreography
Manchester Collective
Full setlist and bonus content →
LISTEN TO RAKHI’S 6MUSIC PLAYLIST→
Main image: Alma Haser
PART OF
24/25
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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.
“Beauty and brutality, blistering noise and otherworldly calm”
PITCHFORK, SUS DOG BY CLARK
“A patchwork of styles that shouldn’t work together but, by some mysterious alchemy, absolutely do”
THE TIMES, LAD BY MANCHESTER COLLECTIVE
Experimental programming.
Engaging performances.
Radical human experiences.
