An introduction to Manchester Collective

Manchester Collective are flipping the script on contemporary classical music and who it is for with their radical approach to programming.

Whether in concert halls or warehouse clubs, playing Bach or weaving in jazz and electronic music, Manchester Collective are pushing the boundaries of what contemporary classical means – and drawing crowds of all ages, backgrounds and musical interests in the process.

Here is all you need to know about the award-winning experimental ensemble ahead of two unmissable performances at Aviva Studios this year: Sky with the Four Suns and Patterns in Repeat.

BUT FIRST: IS CLASSICAL MUSIC HAVING A MOMENT?

While the mainstream popularity of classical music has waned over time, there are signs that the genre is experiencing a resurgence amongst younger listeners. Film and gaming concerts are at an all-time high. TikTok influencers share Baroque content. Even Spanish pop star Rosalía released Vivaldi-esque single ‘Berghain’ featuring the London Symphony Orchestra.

Manchester is certainly having a moment. Already home to symphony orchestras such as the BBC Philharmonic and The Hallé as well as experimental orchestras such as Manchester Camerata, the city will soon play host to the English National Opera.

ENTER MANCHESTER COLLECTIVE

At the heart of all this excitement is Manchester Collective, who have been ripping up the classical rulebook for years.

Founded in 2016, Manchester Collective produce a radical year-round programme that blends mighty classical works with cutting-edge new music. Take Refractions – a millennium of music featuring compositions by 12th century composer Hildegard von Bingen, electronic musician Clark and everything in between.

In 2024, British-Malaysian composer Jasmin Kent Rodgman joined the collective as co-artistic director, alongside violinist and co-founder Rakhi Singh.

FROM MILLS TO CLUBS TO CONCERT HALLS

In 2017, Manchester Collective performed their first show in the freezing basement of Islington Mill – an artist studio space in Salford. The show set the stage for a decade of performing in unexpected venues.

In their home city, Manchester Collective have played in venues ranging from the underground nightclub The White Hotel and a working brewery to traditional concert halls such as Bridgewater Hall.

SIGNATURE STYLE: EXPERIMENTAL, MULTIDISCIPLINARY, FLEXIBLE

Manchester Collective productions are often multidisciplinary, incorporating elements of dance and theatre with a strong focus on light, sound, staging and visuals.

Shows can be thematically based. Take WEATHER (2022) – a multimedia journey through four natural habitats – or Rothko Chapel (2024) – an audiovisual interpretation of the painter’s colour-drenched artworks.

Unlike traditional orchestras, Manchester Collective have no conductor and their make-up is flexible, varying from a violin and bass guitar duo to a larger string ensemble.

NOTABLE COLLABORATORS

The ensemble regularly feature on recordings by some of today’s most exciting artists – including Hania Rani, GoGo Penguin, Blackhaine and Anna Calvi. Last year, they collaborated with DJ and producer Nabihah Iqbal on her first-ever classical composition What Psyche Felt.

Manchester Collective have collaborated extensively with cellist Abel Selaocoe – first on Sirocco, a love letter to folk traditions from across the world, and its follow up The Oracle, which featured Selaocoe’s own compositions.

MIF: NOAH’S FLOOD AND A SINGLE MAN

Manchester Collective are no strangers to Manchester International Festival. For MIF23, they joined forces with radical theatre company Slung Low for a hand-crafted staging of Benjamin Britten’s community opera Noah’s Flood. A remarkable cast of 180 schoolchildren dressed as birds and beasts took over the expansive warehouse at Depot Mayfield, guided by Lemn Sissay as the voice of God.

For MIF25, Jasmin Kent-Rodgman co-composed the music for the ballet A Single Man with celebrated singer-songwriter John Grant. Manchester Collective performed the score live.

SKY WITH THE FOUR SUNS AND PATTERNS IN REPEAT

Now we welcome Manchester Collective for their first solo shows at Aviva Studios.

Sky with the Four Suns features the nature-infused music of John Luther Adams alongside music by Arvo Pärt, Benjamin Britten, Henry Purcell and Mica Levi, and a new, otherworldly commission by Jasmine Morris.

Patterns in Repeat spotlights four contemporary musicians: Meredith Monk, Cassie Kinoshi, Cassandra Miller and Clarice Assad.

Together, the two shows demonstrate the breadth of Manchester Collective’s musical palette – from Baroque heavyweights like Purcell to experimental and boundary-pushing new musicians. After that? It’s impossible to predict what the Collective will tackle next.

Sky with the Four Suns takes place at Aviva Studios on 8 February 2026. Find out more information here.

Patterns in Repeat takes place at Aviva Studios on 30 June 2026. Find out more here.

Lead image: Refractions at Southbank Centre © Nat Urazmetova