The Beating Wing Orchestra was formed for MIF 07, bringing together locally based musicians from refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds and other musicians from across the city. The orchestra returned for MIF09 for this special collaboration with the wonderful Amadou & Mariam. Over the course of a year, the musicians reworked existing tracks by the Malian duo and wrote new material, performing the results over two electrifying nights at MIF’s Pavilion Theatre.

‘This event sums up the international spirit of Manchester’s festival… despite the celebratory vibes, this also seems a subtle but effective political statement’ The Guardian

Commissioned by Manchester International Festival. Produced by Manchester International Festival and Community Arts North West.