Known for their imaginative programming, daring collaborations and engaging performances, the work of Manchester Collective has expanded at breakneck speed since their formation in 2016. The Collective’s vision is to reshape the future of classical music by creating radical artistic work from their base in the north of England

The shape-shifting ensemble performs a combination of cutting-edge contemporary music, classical masterpieces and staged work nationally and internationally, in spaces ranging from concert halls to warehouses, nightclubs to festivals. They collaborate with an exciting array of award-winning artists, pushing at the boundaries of how classical music is presented and experienced. Notable previous projects include The Oracle with South African cellist Abel Selaocoe, Rosewood with guitarist Sean Shibe, The Unfurrowed Field with jazz pianist Fergus McCreadie and a multimedia performance of Michael Gordon’s ‘Weather’ with an installation by sound recordist Chris Watson

New music is of vital importance to the Collective. Crossing different musical genres, in recent years they have commissioned major works by composers including Edmund Finnis, Ben Nobuto, Hannah Peel, Oliver Leith, Kelly Moran, Moor Mother, Lyra Pramuk, Laurence Osborn, Isobel Waller-Bridge and Alice Zawadzki

In 2021, Manchester Collective made their Royal Albert Hall debut as part of the BBC Proms Festival and are currently artists-in-residence at the Southbank Centre in London. In 2023, they won the Royal Philharmonic Society’s prestigious Ensemble award. They have released three studio albums on the Icelandic label Bedroom Community.

Website Manchester Collective: click here!

fast forward classical represents Manchester Collective Europe-wide (less United Kingdom).