Manchester Collective: Patterns in Repeat

Friday 26 June 2026

Contemporary classical

Book Now

Rhythm begins with the body.

Embrace a bold and colourful sound world as Manchester Collective bring to life work by titans in contemporary experimental music. For these women, music is an embodied, grounding experience. It’s in the vibrations of our vocal chords, and in our heartbeats.

Classical music wasn’t big enough to contain Meredith Monk. Best known for her vocal acrobatics and influencing the likes of Björk, her work stretches into choreography, filmmaking and theatre. Here, the Collective perform a rare treasure: the flickering instrumental piece Backlight.

Improvisation, human connection and Black culture are at the heart of Cassie Kinoshi’s practice. She darts between spaces: London’s thriving jazz scene and Berlin, leading bands as a saxophonist, and composing for theatres such as the Globe. This vibrant mix of influences flows through her brand-new piece for mixed ensemble.

Often taking meditative singing as her starting point, Cassandra Miller taps into music that lies deep within us. Perfect Offering was penned in the throes of illness, exploring the passage of time while our body remains inert.

Cassie Kinoshi’s new work is commissioned by Manchester Collective with support from their Commissioning Club. Please note Cassie will not be performing live.

 

Programme

Cassandra Miller Perfect Offering – flute, clarinet, piano, string quartet, 2015 (19’)
Cassie Kinoshi New commission – flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, piano, viola, cello, electronics, 2026 (15’)
Meredith Monk Backlight – flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, piano, viola, cello, 2015 (17’)

Price

From £19 (+£1.50 booking fee)

Venue
  • Howard Assembly Room

Doors
7pm

Start time
7.30pm

Duration
85 minutes (plus interval)

Under 30s Members
£10

What to expect live

“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.”
Manchester Collective

Howard Assembly Room
Man performs on stage with atmospheric lighting

Howard Assembly Room

Find all the information you need to make the most of your trip to our venue in the heart of Leeds.

Under 30s membership
A man performing at the Howard Assembly Room, stood on stage surrounded by musicians.

Under 30s membership

Aged 16–29 or a full-time student? Join our free membership for discount gig, opera and concert tickets.

Manchester Collective: Patterns in Repeat
×
Close

Search our site