The places and stories of our past, both imaginary and real, hold a curious power over us.

At the heart of this adventurous programme for string ensemble is a new commission by Oliver Leith – the voice of a new generation of British composers. “Deadpan, subversive and quietly anarchic” (BBC Radio 3), Oliver’s music seamlessly crosses the boundary between contemporary classical and electronic worlds. His new work will o wisp is an exploration of the weird and wonderful, based on an old English folk legend.

Elsewhere, we’re transported to the flower gardens, little stone paths and imposing beech trees at the beautiful Dumbarton Oaks estate in the USA with Caroline Shaw’s ‘Plan & Elevation’. Dmitri Shostakovich’s tour-de-force ‘Chamber Symphony’ stands in stark contrast–a gut-wrenching musical rollercoaster that packs a devastating emotional punch for seasoned concert-goers and first time audiences alike. The show opens with a tender piece about loss and reinvention by Missy Mazzoli, a firebrand Brooklyn composer described by NPR as “the 21st century’s gatecrasher of new classical music”.

About Manchester Collective

Known for their experimental programming and daring collaborations, Manchester Collective perform a combination of cutting-edge contemporary music, classical masterpieces and staged work in spaces ranging from concert halls to warehouses, nightclubs to festivals. New music and collaboration are of vital importance to the Collective; they commission and present work by some of today’s most exciting artistic voices, crossing different genres and artforms.

This programme was devised by Pekka Kuusisto, who had to withdraw from performing due to illness. The show will go ahead with Manchester Collective’s Music Director, Rakhi Singh, stepping in to lead the ensemble.

Oliver Leith’s new work has been commissioned by Manchester Collective and the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra and is funded by the British Council’s International Collaboration Grants.

Tickets: Pay What You Feel £10 or £20 + booking fee