“We live in a time of struggle.”
American composer and pianist Vijay Iyer defies categorisation. He travels intuitively across jazz, big band music and classical. For one night only, searing chamber work from the last 20 years comes to the other side of the Atlantic, as Vijay teams up with Manchester Collective and guest conductor Duncan Ward.
The show opens with a tribute to the people of Flint, Michigan and culminates with the UK premiere of ‘Crisis Modes’. The titular piece offers an alternative vision of the present in which “we call each other to action, push through a haze of denial, and organise ourselves as a constructive oppositional force”. There’s urgency alongside hope. Elsewhere, Vijay remixes a once-discarded fragment of a Mozart string quartet and debuts a solo piano piece.
An artist retrospective, but not as you know it. This is something far more alive.
‘Crisis Modes’ is commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, Gustavo Dudamel, Music and Artistic Director; KölnMusik GmbH; and Wigmore Hall with support from The Hargreaves and Ball Trust.
Dates
23 Sept – London – Wigmore Hall – Book →
Check times, ticket prices and access info via the links above
Setlist
Vijay Iyer Song for Flint
Vijay Iyer new work (world premiere)
Vijay Iyer The Law of Returns
Vijay Iyer Run
Vijay Iyer Mutations, I. Air
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart String Quartet in E minor, (fragment) K417d
Vijay Iyer Mozart Effects
Vijay Iyer Crisis Modes (UK premiere)
Approximate runtime: 85 mins plus interval
LISTEN TO ‘CRISIS MODES’ ON SPOTIFY →
Line-up
Vijay Iyer Piano
Duncan Ward Conductor
Eva Thorarinsdottir Violin
Sara Wolstenholme Violin
Bridget O’Donnell Violin
Marie Schreer Violin
Anna Tulchinskaya Violin
Will Newell Violin
Ruth Gibson Viola
Scott Dickinson Viola
James Morley Cello
Nick Trygstad Cello
Peggy Nolan Cello
Billy Cole Double Bass
Beibei Wang Percussion
Harry Percy Percussion
Elsa Bradley Percussion
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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.
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From warehouses to concert halls, everywhere we play is unique.
At underground and independent venues, it’s a more intimate experience. You can expect to get up close and personal to the musicians, hear outside noise and grab a drink at the bar. Don’t forget to wrap up warm!
The “Book” links under Dates & Tickets lead to venue websites. There, you’ll be able to find specific access information. Please note that some independent venues might be standing shows, with the option to request a seat if you need one. This will be specified on the booking page.
If you have any questions at all about access, get in touch at events@manchestercollective.co.uk and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
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Our performances aren’t formal – so you don’t have to be either! Dress in whatever style makes you feel comfortable, just as our performers do.
If you’ve never been to a classical concert before, you might be worried about rules and etiquette. That’s not what we’re about. You’re free to bring the same excitement and respect you would to any other performance.
Depending on the venue, you might be able to take a couple photos and short videos during the show. If you’re filming the entire gig, we promise we have better recordings on our YouTube channel.
All we ask is that you listen with an open mind and ears.
“Sensuous, exhilarating and revelatory”
THE TIMES
“Fantastic, stunning musicians, so beautiful – moved to tears”
AUDIENCE MEMBER, THE UNFURROWED FIELD