FEVER
DREAMS

Manchester & London
10–12 October 2024

Reawaken the past. Reach into the future.

Experience the full force of the string orchestra as Manchester Collective revive old classics and summon futuristic sounds alongside ‘cyborg pianist’ Zubin Kanga.

Tchaikovsky said his Serenade for Strings was “a piece from the heart”. Beloved by the composer and audiences alike, it’s a technicolour, opulent romance. Here it’s given a Collective twist, blurring into music that lives closer to the present day.

There’s more muscle to the brisk Concerto for String Orchestra by Polish composer Grażyna Bacewicz. It’s a real workout for the players. Feverishly paced, it will leave you catching your breath.

In these two works, the composers take inspiration from their heritage to create something new. But what happens when a retreat into history turns violent? After seeing a replica of Schiller’s piano – which was built by WW2 prisoners and unable to play music – Laurence Osborn responds to fascism’s empty attempts to recreate the past in his new concerto. It’s an auditory hallucination where Zubin conjures ghostly samples of piano construction with his keyboard: handsaws, sandpaper, drills.

Time is an illusion. Let’s dispel it.

‘Schiller’s Piano’ is commissioned by Zubin Kanga and Manchester Collective. Zubin originally co-commissioned the work as part of Cyborg Soloists, with the support of a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship and Royal Holloway, University of London. The premiere is supported by the Vaughan Williams Foundation.

Dates

10 Oct – Manchester – Royal Northern College of Music – Book →
12 Oct – London – Southbank Centre – Book →

Check times, ticket prices and access info via the links above

Setlist

Grażyna Bacewicz Concerto for String Orchestra
Laurence Osborn Schiller’s Piano (world premiere)
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings, I. & III.
Caroline Shaw Evergreen, I & II.
Wojciech Kilar Orawa

Approximate runtime: 80 mins plus interval

FEVER DREAMS SPOTIFY PLAYLIST →

Programme notes →

Line-up

Zubin Kanga Piano, keyboard, live electronics (Schiller’s Piano)
Aaron Holloway-Nahum Conductor (Schiller’s Piano)
Rakhi Singh Director, violin
Martyn Jackson Violin
Martha-Maria Mitu Violin
Ellie Consta Violin
Roman Lytwyniw Violin
Marie Schreer Violin
Lily Whitehurst Violin
Rosemary Attree Violin
Dylan Edge Violin
Alex Mitchell Viola
Carol Ella Viola
Alistair Vennart Viola
Christian Elliott Cello
Hannah Roberts Cello
Peggy Nolan Cello
Alice Durrant Double bass
Diane Clark Double bass

PART OF

24/25

EXPLORE THE SEASON

Fever Dreams with Zubin Kanga – alternate (Graphic 16x9).jpg

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.
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.
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.