A joyful fusion of jazz and Scottish folk music.
Humans love categories – drawing lines between ideas, people, genres and moods. But the music we love, no matter how old or new, traditional or contemporary, often has far more in common than we think…
This show is bound to surprise and delight as Mercury Prize-nominated pianist Fergus McCreadie and his spellbinding trio of jazz musicians join the Manchester Collective string quartet to blast through an irresistible collection of music that lives somewhere between the boundaries of jazz, new classical and folk.
Alongside a brand new set by Fergus, fellow Scotsman and Collective favourite Donald Grant is arranging a collection of traditional folk tunes for this unlikely band of players. It’s music that goes straight to the heart, full of warmth and optimism.
There’s no doubt this gig is going to be a lot of fun. Come join the party.
The Unfurrowed Field is supported by PRS Foundation’s Beyond Borders, a co-commissioning and touring programme run in partnership with Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Wales, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Arts Council of Ireland / An Chomhairle Ealaíon
Dates & Tickets
6 Mar – Nottingham – Lakeside Arts SOLD OUT
7 Mar – Leeds – Howard Assembly Room
8 Mar – Cardiff – Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
9 Mar – Manchester – Royal Northern College of Music SOLD OUT
10 Mar – Birkenhead – Future Yard
13 Mar – Bristol – St George’s Bristol
14 Mar – Birmingham – Elgar Concert Hall
15 Mar – London – Southbank Centre
17 Mar – Oxford – Oxford Town Hall
16 Jul – Edinburgh – Edinburgh Jazz Festival
Check times, ticket prices and access info via the link above.
Setlist
Fergus McCreadie selections from ‘Forest Floor’, ‘Stream’ and new work (world premiere)
Donald Grant Thoir thusa nuas an rionnag sin (Bring you down that star) (world premiere), Prelude Valse and NZ 2004
György Kurtág selections from Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky
Christian Mason selections from Tuvan and Sardinian Songbooks
Trad. Slow Air
Joseph Haydn Op. 54 No. 2, II. Adagio
Anna Meredith Honeyed Words
Approximate runtime with interval: 95 minutes
Line-up
Fergus McCreadie Piano
David Bowden Bass
Stephen Henderson Drums
Rakhi Singh Violin
Donald Grant Violin
Simone van der Giessen Viola
Christian Elliott Cello
Programme notes →
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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.
“I smiled, laughed and nearly cried. Honestly one of the best music experiences of my life”
MANCHESTER AUDIENCE MEMBER
“I thought I didn’t like jazz; I do now. Life-changing”
BIRKENHEAD AUDIENCE MEMBER