What does a painting sound like?

In this audio-visual live concert, we turn to the painter Mark Rothko’s immense canvases for inspiration, reimagining them through sound and light. 

At the heart of the experience is Morton Feldman’s sonic meditation for chamber choir, solo viola, celeste and percussion. The 30-minute piece was written as a tribute to the abstract artist shortly after he took his life, and references the chapel housing his formidable black paintings. A unique lighting installation frames this musical journey, beckoning listeners to find a space of introspection and contemplation. 

Three world premieres capture the emotional essence of Rothko’s art. Be the first to hear new commissions by composers working at the cutting edge of contemporary classical music, including film and TV composer Isobel Waller-Bridge; long-time Collective collaborator Edmund Finnis; and American composer Katherine Balch.

With its haunting beauty and resonance, Rothko Chapel invites us to explore the depths of our inner world and connect with the transcendent power of art.

Manchester Collective: Rothko Chapel is co-commissioned by the Southbank Centre and supported by Cockayne Grants for the Arts, a donor-advised fund held at The London Community Foundation.

5 May – London – Southbank Centre
7 May – Leverkusen, Germany – Erholungshaus
8 May – Antwerp, Belgium – De Singel
10 May – Manchester – Bridgewater Hall

Setlist

Arvo Pärt Solfeggio
Giacinto Scelsi Ave Maria
Isobel Waller-Bridge No. 9 (world premiere)
Katherine Balch songs and interludes (world premiere)
Kaija Saariaho 7 Papillons, No. 2
Missy Mazzoli Vespers for Violin
Edmund Finnis Blue Divided by Blue (world premiere)
Morton Feldman Rothko Chapel

Approximate runtime: 90 minutes

LISTEN TO ‘ROTHKO CHAPEL’ ON SPOTIFY →

Programme notes →