Jesca Hoop

Lail Arad

Richard Sears

SJM Concerts

The Stoller Hall

This semi-staged concert is based on our preconceptions of mental illness, with each piece having a connection to the psychology of the mind – centred around Peter Maxwell Davies’ harrowing depiction of the ‘madness’ of King George III.

Maxwell Davies was a key member of the Manchester School of Composers, who reshaped the landscape of British music in the late 20th century. 8 Songs for a Mad King is a melodrama with a libretto based on the real-life observations of King George III, presenting an extravagant and disturbing portrayal of his condition. 

Vocalising weirdly as he bemoans his fate, trying to teach his instrumentalist-birds to sing – our musicians becoming projections from within his own mind.

Manchester Camerata: 8 Songs for a Mad King

Following a revered debut at The Roundhouse in April 2024, a string of sold out performances and widespread critical acclaim, The Songs of Joni Mitchell returns this autumn with an extraordinary lineup of artists paying tribute to one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

Jesca Hoop, Kate Stables (This Is The Kit) and Lail Arad, acclaimed singer-songwriters in their own right, will perform intimate interpretations of their favourite Joni Mitchell songs in a loving ode to one of the finest songwriters of all time. They will be joined by Richard Sears on piano.

SJM Concerts Present – The Songs of Joni Mitchell