Thijs Van Leer

Pierre  Van Der Linden

Menno Gootjes

Udo Pannekeet

The Stoller Hall

Focus

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

The band from the 1960/70s that just keeps giving.

Featuring Thijs Van Leer, Pierre Van Der Linden, Menno Gootjes and Udo Pannekeet, Focus return to UK and European concert stages during 2025/26.

Fresh from a successful 2024 which included the release of their new studio album Focus 12, extensive European/UK touring as well as a month-long tour of the USA (alongside Asia, Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash and Curved Air), they will traverse Europe to give their loyal fans what they always want – a good time, and timeless music.