Name: The Young’uns
Start: 2026-03-20T19:30:00
Location: The Stoller Hall

Journey through a symphony of strings and voices at The Stoller Hall in Manchester, where a series of compelling events promises an orchestral extravaganza. From the illustrious Sitkovetsky Trio’s rendition of Chaminade and Brahms to the poignant presentation of '8 Songs for a Mad King' by Manchester Camerata, these performances offer a rich tapestry of cultural and musical heritage. Join us for a closer look at the artists and compositions that will illuminate the stage and captivate audiences.

A Symphony of Strings: Celebrating Musical Masterpieces at The Stoller Hall

Stoller Hall in Manchester is set to host a series of captivating musical events that promise to leave audiences enthralled. The lineup features the renowned Elias Quartet with an all-Beethoven program, The Young’uns performing their award-winning folk songs, and a gripping semi-staged concert by Manchester Camerata centered on the psychological turmoil of King George III. These performances not only showcase extraordinary talent but also explore profound themes of musical genius, social conscience, and mental illness, offering a rich tapestry of sound and storytelling.

A Symphony of Strings, Voices, and Madness: Stoller Hall's Captivating Concerts

The Stoller Hall

The Young’uns

The Elias String Quartet is celebrated for its deep musical understanding and bold performances. Their ability to convey profound musical meaning, especially across entire quartet cycles, has made them a fixture in the world’s most prestigious concert halls and festivals. They recently toured with a complete Beethoven quartet cycle which they have also recorded. As the finale of the Manchester Chamber Concerts Society’s 25/26, the Elias quartet present an all-Beethoven programme, celebrating the composer’s genius at writing breathtaking, dramatic works for the string quartet. The programme opens with Quartet No.12 in E flat major, one of the last pieces the composer completed before his death, followed by the second of his middle period Opus 59 quartets. Commissioned by Count Razumovsky, these are considered to have been a revolution in music written for the quartet – so completely original that in one stroke they redefined the entire paradigm of the quartet genre.

Elias Quartet

One night in Stockton On Tees, three teenagers heard strange sounds coming from the backroom of a pub. They went in. They heard people singing songs they’d never heard before. Songs without instruments. Songs in their own accents. Songs about places they knew. Folk songs. They joined in. Because they were the youngest ones there by several decades, they were soon labeled ‘the Young’uns.’ More than 20 years on and they’ve carried their unfortunate name around the world, from Sidney to Vancouver, from Radio Tees to Radio 4, won 3 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and gained a reputation for singing life affirming songs of social conscience in immaculate 3 part harmony.

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.

The Young’uns

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