Abel Selaocoe

Ruth Gibson

Rakhi Singh

Simmy Singh

Alan Keary

Sidiki Dembele

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

Sirocco is a great storm of music from across the world, played with heart and virtuosity. Earning standing ovations from New York to Frankfurt, its infectious spirit will have you up on your feet and singing along.

Expect the unexpected as original South African folk rubs shoulders with music from the Western canon. Classical strings dance to the beat of African drums and electric bass guitar. Outrageous solos await. Sirocco is a love letter to music and camaraderie, crafted by Manchester Collective with singular cellist and storyteller Abel Selaocoe over the years. Each performance is different from the last.

Manchester Collective and Abel Selaocoe: Sirocco