Manchester Collective: Patterns in Repeat

Rhythm begins with the body. For these composers, music is an embodied, grounding experience. It’s in the vibrations of our vocal chords, and in our heartbeats.

Classical music wasn’t big enough to contain Meredith Monk. Best known for her vocal acrobatics and influencing the likes of Björk, her work stretches into choreography, film-making and theatre.

Here, the collective performs a rare treasure: the flickering instrumental piece Backlight.

Improvisation, human connection and Black culture are at the heart of Cassie Kinoshi’s practice. She darts between spaces: London’s thriving jazz scene and Berlin, leading bands as a saxophonist, and composing for theaters such as the Globe. This vibrant mix of influences flows through her brand-new piece for mixed ensemble.

Often taking meditative singing as her starting point, Cassandra Miller taps into music that lies deep within us. Perfect Offering was penned in the throes of illness, exploring the passage of time while our body remains inert.

Cassie Kinoshi’s new work is commissioned by Manchester Collective with support from their Commissioning Club.

Manchester Collective is a Southbank Centre Resident Artist for Classical Music: Spring/Summer 2026.