Ian McMillan & Andrew McMillan – Volumes
Sarah-Clare Conlon, Literature Editor
Rochdale Literature & Ideas Festival can claim a world premiere as father and son poets Ian and Andrew McMillan collaborate on a project for the very first time. The unique Volumes event will be the finale to the festival, now in its fourth year and running 19 to 24 October. Ian and Andrew have been specially commissioned by the festival to write two brand-new poems, both of which have been set to music by Manchester-based composer Michael Betteridge.
These will be performed at the lovely Church of St Mary in the Baum by female voice choir Cantare and newly formed inclusive male voice choir The Sunday Boys, who rehearse on Canal Street. As well as presenting the new pieces, the McMillans will read from their own work and introduce a choice of songs based on the works of some of their favourite poets, also performed by the choirs. And prior to this, Ian – of BBC Radio 3 The Verb fame – will be combining words and music at the Poets & Players Manchester Literature Festival special on 18 October in Hallé St Peter’s in Ancoats.
