Manchester Collective: Ecstatic Dances at The Stoller Hall

Johnny James, Managing Editor
Manchester Collective

Manchester Collective: Ecstatic Dances at The Stoller Hall, Manchester 19 January 2020 Tickets from £11 — Book now

In collaboration with Poul Høxbro and Paul Clark, Manchester Collective are continuing their season of boundary-smashing concerts with Ecstatic Dances – a show that will see ancient music brought to life for 21st-century ears.

Hailing from Denmark, Poul Høxbro is a fascinating musician. His musical life began as a rock drummer before he stumbled upon a road less travelled: Andean folk music. Obsessing over this newfound niche, Poul – then a student – embarked on a lengthy trip around South America where he acquired the skills needed to perform this beguiling music.

Undertaking further study in medieval and contemporary classical music from across the globe, a vision started to crystalise in Poul’s mind: he would take medieval instruments out of the shadows of the past and into the spotlight of contemporary concert halls around the world.

Since those student days, Poul has established an international reputation for serious and original performances of medieval music. Performing both as a soloist and as a member of ensembles ALBA and ESK, he’s a master of all types of historical percussion and traditional flutes (he’s often labelled “the great man of small instruments”) but is chiefly known for resurrecting the popular medieval combination of pipe and tabor.

When Poul and Manchester Collective began talks about collaboration, they realised that the combination of instruments they were envisioning had literally never been heard before. Performing music both old and new, Poul will play a variety of flutes and percussion instruments alongside Manchester Collective’s Rakhi Singh and Simmy Singh (violins), Ruth Gibson (viola), Abel Selaocoe (cello) and Alan Keary (electric bass).

The programme’s new music comes courtesy of Paul Clark, a leading composer on the British theatre scene. Fresh off the back of a hugely successful collaboration with Renee Fleming and Ben Whishaw at The Shed in New York, Paul will be making his Manchester Collective debut with an exciting world premiere, the details of which are a tantalising mystery at this point. This will feature alongside Thomas Adés’ Arcadiana, Peter Warlock’s Capriol Suite, and Ancient Songs and Dances from England, Scotland, and Denmark.

In typical Manchester Collective style, Ecstatic Dances will be somewhat of a high-wire show. “The set that we are presenting is all-new – terrifyingly, ink-barely-dry new”, say the daring arts organisation. “Fortunately, we’re not particularly fond of being comfortable”.

One of only four dates on Manchester Collective and Poul Høxbro’s Ecstatic Dances tour, their evening at The Stoller Hall promises to be a highlight of the venue’s Spring Season. Don’t miss it.

Manchester Collective: Ecstatic Dances at The Stoller Hall, Manchester 19 January 2020 Tickets from £11 Book now

What's on at The Stoller Hall

Where to go near Manchester Collective: Ecstatic Dances at The Stoller Hall

Traditional green and beige tram in blackpool
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Heritage Tram Tours

Embark on a unique and educational journey along the famous Blackpool Tramway, on board the best of the iconic Heritage Trams.

Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Sandcastle Waterpark

Bring the whole family together for a day of fun, thrills and exciting aquatic adventures at Sandcastle Waterpark.

© Merlin Entertainments 2024
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Blackpool Tower Eye

Experience one of the country’s most well-known landmarks in a whole new way. Brave the glass SkyWalk, head to the 4D cinema, or soak up the views at Bar 380.

Blackpool Tower Circus
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
The Blackpool Tower Circus

Visit the oldest permanent circus in the world, showcasing some truly jaw-dropping stunts from contortionists, acrobats and trapeze acts.

Pendle witch scaring visitors at Blackpool Dungeons
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
The Blackpool Tower Dungeon

With interactive shows and an impressive drop ride, you’re guaranteed thrills, screams and entertainment at The Blackpool Tower Dungeon.

activity 1
Event venue
Frankie’s Paint-It Pottery

Frankie’s Paint-It Pottery is a friendly place to relax and exercise your creative muscles by having a go at pottery painting.

hotel 4
City Centre
Hotel
Shankly Hotel

A glamorous tribute to Bill Shankly in hotel form, where else will you find a place where luxury meets fun in such style?

What's on: Music

Ramona Live
Until
Food and DrinkAncoats
Ramona Live at Ramona

Every Thursday, Ramona’s MOT Station plays host to a specially curated roster of touring bands, local artists and resident performers. All live, all free entry, all the time.

free entry
three musicians wearing white and performing with string instruments
Until
MusicManchester
Inspirational Artists at RNCM

The RNCM launches its brand new Inspirational Artists series, spotlighting a huge range of touring musicians and ensembles, each bringing something unique to the stage.

from £12.50
Female with white suit sitting on piano stool singing
Until
MusicManchester
RNCM Autumn Season

From soul legends to fantastical opera, live art to dance’s cutting edge, we select our highlights from the RNCM’s Autumn Season.

from £8
A black woman sat down looking to the left.
Until
MusicLeeds
Sound Out Leeds 2024/25

Leeds International Concert Season is on a mission to push boundaries, expand horizons, and ask the question: ‘What haven’t we heard?’ as it presents its city-spanning Sound Out Leeds series.

from £10.00

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.