Songs of Descent at Niamos

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor

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Songs of Descent at Niamos

24 February 2024
Date
Time
Session Features
24 Feb 2024
6:00 pm-11:00 pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Songs of Descent
Artwork by Chrysanthi Tsichti
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Songs of Descent is an operatic monodrama retelling the story of Persephone journeying into the underworld. Written by composer Phoenix Rousiamanis, with a virtuosic vocal performance from Rowan Kudekha-Lark, it’s a genre-bending piece of powerful queer art. After the performance at Hulme’s storied Niamos, the space will transform into an afterparty with a joyfully curated line-up of DJs.

Experience this truly one-off night of art, music, horror, love and acceptance in Manchester’s stunningly beautiful yet often overlooked Niamos, which once played host to everyone from Nina Simone to Gil Scott-Heron.

Phoenix Rousiamanis is a rising star in the contemporary music scene of the UK. Originally from Greece, her music is often raw and emotive in a way that draws an audience in and guides them through complex ideas. She crafts orchestral textures that simultaneously feel like a warm hug and a stern look. We’re very excited to see Songs of Descent come to Manchester this year after it was received with critical acclaim at the Tete a Tete opera festival in 2023.

Drawing on a stellar line-up of local musicians, DJ’s and creatives, this evening promises to be many things, but primarily an artistic outpouring of love for a community, and a celebration of queer acceptance.

Where to go near Songs of Descent at Niamos

Hulme
Hulme Playhouse Theatre

The Playhouse Theatre, originally known as the Hulme Hippodrome opened its doors on 6 October 1902. In 2018, the historic venue was relaunched as a community arts centre by NIAMOS – a collective of artists, musicians and local residents.

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Z-arts was formed in 2000 as a ‘creative space for young people’ with a priority on providing participatory activity.

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Birley is Manchester Met’s world-class centre for Education and Health Professionals and the university’s flagship community campus.

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STEAM focused – pub, hub and event space, food, local ale, recording studio, rehearsal room, urban farm + micro-brewery. Food served 11.30am-3pm and 5-10pm.

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Manchester Metropolitan University Students’ Union building houses a bar and various other facilities for students and staff.

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The Holden Gallery, Manchester School of Art
Manchester
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The Holden Gallery

Manchester School of Art’s Holden Gallery at Manchester Metropolitan University, offers an ongoing programme of exhibitions that are open free to the public.

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