Songs of Descent at Niamos
Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
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.
