MIF21: The Patience of Trees

Johnny James, Managing Editor

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The Patience of Trees

16 July 2021

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

Jose Pesquero
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A new work by composer Dobrinka Tabakova is at the heart of an intimate concert inspired by the healing potential and power of the natural world – available to stream on demand during Manchester International Festival 2021.

A whisper of melody, played by a lone violin, gradually grows and shapes into the stirring sweep of a full string section – echoing, perhaps, the resolute journey of a seed from the earth towards the heavens. This is The Patience of Trees, a new concerto for violin, strings and percussion by acclaimed British-Bulgarian composer Dobrinka Tabakova, and it forms the centrepiece of this immersive MIF21 concert.

Devised by violinist Hugo Ticciati and performed with Manchester Camerata, the programme also features Tabakova’s reflective Frozen River Flows, Steve Reich’s pulsing New York Counterpoint and the two standout submissions for the O/Modernt Composition Award: Vulpes Vulpes by British composer Paul Saggers, which won the award, and Todo Era Vuelo en Nuestra Tierra by Julieta Szewach.

Together, the works combine into a timely meditation on nature and the city – and a reflection of sorts on our welcome emergence from this locked-down year.

The in-person concert at Manchester Central is now sold out, however you can stream the event on demand via MIF LIVE, the Festival’s broadcast channel – accessible via the MIF website or via the ‘Book Now’ button below.

Where to go near MIF21: The Patience of Trees

Kong's NQ
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Kong’s NQ

Kong’s isn’t like other chicken shops. This much-loved Northern Quarter restaurant is all about high-grade ingredients and expert preparation.

Castlefield
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Trading Route

Trading Route serves up time-honoured Sunday grub, in a modern Manchester setting. Worth a visit for the expertly-curated soundtrack alone.

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Theatre
Burnley Youth Theatre

Burnley Youth Theatre is a vibrant youth arts organisation based at our purpose built venue in Burnley, Pennine Lancashire.

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Arcadia Ale House

Arcadia Ale house is a sports bar located in the Headingly area of Leeds with a range of drinks offers throughout the week.

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Pasta Romagna

Pasta Romagna is a family owned, independent restaurant in the heart of the city centre. Bringing you homestyle Italian cuisine since 1982.

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Farrands

Farrands is an independent bar located in the heart of Leeds city centre, specialising in a range of fine wine, beer and specialist cocktails.

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George and Joseph Cheesemongers

George and Joseph is Leeds’ only specialist cheesemongers, serving some of the city’s best cheese from its home in Chapel Allerton since 2013

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Wayward Wines

Selling natural wines since before it was cool (well, 2017), this tiny suburban wine house is so much more than just a bar.

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Caspar’s Bottle Shop

Independent craft beer and spirits den Caspars Bottle Shop is a quirky Chapel Allerton favourite that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

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Dry Dock

Dry Dock has carved out a reputation as a fixture for students and locals alike over the last thirty plus years

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