Review: Manchester Collective, Romantic Hero, Leeds Town Hall

Since completion in 1858, Leeds Town Hall has played host to many influential and ground-breaking artists from across the globe.

The latest – and possibly one of the most immersive in recent years – is the extraordinary Manchester Collective who, on October 9, hopped over the Pennines to captivate an audience with Romantic Hero, the first work of their 2018/19 season.

With a brief to create radical human experiences through live music for everyone, their mission was accomplished in Leeds. Invited to sit above the stage in the orchestra seating, the audience were already enjoying a break from the norm as pianist Jayson Gillham opened with pieces from Schumann’s Waldszenen Op. 82 (Forest scenes).

His solo piano pieces were interspersed with a selection from Kurtág’s 12 Microludes for String Quartet, which filled the stage, although the artists actually played while hidden behind the 50 ft high organ that is the centrepiece of the venue. The effect was transformative, as the contrast in pieces led the audience from light, to dappled-shade, to darkness – just as a journey through a forest might do.

With his engaging accent and easy manner, the Collective’s managing director, Adam Szabo, introduced himself during the first-half and advised that he and the other musicians would be available during the interval to chat about their work and how they hope their often-challenging programming choices will bring ‘Art with a capital A’ to new audiences.

The Q&A session in the break served to make the audience feel even more connected to the music and musicians – and is an element of the evening that undoubtedly makes not-for-profit Manchester Collective one of the most important ensembles currently bringing classical music to UK audiences.

Nigel Westlake’s Piano Trio opened the second section of the programme before Rakhi Singh (violin), Eva Thorarinsdottir (violin), Kimi Makino (viola) and Nick Trygstad (cello), along with Gillham, beautifully performed what is held to be one of Schumann’s most important works, The Piano Quintet in E-flat Major.

In Leeds, the Manchester Collective communicated their intimate love for their music and, by daring to break rules and challenge established norms, are connecting audiences young and old with chamber music in a way that guarantees the genre is as relevant in the 21^st century, as it was in the 19^th.

Manchester Collective return to Leeds Town Hall on November 22 with the second element of their 18/19 programme – Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire. The performance will be presented by BBC 6 Music/Radio 3 broadcaster Elizabeth Alker who “will guide audiences through the emotional wreckage of this musical apocalypse”.

By Colin Petch

Tour dates and further information can be found at: https://manchestercollective.co.uk