Manchester Collective joins forces with soprano Ruby Hughes in Britten’s Les Illuminations, music by Barbara Strozzi and new settings of Alice Oswald’s poetry by acclaimed composer Edmund Finnis.

In a world that is often shocking and counterintuitive, sometimes all we can do is turn to art for answers. If we’re lucky, we might just find them. As Rimbaud writes in the very first line of Britten’s sparkling song-cycle ‘Les Illuminations’: ‘I alone have the key to this savage parade’. But perceptions can be deceiving.

This show is lighter than air – we present a set of ethereal music for voice and string orchestra that will transport listeners to another world, a world of incredible fragility and exquisite beauty.

To help us in the telling of these tales, we’re joined by two of our closest musical friends and collaborators, soprano Ruby Hughes and composer Edmund Finnis. In Ed’s latest commission for Manchester Collective, he turns his attention to the written word, setting six poems by the British poet Alice Oswald – poems about light, and nature, and time.

Alongside these twin song cycles, the Collective will bring to life Olli Mustonen’s exuberant Nonet No. 2. This is music full of life, bounce and vigour – soaring melodies and earthy harmonies. In a volatile world, sometimes you just need a good tune to hang on to.