Sad shanties from Manchester Collective and Sean Shibe

The Manchester Collective and Sean Shibe

By Chris Garlick, 29 March 2026

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“hey are not afraid of including challenging repertoire mixed in with the more accessible.”

Reviewed at Queen Elizabeth Hall, London on 28 March 2026

Dowland, Lachrimae or Seaven Teares

Dowland, Can she excuse my wrongs? The Earl of Essex's Galliard

Purcell, Dido and Aeneas Z 626: Come away, fellow sailors

Traditional, Sea Shanties (arr. Donald Grant)

The Unthanks, Big steamers

Purcell, The Tempest, Z.631: Full fathom five (arr. Thomas Ades)

Nobuto, New work (world premiere)

Manchester Collective

Sean Shibe, Guitar, Lute

Artistic adventures with the Manchester Collective

Chris Garlick, 26th September

Present what could be considered challenging work unapologetically, the Manchester Collective makes friends on London's Southbank.

*****

Jonathan Watkins’ A Single Man pierces the heart at the Linbury

Deborah Weiss, 8th September

Jonathan Watkins’ A Single Man is a compelling piece of dance theatre and a magnificent vehicle for the leading characters to shine as dancers and actors.

****1

Weaving dreams: Manchester Collective’s bold performance at the QEH

Marat Ingeldeev, 12th October

In a vibrant display of artistry, Manchester Collective’s “Fever Dreams” programme weaves together diverse musical threads, captivating the audience with a unique concert experience.

****1

A great celebration of Feldman's Rothko Chapel at the QEH

Marat Ingeldeev, 5th May

A celebration concert of Feldman's Rothko Chapel ticks all the boxes for a great show.

****1

Manchester Collective’s Sirocco blows away New York

David Wolfson, 6th April

Manchester Collective and Abel Selaocoe aim to reshape classical music with their collaboration Sirocco. Their breathtaking performance at the 92nd Street Y is more rock concert than chamber recital.

*****

Manchester’s finest showcased at mcr:classical

Leighton Jones, 24th June

Day One of an innovative two-day festival brings a range of orchestral showpieces and contemporary works in a series of one hour concerts.

****1

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Chris Garlick

Chris Garlick is the co-founder of Signal Gallery in Hoxton. His first degree was in music, training as a classical composer. Chris has written about art frequently in Art of England magazine, Artist and Illustrator for online blogs.