rothko chapel

SANSARA + MANCHESTER COLLECTIVE

We’ve joined forces with trail blazing ensemble Manchester Collective to present an audio-visual exploration into the world of artist Mark Rothko.

At the heart of the experience is Morton Feldman’s sonic meditation for chamber choir, solo viola, celeste and percussion. The 30-minute piece was written as a tribute to the abstract artist shortly after he took his life, and references the chapel housing his formidable black paintings. A unique lighting installation frames this musical journey, beckoning listeners to find a space of introspection and contemplation. 

Four world premieres capture the emotional essence of Rothko’s art. Be the first to hear new commissions by composers working at the cutting edge of contemporary classical music, including film and TV composer Isobel Waller-Bridge; Edmund Finnis; and Katherine Balch.

With its haunting beauty and resonance, Rothko Chapel invites us to explore the depths of our inner world and connect with the transcendent power of art.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
a wonderfully subtle and hushed sense of the numinous. This was singing of an extremely high order, and the close-written choral sounds were quite extraordinary, with bell-clear soprano soli.

— Robert Beale, The Arts Desk

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
[an] exquisitely moulded performance

— Andrew Clements, The Guardian

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Today’s concert ticked all the boxes for a great show: clever light set-up, a few introductory remarks, seamless transitions, skilled musicians and, naturally, an exciting programme. The ambitious goal to “invite contemplation” and “create a spiritual space” was gloriously accomplished.

— Marat Ingeldeev, Bachtrack

Pitching from SANSARA is (pardon the pun) simply off the scale... An utterly remarkable, unforgettable concert. In SANSARA, Manchester Collective has surely found an aesthetic twin.

— Colin Clarke, Seen & Heard International

repertoire

Morton Feldman Rothko Chapel
Edmund Finnis Blue divided by blue (world premiere)
Katherine Balch songs and interludes (world premiere)
Isobel Waller-Bridge Rothko No. 9 (world premiere)