Factory International has unveiled its summer classical programme, presenting a wide-ranging season of contemporary and classical music at Aviva Studios in Manchester, alongside its West End debut with the transfer of Tao of Glass.
The season opens on 2 May with The Hallé’s debut at Aviva Studios, presenting an immersive performance of ANNO: Four Seasons by Anna Meredith and Antonio Vivaldi, reimagined as a continuous hour of music.
The production fuses fragments of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with Anna Meredith’s distinctive electronic sound world, accompanied by animated visuals by Eleanor Meredith.
Anna Meredith said: “I am thrilled to bring ANNO to Manchester audiences and so excited to be working with the Hallé’s talented musicians and its leader, Robert Ruisi. It’s so brilliant to present this piece in its original immersive context in the fantastic Aviva Studios space and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.”
Factory International and English National Opera will present the UK premiere of Du Yun’s Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Angel’s Bone, running from 12 to 16 May.
Directed by Kip Williams and performed in collaboration with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, the opera explores themes of exploitation, power and survival through a contemporary lens.
The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra returns to Aviva Studios on 22 May with Philharmonic Sessions: The Rite of Spring, a new immersive production of Stravinsky’s score using the d&b Soundscape audio system.
Audiences can experience the performance either standing within the space or seated in the Hall’s upper tier.
Three live orchestra and cinema events follow, including Naruto Symphonic Experience on 29 May, Space Station Earth by Ilan Eshkeri on 6 June, and BAFTA Games in Concert on 7 June.
On 30 June, Manchester Collective presents Patterns in Repeat, an evening of experimental music featuring works by Meredith Monk, Cassie Kinoshi and Cassandra Miller, including the premiere of a new piece by Kinoshi.
The summer programme also extends beyond Manchester with Factory International’s West End debut.
Following its premiere at Manchester International Festival, Tao of Glass by Philip Glass and Phelim McDermott will run at @sohoplace theatre from 25 July to 12 September.
Part concert and part performance, the work combines ten meditations inspired by Taoist philosophy with live music, puppetry and storytelling.
John McGrath said: “Tao of Glass was a massive hit when it premiered at Manchester International Festival in 2019, and we’re really proud to have produced it and taken it around the world with Improbable. We’ve always wanted the show to be seen in London, and we are thrilled that it will be opening in the West End @sohoplace.”
“Philip and Phelim are artists we are so proud to work with, and this is one of their most extraordinary creations.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
