Erland Cooper: Carve the Runes Then Be Content With Silence Erland Cooper is a Scottish composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist originally from Stromness, Orkney. As a solo artist, he has released five acclaimed studio albums, including a trilogy of work inspired by his childhood home, as well as themes of nature, people, place and time. His work combines field recordings with traditional orchestration and contemporary electronic elements. Through music, words and cinematography he explores landscape, memory and identity. He develops these themes further by partnering with other artists, writers and poets. Cooper also works across mixed media projects including installation art, theatre and film. He’s widely known for burying the only existing copy of the master tape of his first classical album in Scotland, deleting all digital files and leaving only a treasure hunt of clues for anyone to seek it. The tape was found in 2023 and the album will be released, exactly as it sounds from the earth, this year along with its world premiere of the completed score. Presented by Hey! Manchester. This is a 14+ event. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult

Determinedly doing things her own way and standing up for what she believes in has long been ingrained in the psyche of trailblazing South African musician Moonchild Sanelly, whose drive to succeed has been fuelled by personal pain and trauma. Growing up in Port Elizabeth with a hip-hop producer brother and a mum who would put her onstage from a young age to compete in dance competitions, Sanelisiwe Twishas music-filled childhood was full of creativity. Whether it was self-choreographing dance routines to Spice Girls tracks, teaching herself to play the piano, singing at church with her family, or starting to write poetry, expression and being artistically free was always encouraged.

Acclaimed singer Keeley Forsyth returns for a rare and stripped back performance, accompanied by Matthew Bourne on piano. In recent years, Keeley has worked with many esteemed collaborators, including Ben Frost, Colin Stetson, Teho Teardo, Louis Carnell, Gazelle Twin, Evelyn Glennie, Yann Tiersen and Hiro Ama. With 3 critically acclaimed albums now behind her, Forsyth has become a leading and sought after performer, known for the raw emotionality of her singular vocal ability and striking physical performance. She has left an indelible mark on stages around the world, including Dark Mofo, Le Guess Who?, LEV, CTM, Unsound, Pitchfork, Rewire and Donaufestival, and tonight returns to an unplugged voice and piano performance. This new tour is an opportunity to experience Keeley Forsyth in an intimate setting alongside collaborator Matthew Bourne, as they perform their new collection, among other works.

Lo-fi folky sounds from New England native Merrill Garbus.