Manchester Contemporary Orchestra: The Expanding Universe

Across three events each year, Manchester Contemporary Orchestra offers a front-row seat to fearless, original music fresh off the page, shaped by a city and conservatoire rooted in the radical legacy of the Manchester School.

No longer confined to traditional orchestral formats, today’s composers explore a wider range of ensemble configurations, often incorporating electronics and expanded instrumentation. Manchester Contemporary Orchestra mirrors this shift, providing a dynamic platform for students to experiment with large-scale forces in new and unexpected ways.

This evening’s performance is inspired by American composer and electronic innovator Laurie Spiegel’s groundbreaking album, The Expanding Universe. Blending new orchestral works with electronic pieces, the orchestra will seamlessly flow from one work to the next without interruption.

Arrive from 6pm and enjoy Laurie Spiegel’s electronic interpretation of Kepler’s Harmony of the Worlds, setting the scene for an evening of cosmic sound.

Laurie Spiegel Old Wave (electronics)
Emily Howard Sphere
+
New orchestral and electronic works by RNCM Students

Free with ticket