Manchester Collective launches winter residency

Innovative arts organisation, Manchester Collective, has opened applications for its second annual Winter Residency in January 2023. The 10-day residency at Rhosygilwen, a Welsh country house, is open to string players of all career stages based in the North of England.

Up to twelve musicians will be awarded fully funded places on the residency where they will work with Manchester Collective’s musicians. Applicants must be over 18 and based in the north of England. Those who did not make it onto last year’s inaugural Winter residency are encouraged to re-apply this year.

Adam Szabo, the collective’s artistic director and chief executive, said: ‘We've designed this scheme to support curious artists finding their way in a volatile and fast changing musical world. This model of having our finest players and participant musicians working, learning, and experimenting alongside each other feels very special – we've tried to take any sense of hierarchy out of the equation, instead embracing players at all stages of their career who are as excited and passionate about the future of the art form as we are.’

Szabo will also lead workshops throughout the residency. Successful applicants will also benefit from the mentorship of Manchester Collective co-founder and music director, Rakhi Singh; co-artistic director of Clod Ensemble, Suzy Willson; Elias String Quartet violinist, Donald Grant; violinist, director and Lodestar Trio founder, Max Baillie and London Symphony Orchestra violist, Carol Ella.

The winter residency will focus on developing flexibility, freedom, collaboration and musicianship through a mix of vocal, rhythm and percussion work and improvisation. Extra-musical training will also include physical work and yoga sessions as well as public speaking before a final presentation to an audience of industry members.

Each successful applicant will receive a bursary to cover travel costs, meals and accommodation. There is no course fee. Applications, including video recordings of two contrasting pieces, can be made via an online form must be submitted by 13 November 2022 with results communicated to applicants by 18 November 2022.