Manchester Collective and the International Anthony Burgess Foundation present Inside Mr Enderby, an electrifying song cycle by Huw Belling to celebrate the #Burgess100 centenary.

The comic novel Inside Mr Enderby was published in 1963 under Burgess’s pseudonym Joseph Kell. The book’s centenary interpretation for a modern audience is the first in Manchester Collective’s series of annual commissions designed to bring some of the most exciting international voices in new music to the north west.

This programme also features Leoš Janáček’s emotionally charged string quartet Intimate Letters. Said to be Janáček’s “manifesto on love”, the work concerns his relationship with Kamila Stösslová, a married woman 38 years his junior. In Janáček’s own words:

You stand behind every note, you, living, forceful, loving. The fragrance of your body, the glow of your kisses – no, really of mine. Those notes of mine kiss all of you. They call for you passionately…

Both works feature Mitch Riley, celebrated Australian baritone and Artistic Associate with Sydney Chamber Opera, currently in residence at the École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris. Mitch has quickly developed a reputation as one of the key players on the Australian contemporary music stage, recently having given the Australian premiere of György Kurtág’s …pas à pas – nulle part… in a world-first staging at the Sydney Festival.

Pre-booking tickets is strongly advised.