Few other ensembles span Glastonbury openers to musical newbies…see St John’s Collective perform this month

Earlier this year we reported on St. John’s Collective, a new ensemble led by Manchester’s Camerata orchestra and Jonathan Raine; multitalented musician and Corporate Director at Allied London, the property firm transforming Old Granada Studios (OGS) into the £1.3 billion neighbourhood of St. John’s.   

Due to complete in 2022, St. John’s aims to build on OGS’ rich cultural history as Granada Television headquarters until 2013 - not with another smash soap opera like Corrie but this ambitious musical initiative. 

Old Granada Studios Stock
St. John's Collective is based at Old Granada Studios, once home to TV hits like Coronation Street

Led by Raine and mentored by musicians from Manchester Camerata - who count opening Glastonbury and being described by The Times as ‘Britain’s most adventurous orchestra' amongst their accolades - the community orchestra welcomes everyone from musical amateurs to those looking for a new challenge. They've been meeting regularly at OGS since January to work on a series of new pieces by emerging young composers, all especially commissioned and inspired by Manchester.

Now, the collective have announced their first public performance, which will take place at Old Granada Studios on Thursday 26 April. As well as the chance to meet those involved, the informal event will also see the premiere of Raine’s Symphony of Enterprise - together with works from University of Manchester students Max Bilbe, Pierre Flasse, Will Frampton, Dom Matthews and Dan Nolan. 

170522 St Johns Allied London
Old Granada Studios is being transformed into St. John’s; a neighbourhood including flexible workspaces, apartments and a five-star hotel

Although the (standing) show is free, visitors are encouraged to make a £10 donation to Big Change; a homeless charity which Allied London strongly supports. It's expected to last around 60 minutes, with limited priority seating available. 

Jonathan Raine, Corporate Director for Allied London, said: “This project has been two years in the making, and it’s been a pleasure to work with so many enthusiastic musicians who’ve joined us from all over Manchester to be a part of it. The St. John’s Collective has demonstrated the city’s creativity and the power of something new and innovative. I look forward to sharing this on the 26th and working with everyone to continue the collective in some form into the future.”

St. John's Collective Concert & Social will take place at Old Granada Studios, M3 3GS, on Thursday 26 April at 7pm - free but registration required (suggested £10 donation to Big Change) 

One charitable concert enough? RNCM will be hosting Stars in their Eyes: The Live Revival on Saturday 2 June. Featuring performances from some of the series’ best-known contestants - from first winner, Shirley Bassey impersonator Maxine Barrie, to George Michael sound-a-like Robert Lamberti - the show will be hosted by Matthew Kelly himself, with proceeds to Prevent Breast Cancer.