Universally Manchester & Manchester Histories Festival 2024 – Opening Night.

The University of Manchester and Manchester Histories Festival presented an unforgettable evening of contemporary classical and electronic music to mark the launch of the Universally Manchester Festival which celebrated 200 years of history, education and innovation.

Manchester Histories collaborated with the University’s Music Department and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to commission and support three talented composers and musicians to create new works for the opening night of both festivals on 6 June 2024 at The Whitworth.

Universally Manchester Festival.

Each artist drew inspiration from the rich history of The University of Manchester, celebrating its remarkable people, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-firsts in their own unique way.

Image of Tom coly - young man dressed in white T-shirt looking out of a window TOM COULT.

Tom Coult, born in London in 1988, is a composer known for his playful and evocative music. Tom composed “Ryley’s Ramble” to celebrate 200 years of The University of Manchester. This piece draws inspiration from Manchester’s 19th-century ‘broadside ballads’—topical songs sold for a penny and sung aloud in the streets. These ballads, often covering local news, love, and satire, echoed the city’s industrial life and historical events like the Peterloo Massacre. “Ryley’s Ramble” mentions iconic Manchester pubs like the Bridgewater Arms, reflecting the city’s vibrant history. Tom’s composition mirrors this rich heritage, offering a melodic journey through the city that fueled his passion for music.

 ATEFEH EINALI

Atefeh Einali, born in 1990, is a santoor player and composer. Based in Manchester, Atefeh is pursuing a PhD in Music Composition at The University of Manchester. Atefeh composed ‘Echoes’ to celebrate 200 years of The University of Manchester. Atefeh’s piece echoed the story of The University of Manchester’s people over the past 200 years. It is a short narrative, combining moments of joy and sorrow. It blends moments of happiness and sadness, regrets and hopes, and times of solitude and togetherness. It also shares the experiences of newcomers like Atefeh and other migrants to the city, as well as those who have been here for a long time.

Image of Renaldo brown man looking at the camera dressed in a shinny purple shit white patterned tie and black jacketRENALDO RAMAI

Renaldo Ramai, born in Trinidad and Tobago, is a musical prodigy with multiple world records and national accolades. Renaldo composed 25 Phrases in Acceleration For 25 Nobel Prize Laureates of The University of Manchester Auditory Illusions No. 12. In this unique piece, Renaldo plays homage to the 25 Nobel Prize laureates whose ground-breaking contributions have shaped our understanding of the world. Renaldo admires human accomplishment and scientific exploration and invites us to join him in celebrating the university’s remarkable two centuries of innovation.

All pieces were played and recorded by the BBC Philharmonic on the night. The work was funded by The University of Manchester and Manchester Histories.

View the programme form the night.