By Maren Kuzmak-Carlson
Ever thought, ‘I’m tired of doing the same thing all the time’? We’re here to suggest 5 activities that will switch things up and add some culture to your routine! Interdisciplinary art events are any events that combine multiple art forms, say, an immersive musical dance performance inspired by paintings. You never know what in the combination of weird and wonderful you might enjoy, so here are just 5 things to do in Manchester we think are worth a visit.
Bridgewater Canal in Manchester | PHOTO: David Dixon
Marina Abramović: Balkan Erotic Epic
Brought to Manchester by Factory International, the world renowned performance artist, Marina Abramovic, uses dance and traditional Balkan Throat Singing to explore eroticism and spirituality through a large-scale performance taking place in Autumn 2025. This performance holds great significance for Abramovic. She was born in the Balkans, and holds a desire to uncover the ancient folktales and ceremonies of her ancestors and bring a new understanding of these rituals to the public today. Be prepared for a journey of understanding; how humans of the past came to terms with procreation and existence. Music, art, and movement come together in an unexpected way to share this spiritual epic.
https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/marina-abramovic/
- Read: Classical music inspired by folksongs | 5 of the best
- Read: Review of the Ligeti Quartet’s latest album | music based on Tuvan and Sardinian throat singing
Space: The Sounds of the Stars with Manchester Camerata and Kantos
Next on our list of things to do in Manchester: discover the secret beauty of our universe through music inspired by the cosmos. Enjoy Manchester’s own Manchester Camerata like never before as audiences sit among the orchestra while looking up at awe-inspiring visuals of the universe. Gorton Monastery transforms into a planetarium for this not-to-miss event. Manchester Camerata is joined by Kantos, a vocal ensemble truly on the forefront of modern choral music. Be a part of experiencing the wonders of music and the stars this February. Tickets available via Bridgewater Hall.
https://www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/whats-on/manchester-camerata-space-0902253pm/
- Read: Music inspired by outer space | 5 best pieces
- Watch: Helen Sharman, first British woman in space, discusses her musical passion
Manchester International Festival
Back again for another exciting year is Manchester International Festival, an event that takes place every two years that combines music, dance, art, film, and everything in between. Continuing our list of things to do in Manchester next year, MIF has always been eagerly involved with the community; and wants the community to get involved with them. 2023 festival highlights include Yayoa Kusama: You, Me and The Balloons, Modelling Queer Utopias, and the international line-up on the stages at Festival Square. MIF is on the cutting edge of creative collaboration and innovation, you never know what sort of music or performance art you might be introduced to.
https://factoryinternational.org/about/manchester-international-festival/
The Hallé: Life: A Journey Through Time
Photographer Frans Lanting and composer Philip Glass come together to create a multimedia symphony titled Life: A Journey Through Time to celebrate the history of life on earth. The performance combines Lanting’s 6-year photographic discovery of new scientific insights on evolution with Glass’s textural music to bring audiences on an adventure through life and creation. Originally premiered at the Cabrillo Music Festival in California, this special experience comes to Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, performed by The Hallé orchestra, with images projected on the big screen.
https://www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/whats-on/halle-150225/
Playstation: The Concert
Video Game fans, get ready to live your game like never before with this last event on our list of things to do in Manchester in 2025. Be absorbed in the worlds of Playstation’s most iconic games with music performed live by a squad of all-star soloists. Music has the power to develop the emotions of a game and can alter your experience. The music of games such as The Last of Us, Horizon, and God of War has been expertly arranged to synchronise on surround sound with multiscreen projections. Coming to Manchester in April 2025 before continuing on its world tour, this is an event for any gaming fan.
https://www.cooplive.com/events/116//playstation-the-concert