Life, death and divine ecstasy.
Music and movement are doorways to spiritual experience. Enter the Shakers. A radical Protestant sect with roots in 18th-century Northern England, they harnessed this power for holy connection and transcendence. American minimalist composer John Adams pays homage to their frenzied worship and ecstatic energy in the high-octane ‘Shaker Loops’.
This is no ordinary concert. Weaved into Adams’ oscillating rhythms is freshly-penned spoken word from lyrical force Christ Bryan. The Lancastrian poet emerges from the depths of The White Hotel–the iconoclastic Salford nightclub and arts space–to join the Collective live on stage. In three poems,we wade through the industrial smog of the past and the spiritual malaise of the present to seek salvation.
Before we reach the heavens, there’s a mysterious ode to the departed and an ancient hymn invoking the Holy Spirit. Come, let the light in, and surrender to a force larger than yourself
Presented by St George’s Bristol
Manchester Collective
Programme
Dobrinka Tabakova Such Different Paths – string ensemble / string orchestra, 2008
Kaija Saariaho Terra Memoria – string quartet / string orchestra, 2006
Hymn arr. Rakhi Singh Veni Creator Spiritus – string ensemble / string orchestra
John Adams Shaker Loops feat. Christ Bryan – string ensemble / string orchestra, 1978, spoken word, 2025
Format: Reserved seating
Age: For all ages (Under 16s to be accompanied by an adult)
Performance Times
Doors: 18:30
Start Time: 19:00
All timings are approximate and subject to change
Manchester Collective multibuy offer
This season we welcome Manchester Collective to Bristol Beacon for the first time. In addition to their visits to us, the shape-shifting ensemble will return to St George’s Bristol for a further concert this autumn.
Catch the engaging performances of the Collective on three occasions in Bristol this autumn/winter, and take advantage of our multibuy discount.
Fri 3 Oct 2025 – Shaker Loops at St George’s Bristol
For further info and additional ticketing for this concert, please visit St George’s Bristol
Fri 5 Dec 2025 – Wintering at Bristol Beacon
Tue 3 Feb 2026 – Sky with the Four Suns at Bristol Beacon
Buy 2 Manchester Collective concerts at Bristol Beacon or St George’s and save 10%
Buy all 3 concerts and save 15%
The venue
St George’s Bristol
Getting to the venue
Location: St George’s is located near Bristol City Centre and just off Park Street. It has entrances on Great George Street and Charlotte Street (accessible).
Address: St George’s Bristol, Great George St, Bristol BS1 5RR
Bicycle
Bicycle racks can be found outside the venue on Great George Street. Find your nearest cycle routes using Cycle Planner.
Car parking
There are limited parking facilities on-site and these are prioritised for those with Blue Badges. For those who don’t have a Blue Badge, parking in the streets around the building is on meters, which are operational 7 days a week. The nearest car parks are located on Trenchard Street, Millennium Square, West End, Brandon Street, College Street, and Frog Lane.
Bristol Clean Air Zone
Many streets around St George’s Bristol will be part of Bristol’s newly introduced Clean Air Zone the Bristol Clean Air Zone. View a map of the Zone and check if your vehicle will be charged.
Bus
The nearest bus services stop at College Green, a 2-minute walk from the venue.
Access
Mobility
St George’s Bristol has step-free access to the venue from Charlotte Street. There is a lift to all floors of the building with access to the Café Bar, glass studio and hall. The gardens are not fully accessible to wheelchairs.
Toilets
We have accessible toilets located on each level of the new building and on the ground floor beside the Box Office.
Assistance Dogs
Registered assistance dogs and emotional support animals are welcome inside the venue.
Hearing Facility
St George’s Bristol has an Assisted Listening System which can be accessed via WiFi.
Join our access register to help us, help you to have an enjoyable visit.
More from 2025/26 Orchestral Season
2025/26 Orchestral Season
Award-winning orchestras on your doorstep
18 dazzling concerts from iconic orchestras including our partners London Symphony Orchestra and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra; international ensembles from Poland, Spain and the Czech Republic; plus the Bristol Beacon debut of shape-shifting ensemble the Manchester Collective.
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City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
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Manchester Collective & The Marian Consort
Wintering
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London Symphony Orchestra
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Anna Lapwood: The Britton Organ Opening Recital
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Sky with the Four Suns
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Czech Janáček Philharmonic
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