Psappha, 3x3 Concerts 1 October and 12 November 2020

What constitutes a concert? While many have played with the form, the basics – performers and audience in a shared space – seemed self-evident. However, at a time when restrictions limit or prevent gatherings of performers and audience, this question has assumed new significance. Indeed, the area of live music performance has borne the brunt of many of the ongoing uncertainties, changes and debates of recent months. In the midst of disappointing and unsettling news about cancellations and postponements, it was a welcome relief to read that Psappha decided to go ahead with their 2020–21 concert series. As one of the UK's preeminent contemporary music ensembles, Psappha's influence extends far beyond its Manchester home, reaching a worldwide audience via its YouTube channel. Psappha's current programme is testament to the ensemble's vision, juxtaposing well-known monoliths from the twentieth-century repertoire against works by emerging composers and those whose music is heard less often in the UK.