Manchester Collective has today announced Jasmin Kent Rodgman as its new Co-Artistic Director, starting in her role on Monday 1 July 2024. She will work alongside the Collective’s Artistic Director and Co-Founder, Rakhi Singh, to shape the ensemble’s artistic programme and further its work at the cutting edge of classical music.

British-Malaysian composer Jasmin Kent Rodgman's music exists between the contemporary classical, experimental, electronic music and sound art worlds. An interdisciplinary artist and collaborator across art-forms, Jasmin often constructs environments in which her music can be experienced, including site-specific performances, installations, experimental theatre and film. 

Her work has been seen and heard from Southbank Centre to Roundhouse, Edinburgh International Festival to the Royal Shakespeare Company, Music Theatre Wales and the Royal Albert Hall. Activism is central to Jasmin's work. Her music often explores otherness and connectivity, and investigates ideas centred around the female body, race and cultural heritage.

Manchester Collective recently gave the world premiere of Rodgman’s four-person simulation, a work inspired by the notion of loneliness, AI chat rooms and memory and written for string quartet, tape & electronics.

Jasmin’s appointment comes after the departure of co-founder Adam Szabo in January 2024, and a subsequent restructuring of the organisation’s strategic and artistic leadership. The Collective have recently appointed David McKeith as a highly experienced Chair, and the Board will announce a permanent Chief Executive appointment in early autumn.

Jasmin Kent Rodgman, Co-Artistic Director, says: “Manchester Collective are one of the most exciting and engaging music ensembles of today. They connect and collaborate with musicians, composers and artists across an astonishing spectrum, whilst simultaneously breathing new life into the classical canon. Their energy is boundless.

“I'm thrilled and honoured to join the Collective as their Co-Artistic Director alongside Rakhi Singh and the team; and to bring my experience as composer and artist into the mix. I can't wait to see where this journey takes us!”

Linda Begbie, Interim Chief Executive, says: “Jasmin brings a lived-experience of artistic practice and a set of cultural influences that will help MC retain its vital dialogue across musical genres and art forms. She also has strong roots in both Manchester and London, two cities that are of crucial importance to us. An approach to leadership built on collaboration and shared values is something that distinguishes us and I’m really excited by its potential. I believe the Collective must continue to be a vehicle for brave creative expression, in which a whole range of artistic voices can be developed and heard.”

David McKeith, Chair of the Board of Trustees, says: “Jasmin’s appointment reflects Manchester Collective as a diverse-led, artist-led cultural organisation, operating at the forefront of the classical music space. She performed brilliantly in what was a competitive application process involving over 50 candidates from across the UK and internationally. On behalf of the board of trustees, I warmly welcome her to the MC family.”

Manchester Collective’s 24-25 Season will be announced in July.