THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED Award-winning musician and author Tiki Black released her sophomore album this year, which is entitled “The Sound Of The Broken Wand.” The Manchester-based artist, via Paris and Cameroon, has drawn inspiration from some of the best names in the industry worldwide to create memorable albums. The acclaimed second album received an […]
Geopolitical alliances at the ready! This year’s Eurovision Song Contest will be held just a stone's throw from Manchester in lovely Liverpool. To celebrate this once is a lifetime (well 25 years anyway) event, we're hosting a special edition of our Big Fat Music Library quiz on Thursday 27th April. So if you think you […]
Join us for this live performance by an experienced folk musician who draws inspiration from local and family history. Michael Burns’ repertoire incorporates music from a wide timespan and he is interested in music pertaining to social commentary and how it relates to the present day. Click on the links to hear some of Michael's […]
We have a new electronic drum kit, which will be available from this day! Our old kits have been popular features of the department and we’ve had lots of enquiries about when to expect a new one. It’s finally here, and bookings can be made at the Henry Watson Music Library desk or over the […]
Manchester International Roots Orchestra return, to perform on our Sunday Funday as part of the Festival of Libraries, bringing together musicians, instruments and musical traditions from all parts of the globe, to perform both original and traditional pieces, MIRO is always brilliant and offers a chance to experience something unique. There will also be a […]
The Henry Watson Music Library will again host a small festival as part of this international annual celebration of music. A variety of artists of many different styles will perform short sets (around 20 minutes) throughout the day, leading to a final full performance and presentation by Manchester International Roots Orchestra. It’s always a really […]
This is the first “Paper Piano Presents” event to mark the exhibition in the Henry Watson Music Library. As part of the opening night visitors will have the opportunity to listen to Paper Piano’s back catalogue including rare tracks from The Oreoh!s, The Declining Winter and SPIRIT:level. There will be the chance to purchase limited […]
Join us for live music from local artists on Saturday afternoon. This summer the Henry Watson Music Library plays host to a special guest – Yamaha’s SILENT Piano™. As part of a new collaboration between Yamaha and selected libraries across the UK, the Henry Watson Music Library hosts a SILENT Piano™ across the summer months. […]
We will be joined by two very different local artists for some short musical performances. One is a young acoustic guitar student working toward grade exams, who will give her first live performance ever. The other is an experienced composer of experimental rock/pop music, an enthusiastic live performer and a library regular: Steve Manning aka […]
In association with Paper Piano, The Declining Winter will perform in the Henry Watson Music Library, preceding their November tour with epic45. The self-described “(un) popular music group based in West Yorkshire” creates ethereal, spacious arpeggiated music and unique live experiences. Yorkshire based The Declining Winter are led by Richard Adams, the co-founder of the […]
Anyone who has visited the Paper Piano exhibition may have wondered who or what DJ Goalpost is. To answer that, and to mark the end of the exhibition, Paper Piano will be giving away a limited edition DJ Goalpost book. The book is part exploration of what an alter-ego can be, part self-help guide and […]
Join us for an informal ukulele lesson and singalong. Ukulele's available. Beginners welcome! Free - please book by emailing catherine.rooney@manchester.gov.uk
From dedicated performance spaces to stairwells, screens, nooks and domes, Central Library might directly inspire your next event or intervention. Contact us to arrange a tour.
