Encore Spring/Summer 2012

encore News from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Spring / Summer 2012 | liverpoolphil.com

News

Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko commences his seventh season conducting a range of concerts demonstrating his renowned versatility

> Petrenko explores the music of Stravinsky and the Ballets Russes > Soloists roll-call includes Simon Trpc˘eski,Tasmin Little, Tine Thing Helseth, Daniel Muller-Schott Liverpool debuts include Leif Ove Andsnes, Alice Sara Ott, H J Lim, Mario Brunello and Behzod Abduraimov, Nelson Freire. > Concerts to celebrate Britten Centenary and Wagner 200th Anniversary > The Orchestra’s Cormac Henry gives world premiere performance of Schwertsik’s Flute Concerto. > New this Season – Coffee Concerts > Prestigious chamber and new music series

New Season Booking Details Tuesday 1 May Postal booking opens for renewing subscribers, members and groups Tuesday 15 May Telephone and in person booking opens for renewing subscribers, members and groups Friday 1 June Booking opens for new subscribers Monday 11 June Public booking opens – ALL TICKETS NOW ON SALE.

Full details at www.liverpoolphil.com

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Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra 2012/13 Season Announced

See the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at the BBC Proms

Despite the Olympic Games, Maestro Tour Management has been able to secure a block of rooms at the Copthorne Tara Hotel located less than 10 minutes walk to the Royal Albert Hall.

Maestro is offering a one night unescorted break including top price ticket for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s Prom, room & breakfast for £149 per person sharing a twin or double room and £199 per person single occupancy of a double room.

Extra nights can be added for £75 per person twin/double share and £130 per person single occupancy.

For further details visit about this trp and information on other forthcoming opportunities to see Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in international destinations visit www.liverpoolphil.com/travel or call Stacey Friend on 0800 678 5747.

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↑ Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Vasily Petrenko at the BBC Prom 2010

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at the BBC Proms 2012 The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Chief Conductor, Vasily Petrenko will perform at the BBC Proms on Thursday, 23 August 2012. The concert programme features Sir Peter Maxwell Davies’ Symphony No. 9, Delius’ Violin Concerto performed by Tasmin Little and Shostakovich’s Symphony No.10.

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies is Master of the Queen’s Music. His ninth symphony was commissioned by Liverpool Philharmonic as a Diamond Jubilee tribute and the world premiere performance is at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 9 June.

Liverpool Philharmonic has enjoyed a long-standing and fruitful partnership with the world-class soloist Tasmin Little, while the Orchestra and Vasily Petrenko’s signature interpretations in concert and

on disc of the Shostakovich symphonies have attracted international critical acclaim and numerous plaudits, including the Gramophone Awards Orchestral Recording of the Year for Symphony No.10.

The August date is the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s third Prom with Vasily Petrenko, who made his Proms debut with the Orchestra during Liverpool’s Capital of Culture Year in 2008. Their Prom in 2010 was The Sunday Times ‘Classical Concert of the Year’. Vasily is also Principal Conductor of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and will conduct them at the Proms on Saturday 4 August.

The BBC Proms is the world’s largest classical music festival with a global audience of millions. BBC Proms 2012 is also part of the London 2012 Festival, the cultural celebrations of the Olympic Games.

If you can’t get to London to hear the Prom, it will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 at 7.30pm.

Michael Eakin, Chief Executive of Liverpool Philharmonic said:

‘The BBC Proms has a world-wide audience of millions through its radio, television and on-line broadcasts. It’s a fantastic showcase and as one of the UK’s leading orchestras, it’s very special too to be part of this world-class international festival during the Olympics year.”

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News

ACE Support!

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is grateful for the support of Arts Council England as one of its National Portfolio Organisations. With planning now under way for a major refurbishment of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and our 175th anniversary in 2015, ACE has provided further significant investment which will be crucial to our ability to build on our current successes and continue to deliver world-class music in Liverpool.

Refurbishment of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Liverpool Philharmonic has been successful in securing £634,000 from Arts Council England (ACE) in 2012, the first step towards a major refurbishment of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

The seed funding from ACE will enable Liverpool Philharmonic to appoint a design team of architects and surveyors to develop the initial design phase of the project. The capital development project will focus on three broad areas; improving the experience for our audiences, participants and visitors; improving the experience for our artists; and increasing sustainability both environmentally and financially. Liverpool Philharmonic has set an ambition for this project of up to £10million and we plan to complete all of the works to our iconic home by 2015.

Liverpool Philharmonic will be making major applications for public and private support in 2013 and we will keep our audiences, supporters and stakeholders informed as we progress through each stage of the project.

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Catalyst

Liverpool Philharmonic generates over two thirds of its own income through a variety of sources including box office, orchestral engagements, broadcast and recordings, hires of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, bars and catering and fundraising.

A successful application to Arts Council England’s Catalyst Arts scheme has secured an award of £240,000 over three years which will enable us to maximise our fundraising potential and develop more innovative ways, such as the Liverpool Philharmonic Challenge Fund, to attract new donors to support our artistic activity.

Michael Eakin, Chief Executive, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic said: “In challenging economic times, when we are striving to drive costs down and income streams up, we greatly appreciate this investment from Arts Council England. Our artistic reputation has never been higher, and this award will help us achieve still more, by encouraging further growth in the amount of funding we bring in from private sources.”

Christopher Allen, Head of Fundraising, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic added: “I’m sure that the strong history of philanthropic support for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic from individual donors, corporate sponsors and grant-making trusts played a part in persuading Arts Council England to make this award. We are hugely grateful for their continuing support and will work hard to take full advantage of their investment.”

News Irish Sea Sessions with Liverpool Academy In March, North Liverpool Academy took part in Reflections, a performance of songs composed by Academy students and inspired by Liverpool Philharmonic's acclaimed Irish Sea Sessions production.

Composer and musician Ian Stephens and Irish Sea Sessions musician Ian Prowse worked with students to write music inspired by family history and heritage.

They were joined for the performance at Liverpool Philharmonic at the Friary by fellow Sea Sessions performers Gino Lupari and Meabh O'Hare.

The programme is part of Liverpool Primary Care Trust's Artists in Residence programme, which has brought international artists to Liverpool to work with communities from across the City.

← (Top) Ian Stephens, Ian Prowse and Gino Lupari (bottom) with young performers from North Liverpool Academy.

THANK YOU… To over 250 donors, who donated to our Bright Future Through Music appeal in 2012 which has so far raised £20, 281 to enable children to attend our Schools’ Concerts for the very first time, and hopefully inspire a lifelong love of music.

If you would like to donate to A Bright Future Through Music to support new attendances at our concerts for Key Stage 1 children in June, please contact Gemma Lynch on 0151 210 2921 or email gemma.lynch@liverpoolphil.com

Schools’ Concerts 2012

15,500 children and teachers from 234 schools across the region attended 11 Schools’ Concerts for Key Stage 2 & 3 performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and one concert at Preston Guild Hall during March.

→ Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Schools Concerts 2012

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Spotlight on Our Musicians Lesley Gwyther

“Although I enjoyed music and playing the violin in particular, I didn’t really think about taking it up professionally until quite late. I was good at languages at school and always thought I was going to teach or follow a career where I could use my languages. And then suddenly, at the age of 16, I got Grade 8 Distinction on the violin and everyone started to say I should go to music college and think about pursuing music as a career. It really made me think about things and as I did enjoy it so much, I thought that perhaps they were right and I should actually go down that route. I auditioned for music colleges and was delighted and slightly amazed when I got into the Royal Academy of Music (RAM). I couldn't turn down such a great opportunity and so that was it, I was on my way.”

Lesley also studied singing at the RAM for a while;

Lesley plays in the first violins and joined the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra on 1st May 1978.

Born in Cardiff, her family moved to Newport when she was 11. Says Lesley “Music was thriving in that part of the world at the time and there were lots of opportunities for young musicians deciding to make music their career. My parents weren’t musical; although they both enjoyed music, and they introduced me to lots of different types of music, including classical which my dad really enjoyed. I was involved in a lot of music making through my primary and secondary schools, the Newport Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Wales of which I was a member for several years. And at primary school like all Welsh people, we were always singing, and I also played the recorder which I really enjoyed.

So there were signs from around the age of 6 or 7 that music was important to me and that I had a certain flair for it, though I didn't start playing the violin until I was 10.

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“I love musicals and musical theatre and in another life would love to have sung in a West End show. Not much chance of that now though I'm afraid!"

After college, Lesley joined the Las Palmas Symphony Orchestra in the Canary Islands and spent 9 months there. “It was a real experience! We got through a lot of repertoire and I played a lot of chamber music while I was there, but the actual orchestra itself was not of a particularly high standard. It was great fun though and I made lots of friends there including two people who later followed me into the Liverpool Philharmonic Danny Hammerton (double bass ) and Eddie Thomas (former Principal Double Bass) who, many years later, I went on to marry!

“I auditioned for Orchestra at Christmas time 1977.

I had a friend in the viola section at the time who told me that there was a job vacancy in the 2nd violins and arranged for me to have an audition, would you believe. That would never happen now! I was the only person auditioning, and I think it was in between a rehearsal and a carol concert. I was given a week's trial at the end of which I was offered the job, starting at the back of the section. I spent just over a year in the second violins before moving across to the firsts. It took another fifteen years or so before I got the position where I have been ever since, sitting No. 4 in the first violins.”

Interview In 34 years with the Orchestra, Lesley has seen a lot of changes. “Huge changes actually. For example, when I joined in 1978 the average age of the orchestra was much, much higher than it is now. I was the youngest person in it when I joined at the age of 22, and there were actually very few younger people in the orchestra at that time.

And there are a large number of women that are in the orchestra compared to when I joined, and behind the scenes now there are so many more people on the management side of things due to the very diverse nature of what we now do across the entire organisation.”

To Miss Mary Riddoch; Dr W E and Mrs J M Kenyon; CHE who have ‘adopted’ Lesley through Liverpool Philharmonic’s Adopt a Player scheme.

If you’d like to find out more about how you can adopt a player in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, gain a wonderful insight into the life of Liverpool Philharmonic, with opportunities to meet your adopted musician and others in the Orchestra, contact the fundraising team on 0151 210 2921 or email fundraising@liverpoolphil.com

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“In her first gig in Liverpool since 2009, she took to the stage to rapturous applause and seemed genuinely at ease with the Liverpool audience. As legends of folk go, Baez is second only to Dylan. But she gave him a run for his money last night in the soldout Philharmonic Hall.”

10/10. Liverpool Echo reviews Joan Baez at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, March 2012

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Walter Weller was Principal Conductor when Lesley joined the Orchestra. “He made a huge difference to the sound of the orchestra” says Lesley. “I felt privileged to be in the Orchestra at that time because he was doing such great things and he was such a great musician, a wonderful conductor and really got the best out of the strings. As a string player it was a great time to be in the orchestra. And I have a very soft spot for Libor (Pešek, Principal Conductor from 1987 to 1997), whose performances of his native Czech music and Mahler symphonies were always something special. It’s lovely when he occasionally comes back now to do concerts with us - he has such a unique relationship with the orchestra and the audience. And I love doing Carl Davis’ concerts.

When we used to do Summer Pops, in the Big Top down at the Albert Dock that was a very special time.

And the music he’s written for silent films - absolutely amazing. Other favourite conductors include Vernon ‘Tod’ Handley, whose interpretations of Elgar were just perfect; Sir Charles Mackerras, whose energy and amazing musicianship were difficult to surpass and who could forget Junichi Hirokami, the diminutive Japanese conductor, whose performance of Berlioz’ Symphonie Fantastique will long live in my memory, not least for the number of times he left the rostrum, leaping into the air with excitement!”

THANK YOU…

And favourite soloists? “Gosh, over the years there have been so many of them. I remember as far back as 1980 Pinchas Zuckerman came to play the Elgar concerto with us at the Malvern Festival - what an unforgettable performance that was. Other violinists I have really enjoyed working with over the years are Boris Belkin, Joshua Bell, Josef Suk, and more recently, Janine Jansen and James Ehnes. ... continued on page 8 & 9

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“The overwhelming impression is one of mounting exhilaration. It's a tour de force for the NYO, who performed it from memory and were greeted with a standing ovation, richly deserved.”

The Guardian reviews National Youth Orchestra’s performance of Anna Meredith's HandsFree, one of the PRS Foundation for Music’s New Music 20x12 commissions and given its world premiere at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, January 2012

Pianists would have to include Cecille Ousset, Christian Blackshaw, Alfred Brendel, John Lill, Garrick Ohlsson, Jorge Bolet (who used to bring his own piano! ) and more recently Martin Roscoe and Simon Trpčeski.

The renowned cellist Paul Tortelier has to be included on this list for his fantastic playing, musicianship and eccentric personality!”

Lesley has toured extensively with the Orchestra.

"My first tour was in 1979 with Walter Weller and it was to Austria and Yugoslavia, followed by many tours to Europe, to Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Spain several times, as well as a few tours to the east coast of America, including a four week tour with Carl Davis, starting in Florida and ending up in New York which included playing the music for the Chaplin film "City Lights". Further afield included a Far East tour and more recently the orchestra has been to China and Romania.

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“I’ve enjoyed so many marvellous concerts, including plenty recently with Vasily; we’ve actually been rehearsing Parsifal today, which we performed on tour in Spain (in 2010). That was a very special concert to be involved in. A long one too - 5 hours long to be precise ! Libor introduced us to some wonderful Czech composers and their music - our performance of Josef Suk's Asrael Symphony at the Proms was absolutely magical. And with Walter Weller, we did the whole cycle of Beethoven symphonies which were fantastic. We performed and recorded the four Schumann symphonies with Marek Janowski, some of my all time favourite pieces of music. I remember on a tour of Switzerland with him we played the second symphony which has a notoriously difficult second movement for the First Violins. We played it every night for a week or so and by the end of that time I remember it was actually pretty good!

THANK YOU… To Gillian and Jonathan Stone who sponsored the young Korean cellistturned-conductor Han-Na Chang for her Liverpool debut with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in February conducting a programme of music by Glinka, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven.

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Over the years. Lesley has played in a number of chamber ensembles. “I played in a string quartet from 1980 to 1990 called the Braga Quartet, named after the viola player Bob Braga, who had been principal viola in the Orchestra from just after the war until the mid 1970s. I was also one of five Liverpool Philharmonic players that made up the Palm Court Group "Grand Circle " in the 1980s. And in the 1990s I formed a piano trio called the Florian Trio, which is

So in a long and varied career, does Lesley have a favourite piece of music?

“I couldn’t pick one favourite, that would be impossible! I have favourite composers rather than pieces. Elgar is probably top of my list, but I also love Schumann, Brahms Rachmaninov, Josef Suk and Richard Strauss. If you gave me any piece by any of those composers that would be wonderful”

“And it was standing room only at the Phil last night too – but then everyone was standing, to scream, sing and sway, as the trio delivered 20 slick harmonic hits from down the decades..the Osmonds haven’t been in the business for so long without learning a thing or two about putting on a show.”

Liverpool Echo reviews The Osmonds at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, April 2012

“The Welsh mezzo has an engaging, easy warmth, carrying her through a series of numbers that showcased different vocal styles.”

Liverpool Echo reviews Katherine Jenkins at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, January 2012

“Vasily Petrenko’s pedigree as a choral conductor was written all over this immensely stylish performance. With well over 100 choristers on stage, this was big-scale Bach, but it also sounded fresh and finely tuned, with the sort of crisp entries and corporate discipline that speak of the highest standards of preparation.”

Financial Times reviews Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, April 2012

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In a busy schedule, Lesley also does a lot of teaching. “I’ve got about a dozen students at the moment, ranging in ability from about Grade 4 up to Grade 8 and beyond. And they range from a 10 year old to adults who I know wouldn't mind me saying, are considerably older than that! Teaching has always been a very important part of my life, and I find that having to think about how you do a certain thing, to be able to explain it to a pupil, really helps you with your own playing ."

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Interview still going, and although we don’t do concerts anymore we still meet to play, once a month perhaps, when we sit around drinking a lot of tea and coffee and chatting, as well as playing trios! Most recently I have been a member of the Valrhona Quartet and nine years ago we were instrumental in setting up the very successful Rodewald Concert Society ‘PlayDays’ one day chamber music courses for adult amateur musicians which are still going strong to this day.

I 'm very proud to say that even after all this time I still really enjoy playing the violin. I love music and making music with friends must be one of the most satisfying ways of doing that."

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On the Record

The latest CD releases from Liverpool Philharmonic Symphony No. 2 ‘To October’ and Symphony No. 15 (Naxos)

The latest release from Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s acclaimed Shostakovich symphony cycle, recorded at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

“At last: the next unmissable instalment … taut, tense, dry and electrifyingly dramatic in Petrenko's hands. The stunning playing of the Liverpool Philharmonic reveals new depths (in No. 2). Petrenko's blistering, penetrating reading (of No. 15) scorchingly played…with a sensational finale and a thunderous choral shout from the Liverpool Philharmonic Choir that will bring you out of your seat.”

Herald Scotland

Offenbach Un Mari á la Porte (A Husband at the Door)

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Vasily Petrenko conductor Singers of the European Opera Centre

The third recording with the brilliant young singers from the European Opera Centre, recorded live in concert at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

“Well worth hearing. Recorded sound and production values are high throughout.

In fact the whole this reeks of Gauloise.”

The Liverpool Post All CDs can be purchased from the online Shop at liverpoolphil.com and on Orchestra concert nights from the Information Desk in the Grand Foyer Bar at Liverpool Philharmonic

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Rachmaninov Symphony No. 3, Caprice bohémien, Vocalise (EMI Classics) The first release on EMI Classics for Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, recorded at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

“The Liverpool Philharmonic plays magnificently, responding to Petrenko’s purposeful beat.”

Gramophone Magazine “Petrenko instinctively conveys the essential quality of soul that the interpretation of Rachmaninov requires.” 5* The Telegraph

Hear the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra with Vasily Petrenko perform Rachmaninov’s Symphony No.1 on 10 & 11 April 2013 at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Tine Thing Helseth Storyteller (EMI Classic)

The second disc from the brilliant young Norwegian trumpeter who dazzled audiences in 2011's Spirit of Christmas concerts at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Recorded with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at Liverpool Philharmonic at the Friary in West Everton “A new star in the classical music sky … She plays with radiance strong enough to light up the entire hall.” Zürcher Landzeitung

Hear Tina perform Arutyunyan’s Trumpet Concerto with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Vasily Petrenko on 7 & 8 November 2012 at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and in recital at St. George’s Hall Concert Room with pianist Kathryn Stott on 15 May 2013.

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Ensemble 10/10 and composer Michael Torke’s recording, Tahiti has been awarded Instrumental Recording of the Year in the 11th Annual Independent Music Awards

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↑ In Harmony at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall → Sea Odyssey Giant Spectacular

In Harmony Liverpool – Celebrating 3 Years What a year it’s been so far for the young musicians of In Harmony Liverpool.

In March, they celebrated three years of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s groundbreaking project in West Everton with the now annual celebration concert at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

For the grand finale, 125 children in West Everton Children’s Orchestra and West Everton Super Strings were joined on stage by 24 members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

In April, the In Harmony Liverpool Ensemble featuring 14 children aged 11-years-old opened Liverpool’s 3-day Sea Odyssey Giant Spectacular.

The children played to the Little Girl Giant to wake her up in Stanley Park to start her journey on 20 April playing Thomas Gregory’s Fiery Fiddlers on 2 double basses, 3 cellos, 5 violas and 4 violins.

↑ Catriona Irving Club Treasurer (left) and Jackie Vellenoweth, Club Secretary (right) present Vasily Petrenko with their club’s donation

THANK YOU… To Liverpool University Women’s Club who have made a generous donation of £500 to In Harmony Liverpool

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Young Singers Wanted!

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Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir Aged 12 – 18? APPLY NOW!

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir is one of the North West’s finest youth choirs.

It is an upper voice choir drawn from talented young singers from the region, providing them with exceptional choral training and performance experience including with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. The choir’s repertoire covers a wide variety of musical styles including classical, jazz, folk and world music.

This summer members will also take part in the world premiere of Emily Howard’s Zatopek!, a new work commissioned as part of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad, with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir and Ensemble 10/10. On the 15th July, they will perform the work for a second time in the Purcell Room at London’s South Bank Centre.

Membership of the Choir is open to experienced singers, girls and boys (unbroken voices) aged between 12 and 18 years.

For further information about joining Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir and Youth Orchestra, including how to apply, email laura.mcquaid@liverpoolphil.com or apply online at www.liverpoolphil.com/joinyouthchoir

The closing date for applications for the new season is Friday 8 June 2012.

Youth Orchestra Gears Up for New Season

Principal Conductor Dane Lam Guest Conductor Vasily Petrenko Guest Soloist Julian Lloyd Webber

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra is in the midst of auditioning new members for a busy and exciting 2012/13 season.

The Youth Orchestra’s final concert in the current season is on Sunday 27 May at 7.30pm (see page 17 for details).

The Youth Orchestra’s 2012/13 season will include guest appearances by Vasily Petrenko, and cellist Julian Lloyd Webber performing Elgar’s Cello Concerto; a sideby-side rehearsal with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, regular coaching from Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra players and performances at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

For further information about Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra email laura.mcquaid@liverpoolphil.com.

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Orchestras’ Conference in Liverpool

The Association of British Orchestra's (ABO) Annual Conference returned to Liverpool in January for the first time since 2003, hosted by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Over 200 delegates from the UK and beyond, drawn from ABO members, venues, broadcasting and media, agents, publishers, education, the Musicians' Union, many musicians and players and a host of other delegates descended on city for a 3-day conference programme of agendaleading debate, discussions and presentations with guest speakers and panellists. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s Chief Executive & Chairman of the ABO, Michael Eakin welcomed delegates to Liverpool and the conference was officially opened by the Minister of State for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey MP and Cllr. Wendy Simon, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Tourism.

As part of the conference programme, Vasily Petrenko participated in a discussion with Richard Morrison, Music Critic of The Times, moderated by Darren Henley, Managing Director of Classic FM, on how the conductor

and critic measure the success of the orchestra and the concert.

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Peter Garden, Liverpool Philharmonic’s Executive Director (Learning) along with internationally acclaimed cellist, Julian Lloyd Webber presented a session on the impact on young people’s lives of In Harmony Sistema England, with a special focus on In Harmony Liverpool. Musicians of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra also took part in discussions throughout the conference programme.

Delegates attended a performance by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra of Shostakovich’s mighty Leningrad Symphony and the UK premiere of Chinese-born composer, Qigang Chen's Enchantements Oubliés conducted by Vasily Petrenko.

THANK YOU… To Liverpool Philharmonic corporate members Alex Finch and BDO who sponsored hospitality for delegates during the ABO conference, including the conference dinner at the Maritime Museum and pre-concert reception at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

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News

However, documentary evidence in the archive shows that from 1850, the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra consisted overwhelmingly of professional players who were contracted on an annual basis, and from 1853 it consisted exclusively of such players. From this date, concert programmes show that there was a continuous series of concerts performed by a permanent, professional symphony orchestra.

Liverpool Philharmonic Archive Access Arrangements

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s archive is available to the public and is normally held at Liverpool Record Office, Central Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool L2 8EW.

Central Library is currently undergoing a major redevelopment. For further information about access arrangements and contact details please telephone 0151 233 5817. ↑ The programme of the very first concert of the Liverpol Philharmonic Society, 19 March 1840

It’s Official!

The Advertising Standards Council has not upheld a complaint which challenged the claim on the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s website to be “the UK's oldest surviving professional symphony orchestra”.

The ruling reported that the claim had been properly substantiated with comparative, documentary evidence drawn from Liverpool Philharmonic’s extensive archive. Following an award from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the archive was completely catalogued to an international archival standard by a professional archivist and a team of 30 volunteers and from 2008, has been housed at Liverpool Record Office and available to the public.

Prior to this time, the conventional wisdom in classical music circles was that Manchester’s Hallé Orchestra was the UK’s oldest surviving symphony orchestra; Liverpool Philharmonic was essentially an amateur organisation whose players were provided by the Hallé Orchestra.

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Support Liverpool Philharmonic Liverpool Philharmonic Fundraising Challenge 2012 Supported by The Kenneth Stern Trust

In this increasingly challenging economic climate, we appeal to music lovers to support Liverpool Philharmonic by donating to our Fundraising Challenge Appeal. For 2012 The Kenneth Stern Trust and a number of private donors have generously agreed to match any donation made to this appeal up to £30,000.

A £100 donation will be worth £200 to us today! (£225 if you are able to Gift Aid your donation!)

Donate now by visiting our website www.liverpoolphil.com or by calling Gemma on 0151 210 2921.

It’s Good Business!

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Gap Personnel

www.gap-personnel.com One of the fastest growing and most dynamic independent recruitment agencies in the UK.

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s corporate partnerships with a wide range of businesses and organisations MgMaStudio www.mgmastudio.co.uk in the city and beyond are central to As Chartered architects, this enterprising design our success and to supporting a agency based in the Grade I listed Oriel Chambers in thriving cultural life in Liverpool.

Liverpool city centre provide creative architecture We are delighted to welcome the and design solutions to the residential, commercial, cultural and leisure sectors in the North West. following organisations as new “Liverpool is the premier cultural institution in corporate members and sponsors the city of Liverpool and recognized and thank them for their support.

Clan www.clan.co.uk The Northwest’s premier structural repair contractor, operating on a national Basis, Clan completed the works to the exterior of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall in 2011. Clan have made a three-year commitment as corporate members.

Liverpool Organic Brewery www.liverpoolorganicbrewery.com Established in 2008, and based in Kirkdale, Liverpool the microbrewery provides cask and bottled ales to pubs, bars, restaurants and beer drinkers across the UK.

internationally. To a new business like ours, Corporate Membership provides fantastic exposure, and the team really go that extra mile to help you make the most of the opportunities.”

Matthew Ashton, RIBA MgStudio Director

19-EIGHTY-2 www.19-eighty-2.com Liverpool-based designer providing gentlemen’s tailoring ↓ L to R: Christopher Morley (horn), Vasily Petrenko, David Wareing (Senior Partner, Hill Dicksinson) and Rakhvinder Singh (violin)

Liverpool Organic Brewery has sponsored Brendan Ball (trumpet) and Fiona Paterson (flute) in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra through our ‘Adopt a Player’ scheme. ↓ Vasily Petrenko and Mark Hensby, Managing Director of Liverpool Organic Brewery,Fiona Paterson (flute) and Brendan Ball (trumpet)

THANK YOU… To leading law firm Hill Dickinson, who will sponsor the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s The Two of Us: The Lennon and McCartney Songbook (22 & 23 June). These two concerts are part of Liverpool Philharmonic’s contribution to Liverpool’s year-long 50th anniversary celebrations. The deal is a further enhancement of Hill Dickinson’s support, as the firm had already committed to sponsoring two concerts by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in 2012

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News

Partner Profile Hope Street Hotel Liverpool The award winning Hope Street hotel has been Liverpool Philharmonic’s Hotel Partner since 2007.

Many readers would remember the building as a furniture showroom, booksellers and offices. The original building was built in a pervading style of the day – the Venetian palazzo by The London Carriage Works company. The eponymous Hope Street Hotel was easy but the name of the restaurant was becoming a difficult choice until the workmen discovered the original name in the plaster work above the door, hence a Liverpool restaurant is called after a London company.

Originally 48 rooms in 2004 it grew to 89 in 2009 and will grow again as some rooms expand next year into the Old Blind School (Trade Union Centre). Both hotel and restaurant are based on a simple and natural style, privately owned and run with an emphasis on friendliness, good food and thoughtful service and both accommodate the many international artists who visit Liverpool to perform at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, as well as the

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many other clients, businesses, agencies and visiting press and media who engage with Liverpool Philharmonic each year.

Mary Colston, who in the 1990’s was Front of House Manager at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and is now Creative Director at Hope Street Hotel and The London Carriage Works, comments: “When I was Front of House Manager at the Hall, we would all look across the road and muse at the AJ Buckingham building, at what a great spot it was and how it would be lovely to see it come alive. Now I look the opposite way and see Liverpool Philharmonic’s loyal audiences bring their fabulous energy to Hope Street. Having been lucky to be part of Liverpool Philharmonic, I am delighted we can offer local, national and international visitors a high standard of design and service and they love the fact that we are just across the road!”

If you would like to book a room at Hope Street Hotel, please quote ‘Encore’ to receive a 10% room discount and automatic upgrade (if available). www.hopestreethotel.co.uk Telephone 0151 709 3000

What’s On...

Events to look out for at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and other venues

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Sunday 27 May 7.30pm

Debussy Prelude a l’apres-midi d’un faune Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1 Honnegger Pastorale d’ete Stravinsky Firebird (1919 version)

Dane Lam conductor / Yuanfan Yang* piano *Finalist in BBC Young Musician 2012 Tickets £9 adults, £6 children (under 25s)

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Beethoven’s Ninth Saturday 9 June 7.30pm

Britten National Anthem Maxwell Davies Symphony No.9 (world premiere) Beethoven Symphony No.9

Vasily Petrenko conductor Katarzyna Dondalska soprano Sarah Richmond alto Paul Charles Clarke tenor / Gidon Saks bass Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Classic Intro 6pm Composer Sir Peter Maxwell Davies in conversation with BBC Radio Merseyside’s Angela Heslop

Tickets £16-£40

Belcea Quartet Tuesday 12 June 7.30pm at St. George’s Hall Concert Room

Box Office 0151 709 3789 liverpoolphil.com

Ensemble 10/10 Race Against Time Friday 15 June at the Epstein Theatre, Liverpool Emily Howard Zatopek! World Premiere

Commissioned by Second Movement with support from PRS Foundation for Music New Music 20x12

Bohuslav Martinu Concertino for cello, winds, piano and percussion Leoš Janaček Řikadla György Ligeti Chamber Concerto

New works by Ondřej Kyas and Hui Tak Cheung

Clark Rundell conductor Members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Members of Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir Tickets £10

Zatopek! Additional Performance Sunday 15 July at the Purcell Room, Southbank Centre, London

Clark Rundell conductor Ensemble 10/10 Members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Members of Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir

Part of the New Music 20x12 Weekend Celebration. As the country prepares to host the Olympic Games the weekend will feature 20 new compositions all inspired by sport.

Box Office 0844 875 0073 www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Katona Twins guitars Tuesday 19 June 7.30pm at St. George’s Hall Concert Room

Beethoven String Quartet Op 59 No. 1 in A major Beethoven String Quartet Op 130 with fugue in Works by Vivaldi, Boccherini, Paganini and Piazzolla B flat major Tickets £25 Tickets £25 liverpoolphil.com encore | 17

What’s On...

Events to look out for at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Box Office 0151 709 3789 liverpoolphil.com

The Unthanks with Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band Sunday 17 June 7.30pm £18.50, £24.50 Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival

Alif Ensemble Sunday 15 July 7.30pm £15, £22.50 ‘Epitomises the best of the new generation of oud players... utterly bewitching’ Songlines on Khyam Allami

Americana Weekend 27-28 July

Lazy Lester

Friday 27 July 8.30pm Rodewald Suite £15

DaDaFest presents

An Evening with

Evelyn Glennie

Saturday 18 August 7.30pm £20-£27.50

Americana Night featuring Pine Leaf Boys

Saturday 28 July 7.30pm £16, £22

Group Booking discounts may be available, please call Dawn Williams on 0151 210 2918 for more details.

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Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Summer Pops 2012 The Two of Us: The Lennon & McCartney Songbook Friday 22 & Saturday 23 June 7.30pm

John Wilson conductor Mark McGann, Claire Martin, Joe Stilgoe singers Script by Bob Eaton and Mark McGann Sponsored by

White Nights Thursday 28 June 7.30pm

Rachmaninov Three pieces from Aleko: Intermezzo, Dance of the Women and Dance of the Men Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1 Shostakovich Symphony No.10

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Music from Film & Television Thursday 12 July 7.30pm

Carl Davis CBE (Hon) conductor Heidi Thomas presenter

Can’t Help Singing: Hollywood’s Leading Ladies in Concert Saturday 21 July 7.30pm

John Wilson conductor Kim Criswell singer

Last Night of the Summer Pops Sunday 22 July 7.30pm

Carl Davis CBE (Hon) conductor Elizabeth Watts soprano

Vasily Petrenko conductor Simon Trpc˘eski piano

A Musical Night Of Queen Tuesday 3 July 7.30pm

Anthony Gabrielle conductor Mike Dixon music supervisor Singers include Earl Carpenter of Three Phantoms fame along with Mathew Craig, Leanne Garretty, Christos Dante, Ross Hunter, Will Knights, Nicola Poustie, Ashley J Russell and Danielle York

Box Office 0151 709 3789 www.liverpoolphil.com liverpoolphil.com encore | 19

Principal Funders

Thanks to the City of Liverpool for its financial support

Principal Partner

Higher Education Partner

Media Partner

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society Founded 1840 A company limited by guarantee Registered in England number 88235 Registered charity number 230538

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Welcome to ...

Peter Barronwell IT Technician Emma King Capital Development Director Rebekah Martin Deputy Orchestra Manager Olga Muszynska Second Violins And our thanks and best wishes to all who have recently left Liverpool Philharmonic

Edited by Jayne Garrity, Head of Communications Telephone 0151 210 3791 Email jayne.garrity@liverpoolphil.com Design Paul Hooley, Publications Officer Commissioned photography Mark McNulty and David Munn Cover Photo Vasily Petrenko, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Chief Conductor Back Cover Photo Richard Wallace, viola player with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra backstage at the Grand Hall Bucharest, 2011