Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra October 2014 - June 2015

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra October 2014-June 2015 Vasily Petrenko Chief Conductor

Box Office 0151 709 3789 www.liverpoolphil.com

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is grateful to the following supporters TRAVEL PARTNER

PRINCIPAL FUNDERS

HOTEL PARTNER

HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNER

Thanks to the City of Liverpool for its financial support IN-KIND SPONSORS PRINCIPAL PARTNERS

MEDIA PARTNER

IN HARMONY LIVERPOOL

OTHER PUBLIC FUNDERS

SPONSORS

The eric and Margaret Kinder Charitable Trust | The Granada Foundation | Faith Primary School Oglesby Charitable Trust In harmony Fund | The rayne Foundation | Weightmans | West Lancashire Freemasons Charity | anonymous donors TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS

CORPORATE MEMBERS

Finch Insurance Brokers | Andrew Collinge | Kirwans Solicitors Liverpool John Lennon Airport | MgMaStudio/ architecture | O 2 Pierhead housing Association | Profile education Ltd | r S Clare & Co. Ltd Stack IT Group | Tilney Investment Management

The KenneTh STern TruST

The Leslie Bibby Fund | The hilda Black Charitable Trust | Solomon and Isabel Blankstone Charitable Trust The Amelia Chadwick Trust | John Fairclough Charitable Trust | J Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust Paul hamlyn Foundation | hemby Charitable Trust | The eric and Margaret Kinder Charitable Trust Award Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund | The Louis nicholas residuary Charitable Trust | Cecil Pilkington Charitable Trust | Sir Alastair Pilkingtons Trust | The ravensdale Trust | The rayne Foundation rushworth Charitable Trust | The J A Shone Memorial Trust | The Claude Ballard Southall Memorial Charity | The Standfield Charitable Trust | The Tavener Charitable Trust | West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity | Sir Donald and Lady edna Wilson Charitable Trust Liverpool Philharmonic is particularly grateful for the support and friendship of Miss Mary riddoch.

And thank you to everyone who supports the royal Liverpool Philharmonic through membership, patronage or donations, or by donating their time.

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Welcome from Vasily Petrenko It is an honour for me to be Chief Conductor of the royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra as we celebrate our 175th anniversary. When I came to Liverpool in 2006, I had only a little knowledge of our history. Since then, I have learnt so much more, and am full of admiration for what we have achieved with the support of the City and people of Liverpool.

I am proud to follow in the footsteps of such great artists such as Max Bruch, Charles hallé, Malcolm Sargent, John Pritchard, Charles Groves, Libor Pešek, Petr Altricher and Gerard Schwarz. It is a great responsibility and also a great privilege for me to guide our Orchestra in the 21st century.

I am personally grateful for the support of our Principal Funders, Arts Council england and Liverpool City Council, the trusts and foundations, and the extraordinary generosity of many individuals who have made the refurbishment of Liverpool Philharmonic hall possible. I hope that you will like what you see when you come to hear our great Orchestra and enjoy our anniversary celebrations, because you made it possible.

Our history shows that Liverpool Philharmonic has never stood still, it has always evolved to serve Liverpool as one of the uK’s great music organisations.

Contents

I am looking forward to continuing our musical journey together as part of the Liverpool Philharmonic family as we begin the next exciting chapter in our story.

Vasily Petrenko Chief Conductor

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic 175th Anniversary Season

Page 2

Support Us

Page 4

Subscribe

Page 7

Debuts

Page 8

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

Page 10

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Archive

Page 49

Behind the Music

Page 50

Chamber Music Concerts

Page 53

Family Concerts

Page 60

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Concerts

Page 62

Information and Booking

Page 63

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic - 175th Anniversary Season

In 1840, the same year that the first Cunard passenger liner set sail for America, a group of Liverpool music-lovers came together to form a society which gave four concerts in its first year.

Liverpool Philharmonic hall, 1890

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, 1890

The foundation of the Liverpool Philharmonic Society predates notable Liverpool landmarks such as the Albert Dock (1845) and St. George’s hall (1854).

Our founders could surely not have imagined that what they established would continue and grow as the secondoldest concert promoting society with the oldest continuing professional symphony orchestra in the uK, which has served Liverpool in three centuries.

Today, the original vision of that first committee ‘to promote the science and practice of music’ has remained a constant and driving ambition. It is manifested today in the royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir and our associated ensembles, visiting artists, and all who work behind the scenes in a music organisation which has been at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural life since 1840.

The royal Liverpool Philharmonic will be celebrating our 175th anniversary over the 2014-15 and 2015-16 concert seasons. each season will honour Liverpool Philharmonic’s long established tradition of performing the cornerstones of the classical repertoire, performing new music, and providing opportunities for music-lovers of all ages to enjoy and participate in music.

| 5 Left: A common sight during the War, the armed services at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra truck being loaded with instruments.

right: Top Firemen battling with the blaze at Philharmonic Hall, 5 July 1933.

Middle clockwise Mari & Hakon ˚ Samuelsen, Giovanni Sollima, Paul Lewis, James MacMillan Bottom Post-1930’s musicians at the Orchestra’s menu board.

Throughout its history, Liverpool Philharmonic has championed composers of the day and has premiered many works that have since become among the greatest and muchloved works in the classical music repertoire. World premieres in this season include Double Concerto by James horner for the norwegian brother and sister phenomenon, Mari and håkon Samuelsen; Michael Torke and former Liverpool Philharmonic Composer-in-residence Graham Fitkin have both composed a Concerto for Orchestra, part of a series of four written for our anniversary to be continued in the 2015-16 season; whilst James MacMillan has written A Little Mass especially for Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir, Training Choir and Melody Makers. Double Bass Concerto by the celebrated Chinese composer and conductor Tan Dun

receives its uK premiere, performed by the Orchestra’s Principal Double Bass, Marcel Becker, as part of the ongoing series of concerti for the orchestra’s principal players.

Liverpool Philharmonic’s very first concert took place on 12 March 1840 at Mr Lassell’s Dancing Saloon in Great richmond Street. For our anniversary concert on the same date 175 years later, Vasily Petrenko will conduct the Orchestra and Choir in Mendelssohn’s Die Erste Walpurgisnacht and Beethoven’s Symphony No.9.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was born in the same year as the founding of Liverpool Philharmonic. We celebrate the 175th anniversary of his birth throughout the season, exploring some of the composer’s greatest and most popular works, including all six symphonies.

We are delighted to welcome the internationally acclaimed, locally-born pianist Paul Lewis and the great Italian cellist and composer Giovanni Sollima as this season’s Artists in Residence.

They will be involved in all aspects of Liverpool Philharmonic’s musicmaking with the Orchestra and our learning programme.

Lunchtime Concerts, Coffee Concerts, concerts by Ensemble 10/10, the Liverpool Philharmonic Experience, our Discover the Classics and Lunchtime Learning sessions, and Children’s workshops will not take place this season, due to the refurbishment of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and the alterations to the schedule that this has created.

We plan to resume this activity in the 2015-16 Season, with some expanded offerings.

www.liverpoolphil.com

6 | Support Liverpool Philharmonic

Love Music?

Support Liverpool Philharmonic If you love music, the easiest way to make a donation is to become a member of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of hundreds of music lovers, Liverpool Philharmonic raised more than £300,000 in donations from our supporters last year. Along with the investment we receive from corporate partners and grant making trusts, this has helped to bridge the gap between public funding, which continues to diminish, and the running costs of a world-class symphony orchestra and concert hall.

As we celebrate the 175th anniversary of our founding, your support this season will be vital to our efforts to build on the current success of the Orchestra and to sustain Liverpool Philharmonic for the next 175 years.

This year, as we ask you once again to give as much as you can afford, we are grateful for a major grant from Arts Council england’s Catalyst Scheme that will allow us to increase the value of every gift from a new donor, or any additional gifts from an existing donor. This means that if you are a new donor, a £100 donation will be worth £150 to us. If, as an existing donor, you are able to increase your annual donation from £100 to £200, it will be worth a total of £250 to us.

We won’t be able to realise our ambitions for Liverpool Philharmonic without your help.

Thank you.

To make a gift, become a member, or to find out more, contact our fundraising team on 0151 210 2921 or visit www.liverpoolphil.com.

To support the work of the royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, whether on stage at Liverpool Philharmonic hall or in community settings, working with thousands of people of all ages including more than 22,000 local children and young people annually, simply choose your level of support from the page opposite.

We are grateful for your support at any level and are delighted to offer you the following benefits in recognition of your gift:

Support Liverpool Philharmonic | 7

Bronze from £32.50

Priority booking privileges + Subscription to Encore magazine + Invitations to the Annual General Meeting

Silver £100+

Gold £350+

Gold+ £700+

1840 Circle £1000+

Chief Conductor’s Circle £5000+

Bronze Membership benefits + Invitations to Open Rehearsals + Access to the Members Room* + Invitations to exclusive events + No booking fees and free ticket exchange**

Silver Membership benefits + Invitations to exclusive VIP events and launches + Invitation to annual Christmas Supporters’ event + Opportunity to adopt a Principal Player in the Orchestra

Gold Membership benefits + Invitation to our annual dinner with the Chief Conductor, musicians and senior management of Liverpool Philharmonic + Opportunities to attend learning workshops and schools’ concerts + Advance notification via email when nonorchestral events go on sale and priority booking + Opportunity to adopt a Section Leader in the Orchestra

Gold+ Membership benefits + A dedicated member of the fundraising team to manage your ticket requests + Highest priority booking + Ability to book a space in our Caledonia Street car park on concert nights* + Opportunity to adopt a guest conductor of the Orchestra

1840 Circle benefits + Opportunity to adopt an Artist in Residence or one of the Joint Leaders of the Orchestra + Invitations to discussions with senior management of Liverpool Philharmonic on artistic planning, our learning programme, and other topics

£120 opportunity to dedicate a seat in the auditorium £200 opportunity to adopt a Player in the Orchestra

* Please note, the Members room will occasionally be closed for private functions. ** fees will apply to online orders and groups (10 people +)

* Please note, limited availability during 2014-15 season.

www.liverpoolphil.com

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Liverpool Philharmonic Annual Patron’s Dinner 2014 on stage at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Photography Š Mark Mcnulty

Subscribe | 9

Subscribe to Liverpool Philharmonic Buy tickets for 4 or more concerts and save money!

If you purchase tickets for 4 or more concerts, you become a royal Liverpool Philharmonic subscriber.

Benefits include: Better Seats As a subscriber you can order tickets prior to them going on sale to the general public.

The earlier you book, the wider selection of seats you’ll have.

If you want the same seats for each concert, book a fixed series (henry e rensburg, Liverpool John Moores university Series, Classic FM, Chamber Music or Marathon).

Discounted Tickets Save 10—30% depending on the number of concerts you book. (See page 68 for details).

Discounted Booking Fees Subscribers pay a flat charge of £5 per order compared with fees of up to £1.50 per ticket.

Exchange Privileges Find you can’t make a concert? no problem. Just return your tickets to us at least 24 hours in advance of the concert and we’ll give you a credit for another performance within the same season.

FREE Tickets Book tickets to 7 or more concerts and you’ll receive a free ticket to one of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Concerts on page 62.

www.liverpoolphil.com

10 | Debuts

Debuts with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Find out more about some of the fantastic musicians making their first appearance with the royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in the 2014-15 season.

Debuts | 11

Nobuyuki Tsujii piano

Pumeza Matshikiza soprano

Manuel López-Gómez conductor

Speranza Scappucci conductor

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20 & 23 november

Blind since birth, Japanese pianist nobuyuki Tsujii was joint Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

An inspirational musician with a formidable technique and a natural gift for pianistic colour, he has earned internatonal recognition in recent years for the excitement of his live performances. Making his debut with the Orchestra, Tsujii will also join them on their first ever tour of Japan in 2015.

‘Tsujii, whose blazing ability, stabbing posture and quixotic phrasing is sometimes reminiscent of Glenn Gould, has a remarkable ability to appear in a world of his own, while remaining on the same wavelength as the orchestra.’

The Guardian

18, 20, 21, 22 & 23 December

South African soprano Pumeza Matshikiza is one of the fastest growing stars of the operatic scene. Winner of the Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition, she’ll bring a new dimension to the Christmas concert repertoire through her choice of vocal music and her love of singing with choirs.

‘Pumeza Matshikiza is one of opera’s most exciting new voices.’

The Telegraph

14, 15 January

The 30-year-old conductor began his musical life at the age of eight when he joined Venezuela’s El Sistema to study violin, piano, chamber music and composition and has since won international recognition as guest conductor with many international orchestras. now a leading personality in the world renowned El Sistema programme, Manuel López-Gómez is currently national Music Director of El Sistema Colombia 2013, after many years working with José Antonio Abreu and Gustavo Dudamel and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra in Venezuela.

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Speranza Scappucci first met the Orchestra last year to record a disc of Mozart arias with Marina rebeka (who first sang with the Orchestra in Britten’s War Requiem in 2008). having built a successful international career as pianist, coach and Assistant Conductor in some of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, Speranza has worked closely with riccardo Muti, Zubin Mehta and Seiji Ozawa.

‘Under her leadership, the orchestra imposes itself in exemplary manner.

The timbres are fruity, the cantabile delicate, the attack free. The colours vary wonderfully, and she draws from the instruments a wealth of shades.’

Classica, Italy – about the recent recording release with the Orchestra

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

12 | Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts Vasily Petrenko, Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Photography Š Mark Mcnulty

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts | 13

Special

Serenade to Music Liverpool Cathedral Saturday 25 October 7.30pm

Elgar Overture, Cockaigne Vaughan Williams Serenade to Music Nico Mulhy Magnificat and Nunc dimittis World Premiere Liverpool Philharmonic 175th Anniversary Commission

Strauss Also Sprach Zarathustra – Vasily Petrenko conductor Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir –

Sponsored by the rushworth Charitable Trust in association with university of Liverpool

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When richard Strauss wrote Also Sprach Zarathustra, he wanted to tell the entire history of humanity in music – and if you’ve seen 2001: A Space Odyssey, you’ll know that he certainly didn’t hold back! The latest instalment of our Strauss Edition is the spectacular climax of a concert that begins with the knockabout humour of elgar’s cockney overture, and showcases our superb Choir in Vaughan Williams’ rapturous Serenade to Music. In between, Vasily Petrenko and the royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir make history, with the world premiere of a brand new work by the sensational young American composer nico Muhly – the toast of the new York music scene.

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Tickets £25

Booking fees may apply

Liverpool Cathedral Photography © Mark Mcnulty Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

14 | Royal Liverpool Philharmonic | 14 Orchestra Concerts

Special

Remembrance Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Saturday 8 november 7.30pm

Strauss Death and Transfiguration

1840

Elgar Cello Concerto

Foundation of the Liverpool Philharmonic Society

1849 Opening of Philharmonic Hall

1858 Charles Dickens gives a series of his legendary readings from his own works at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Mendelssohn had agreed to compose and conduct a new work for the Hall’s opening as part of a great festival of music on 27 August. Six concerts were given in five days. The critic from The Times declared the Hall “one of the finest and best adapted to music I ever entered.”

Fauré Requiem – Yan Pascal Tortelier conductor Daniel Müller-Schott cello Christopher Purves baritone Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir

As the Great War came to a close, edward elgar retreated to the woods and his haunting Cello Concerto has been breaking hearts ever since. The young German cellist Daniel MüllerSchott brings a unique poetry to this great British classic, at the centre of a whole evening devoted to the music of remembrance in the evocative surroundings of Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral. richard Strauss’s Death and Transfiguration rages heroically against the dying of the light, while Faure’s serene Requiem shares a vision of timeless peace.

There’s much more to it than the blissful Piè Jesu; this is music that speaks straight to the heart, and YanPascal Tortelier has it in his blood.

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Tickets £25

Booking fees may apply

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts | 15

Classic FM Series

Season Opening Wednesday 12 & Thursday 13 november 7.30pm

Debussy Ibéria James Horner Double Concerto

World Premiere Commission of James horner’s Double Concerto is kindly supported by Ship Owner Tom Wilhelmsen Foundation.

Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Mari Samuelsen violin Håkon Samuelsen cello – Sponsored by

There’s no two ways about it: when Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestra play Tchaikovsky, something incredible happens. So when they perform his hugely popular, passionately romantic Fifth Symphony…well, let’s just say that we’re expecting some real fireworks in these opening concerts back in Liverpool Philharmonic hall.

First, though, we’ve another special occasion: the first performance anywhere in the world of a new Double Concerto, written for the brilliant brother-and-sister team of Mari and håkon Samuelsen by James horner.

Yes – the James horner, composer of the multi-million selling film-scores to Avatar and Titanic. Debussy’s Ibéria cracks open a bottle of musical Cava: join us to celebrate!

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Mari and Håkon Samuelsen Photography © Per heimly Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

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Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates

TCHAIKOVSKY 12, 13, 20, 23 november 14, 18, 19 February 4, 8, 18, 19 March 26 April 7, 10 May

‘... a Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra on top form... This is essential listening’ (of the 2009 recording of Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony) The Telegraph

The royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Vasily Petrenko has a particular affinity for the music of Tchaikovsky, and have received significant critical acclaim for their performances of this great composer’s music, particularly their recording of the Manfred Symphony (Classic FM/Gramophone Orchestral recording of the Year 2009, American record Guide Critics Choice) and a performance of the same symphony in 2010 at the BBC Proms (‘Ripe interpretation, stature, intensity and exhilaration and a balanced, long-sighted performance that made musical sense’. 4* The Telegraph) Throughout the 2014-15 season, the Orchestra will celebrate Tchaikovsky, born 175 years ago, the very same year that the royal Liverpool Philharmonic was established (1840). Programmes include his Violin Concerto and Piano Concertos 1 and 2 as well as all six of the composer’s symphonies.

‘…Undoubtedly I should have gone mad but for music. Music is indeed the most beautiful of all Heaven’s gifts to humanity wandering in the darkness.

Alone it calms, enlightens, and stills our souls. It is not the straw to which the drowning man clings; but a true friend, refuge, and comforter, for whose sake life is worth living’ Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

‘... the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic again proves itself the best interpreter of Russian music outside Russia.’

The Financial Times, 5*

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts | 17

Henry E Rensburg Series

Winter Daydreams Thursday 20 november 7.30pm

Michael Torke Concerto for Orchestra World Premiere Liverpool Philharmonic 175th Anniversary Commission

Prokofiev Piano Concerto No.3 Tchaikovsky Symphony No.1 ‘Winter Daydreams’ – Vasily Petrenko conductor Nobuyuki Tsujii piano – Classic Intro 6.15pm

Michael Torke, whose new Concerto for Orchestra is premiered tonight, in conversation with Angela Heslop from BBC Radio Merseyside.

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Sponsored by

‘His performance had the power of a healing service. It was truly divine.’

That’s how the American piano legend Van Cliburn described nobuyuki Tsujii, and you can’t have missed the buzz around this phenomenal Japanese pianist, whose smiling virtuosity has won standing ovations from Tokyo to new York. he joins Vasily Petrenko to make his Liverpool debut in showstopping style: with Prokofiev’s dazzling Third Piano Concerto. That’s the prelude to the frosty crispness and youthful inspiration of Tchaikovsky’s delightful Winter Daydreams. But we open with a flourish – the world premiere of a vibrant new Concerto for Orchestra, part of the series for Liverpool Philharmonic, by one of the world’s most exciting living composers.

‘It’s a joy to write for my favourite instrument – the orchestra.’

Michael Torke

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Nobuyuki Tsujii Photography © Yuji hori Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

18 | Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

Sunday Afternoon Classics

Henry E Rensburg Series

Romantic Rachmaninov Sunday 23 november 2.30pm

Sax in the City Thursday 27 november 7.30pm

Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.3 Tchaikovsky Symphony No.1 ‘Winter Daydreams’ – Vasily Petrenko conductor Nobuyuki Tsujii piano

‘His performance had the power of a healing service. It was truly divine’.

That’s how the American piano legend Van Cliburn described nobuyuki Tsujii, and you can’t have missed the buzz around this phenomenal Japanese pianist, whose smiling virtuosity has won standing ovations from Tokyo to new York. But judge for yourself, as he joins Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestra to scale the supreme peak of romantic piano concertos, rachmaninov’s mighty Third. You’ll need to cool down after all that passion, and Petrenko has just the thing: the wintry brightness and crisp, fresh melodies of the lovely Winter Daydreams symphony.

Gershwin An American in Paris John Adams Saxophone Concerto Strauss Symphonia Domestica – Vasily Petrenko conductor Timothy McAllister alto saxophone – Sponsored by

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

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2014 would have been the 200th birthday of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone, and all the pieces on tonight’s programme feature the instrument in different ways. Imagine a giant orchestra playing an epic symphony: roof-raising climaxes, ecstatic love-scenes and tune after hummable tune. now imagine bathing a baby to all that. It’s just an ordinary night in with richard Strauss and family, as portrayed in his intimate Symphonia Domestica – the grand finale of our Strauss Edition. uS saxophone star Timothy McAllister makes his Liverpool debut in the concerto that John Adams wrote for him in 2013, and Petrenko and the Orchestra put on their dancing shoes to join George Gershwin on a tuneful taxi-ride through jazz-age Paris.

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts | 19

Henry E Rensburg Series

Lark Ascending Thursday 4 December 7.30pm

Butterworth Two Idylls Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending Walton Façade Suite No.1 Vaughan Williams Symphony No.2 ‘London Symphony’ – Andrew Manze conductor – Sponsored by

“He rises and begins to round, He drops the silver chain of sound…” There’s a reason why The Lark Ascending has so often been voted Britain’s favourite piece of classical music – and 100 years after it was written, on the eve of the Great War, it still speaks deeply to millions. It’s the tranquil heart of a concert in which Andrew Manze shares his famous interpretation of Vaughan Williams’ colourful London Symphony (complete with taxis, street-sellers and the chimes of Big Ben), and two delightful miniatures: the poignant Idylls by Vaughan Williams’ great friend George Butterworth, and Walton’s satirical Façade Suite. ‘... a personal triumph for Andrew Manze. The orchestra responded – as well they might – with consummate musicianship.’

The Telegraph on Manze’s 2013 royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performance

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Timothy McAllister

Booking fees may apply

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

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Special

Pastoral Symphony Wednesday 10 December 7.30pm

Mozart Overture, The Marriage of Figaro

1880

Brahms Violin Concerto

Max Bruch appointed Music Director

1933 1939 New Philharmonic Hall Opens Designed by Herbert J. Rowse, architect of Liverpool’s India Buildings, Martin’s Bank and the Queensway Tunnel, the striking art deco construction now has Grade II* listed status. Like the original Hall, it has excellent acoustics. It also features the only surviving Walturdaw rising cinema screen in the world.

Original Philharmonic Hall destroyed by fire

Beethoven Symphony No.6 ‘Pastoral’ – Andrew Manze conductor Vilde Frang violin – Post-concert Discussion

(Starts 15 minutes after the concert) Conductor Andrew Manze and violinist Vilde Frang answer your questions about tonight’s performance in the Grand Foyer Bar.

Beethoven said that his Pastoral Symphony was ‘more an expression of feelings than a picture’ – but he wasn’t fooling anyone. You can listen out for the rippling streams, singing birds and shepherd’s pipes, or you can simply enjoy one of the warmest, happiest and most uplifting symphonies ever written: either way, no-one conducts it with more insight and joy than Andrew Manze. But then, this whole concert glows with sunshine. So bask in the gorgeous sound of Classical BrIT winner Vilde Frang, returning to Liverpool after her stunning performances last season, in Brahms’ sweet, songful Violin Concerto – and laugh along with the curtain-raiser to Mozart’s funniest opera: possibly the wittiest four minutes in all music!

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Andrew Manze

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts | 21

Pops

White Christmas: The Greatest Holiday Hits Saturday 13 December 7.30pm Richard Balcombe conductor Graham Bickley vocalist Maurice Clarke vocalist Mary Carewe vocalist Emma Kershaw vocalist –

Presented in association with GrB Concerts

Warm hearts – cool tunes! Pull on a cashmere sweater, pour yourself an egg-nog, throw another log on the fire – and let the Orchestra and an all-star cast of singers swing you into Christmas as we recreate the great holiday hits of Frank Sinatra, nat King Cole and Bing Crosby. There’ll be silky strings, sassy brass and classic songs: Let it Snow, Silver Bells, White Christmas, Santa Baby, Sleigh Ride, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is Coming to Town… all delivered with panache and wrapped up in silk by our sumptuous, swinging, full symphony orchestra. Treat yourself: who says Christmas is just for the kids?

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Tickets £17, £22, £29, £34, £40 Booking fees may apply

Vilde Frang Photography © Marco Borggreve Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

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‘Absolutely fantastic as usual.

Incredible music in a fantastic environment. It was magical.’

Audience member commenting on Rudolph on Hope Street 2013

‘What a great night @liverpoolphil with @johnsuchet1 Feel truly ready for Christmas now :-)’

Audience member commenting on Spirit of Christmas 2013

‘Just a quick note to say just how much a little group of us enjoyed last night's Spirit of Christmas! The hall and stage were beautifully lit, both choirs were in great voice, the two soloists were superb and the orchestra brilliant as always, under the impeccable direction of Ian Tracey. The selection of music was just perfect but, for me, Silent Night with harp and choir was pure magic!’

Audience member commenting on Spirit of Christmas 2013

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Scenes from Spirit of Christmas and Rudolph on Hope Street Christmas concerts, December 2013 Photography Š Mark Mcnulty

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

24 | Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

Special

Pops

The Spirit of Christmas Thursday 18 December Saturday 20 – Tuesday 23 December 7.30pm

Swinging in the New Year with Jacqui Dankworth Wednesday 31 December 7.30pm

Ian Tracey conductor John Suchet presenter Pumeza Matshikiza soprano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir

Simon Emery Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir Director – Sponsored by

everyone has their own favourite Liverpool Christmas tradition. But you haven’t experienced a real Liverpool Christmas until you’ve enjoyed one of our traditional Carol Concerts. The full Orchestra and our terrific choirs serve up a lavish festive spread of Yuletide music old and new, with classic carols and seasonal readings from our host – Classic FM’s John Suchet. Add a stocking-full of good cheer from conductor Ian Tracey, the gloriously warm voice of a very special guest, soprano Pumeza Matshikiza, and be ready for a good old-fashioned Christmas treat!

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Tickets £17, £22, £29, £34, £40

Songs include ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’, ‘Almost Like Being in Love’, ‘Auld Lang Syne’, ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ ‘I Loves You, Porgy’, ‘Oh, Lady Be Good!’ and ‘What I did for Love’ – Jacqui Dankworth vocalist Mike Dixon conductor and Musical Director Charlie Wood Musical Director, arranger, piano and vocals Mike Smith drums Chris Allard guitar Oli Hayhurst bass

Jacqui Dankworth’s name says it all – as the daughter of John Dankworth and Cleo Laine, she’s jazz royalty. And she’s a legend in her own right: her sophistication, charisma and gorgeously burnished voice all combine to make listeners go weak at the knees.

‘Dankworth radiated an irresistible, sensuous warmth’, declared one critic, ‘each word a little boat on her river of honey and hurt, passion and pain.’

The last night of the year is a time for both hopes and memories; and as Dankworth and the Orchestra come together in music of aching nostalgia and swinging celebration, there’s no more stylish way to ring out the old and sing in the new.

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Booking fees may apply

Tickets £17, £22, £29, £34, £40 Booking fees may apply

Jacqui Dankworth Photography © John Kentish Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts | 25

Pops

Disney Fantasia

Saturday 3 January 2.30pm & 7.30pm Live in Concert

Neil Thompson conductor

Join us for a thrilling performance of Disney's groundbreaking marriage of symphonic music and animation, Fantasia. Magnificent repertoire from the original 1940 version and Fantasia 2000, including The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, and Nutcracker Suite, will be performed while Disney's stunning footage is shown on the big screen. experience iconic moments and childhood favourites as you never have before! excerpts from Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 (restored hD film clips with orchestra).

Presentation made under license from Buena Vista Concerts, a division of ABC Inc. © All rights reserved.

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Tickets £17, £22, £29, £34, £40 £7 students/under 25s/claimants.

Booking fees may apply

Fantasia Photography © Disney Pictures Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

26 |

Special

Messiah Saturday 10 January 7pm (please note start time)

1942 Sir Malcolm Sargent appointed Principal Conductor Liverpool Philharmonic gives first Schools’ Concert

1946 Orchestra gives first Industrial Concert Aimed at widening access and building new audiences for classical music, these concerts targeted local firms offering popular classical repertoire at the lowest prices. Seats were sold at one price, and were allocated by ballot, so that an office junior could easily end up with a better seat than the Managing Director.

The Orchestra played in local cinemas, theatres, halls and works canteens, often to people who had never been to concerts before, to schoolchildren, and to members of the armed forces, who could attend concerts at reduced rates.

Handel Messiah – Nathalie Stutzmann conductor Susan Gritton soprano Gaia Petrone alto John Mark Ainsley tenor Brindley Sherratt bass Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir

hallelujah! ever since handel passed through Chester on his way to the world premiere in 1742, Messiah has been a Merseyside tradition. Liverpool Philharmonic has been performing it for more than 150 years, and with tunes as famous – and as unforgettable – as Ev’ry Valley, The Trumpet Shall Sound and For Unto Us a Child is Born, it never fails to send the spirits soaring. Messiah is an annual highlight of our season; and this year we’re delighted to welcome – for the first time – the inspirational French conductor nathalie Stutzmann. As a singer herself, she loves Messiah as much as we do; she’ll bring true affection and unstoppable energy to a masterpiece that never gets any less fresh.

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Tickets £17, £22, £29, £34, £40 Booking fees may apply

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts | 27

Classic FM Series

Classic FM Hall of Fame Wednesday 14 & Thursday 15 January 7.30pm

Programme to include: Dvor˘ák Humoresque* Tchaikovsky Excerpts from Romeo and Juliet Elgar Pomp and Circumstance March No.4 Mendelssohn Violin Concerto* Brahms Hungarian Dances – Manuel López-Gómez conductor Tasmin Little* violin – Sponsored by

This concert marks the start of our 175th anniversary celebrations, as on 14 January, 1840, the royal Liverpool Philharmonic was founded. hence, we’re delighted to present a special programme of some of the most loved pieces of all time. Some pieces are classics for a reason, and tonight we take our inspiration from the Classic FM hall of Fame: the definitive countdown of the world’s favourite classical music. Pomp and Circumstance, Nutcracker... admit it, you’re humming them already! In his Liverpool debut, Maestro Manuel López-Gómez – the latest star to emerge from Venezuela’s world-famous El Sistema music education programme – dishes them up with sparkle and flair.

And Tasmin Little – surely Britain’s best-loved violin soloist brings all her poise and charm to Dvořák’s Humoresque and Mendelssohn’s everpopular Violin Concerto.

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Tasmin Little Photography © Benjamin ealovega

Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

28 | Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

Liverpool John Moores University Series

Exsultate, jubilate Saturday 7 February 7.30pm

Schubert Overture in the Italian Style in D Mozart Exsultate, jubilate Rossini Stabat Mater – Speranza Scappucci conductor Marina Rebeka soprano Silvia tro Santafé mezzo-soprano Lawrence Brownlee tenor Marco Spotti bass Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir – Post-concert Discussion

(Starts 15 minutes after the concert) Conductor Sperenza Scappucci and soprano Marina Rebeka answer your questions about tonight’s performance in the Grand Foyer Bar.

Think of rossini and you think of opera: grand opera. That’s exactly how he wrote his Stabat Mater – turning a sacred text into a spiritual drama of positively operatic passion and power.

Music like this demands a special kind of performer, so please welcome Italian conductor Speranza Scappucci, soprano Marina rebeka, and an all-star team of vocal talent. When Scappucci and rebeka recorded with the Orchestra last year, something just clicked, and we’re thrilled to introduce them to you in a concert that also features the teenage Mozart’s joyful Exsultate, jubilate – and the spoof rossini overture that Schubert wrote to win a bet!

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

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Sponsored by

Speranza Scappucci Photography © Silvia Lelli Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts | 29

Henry E Rensburg Series

Liverpool John Moores University Series

Shostakovich Nine Thursday 12 February 7.30pm

Valentine’s Day Concert Saturday 14 February 7.30pm

Ravel Le Tombeau du Couperin Tan Dun Double Bass Concerto

UK premiere Co-commission by Liverpool Philharmonic with the royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

Hindemith Concerto for Orchestra Shostakovich Symphony No.9 – Darrell Ang conductor Marcel Becker bass – Sponsored by

expect the unexpected. The Soviet authorities wanted Shostakovich’s ninth to be a blockbuster epic, but instead they got a brilliantly entertaining mini-masterpiece with a wicked sense of humour. We expect double basses to seen and hardly heard, but tonight the Orchestra’s own Marcel Becker stars in the uK premiere of a new concerto by Tan Dun, the world-famous composer of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. And the dynamic young conductor Darrell Ang has roots in the Far east – but trained in the great russian tradition.

Add ravel’s graceful mock-baroque miniatures and hindemith’s supercharged Concerto for Orchestra, and his Liverpool debut looks set to be one of the real talking-points of our season.

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Programme to include: Bizet ‘habanera’ from Carmen Mascagni ‘Intermezzo’ from Cavalleria Rusticana Saint-Saëns ‘Mon Coeur s’ouvre à ta voix’ from Samson et Dalila Verdi ‘Prelude’ to La Traviata Gluck ‘Che farò senza euridice’ from Orfeo Donizetti Una furtiva lagrima Tchaikovsky ‘rose Adagio’ from Sleeping Beauty – Philippe Bach conductor Kathryn Rudge soprano Jesús León tenor – Sponsored by

This Valentine, give your special someone an unforgettable gift – a bouquet of romantic classics, wrapped in the luxurious sound of a full symphony orchestra and delivered with love by maestro Philippe Bach, Liverpool’s own star of the operatic stage, Kathryn rudge and Jesús León who created a buzz at 2012’s Spirit of Christmas. Be seduced by Bizet’s Carmen, savour the pure sensual indulgence of Samson et Dalila.

If music is the food of love, this is a candlelit, Michelin-starred banquet.

All for just one wonderful night: so go on, spoil them!

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Tickets £17, £22, £29, £34, £40 Booking fees may apply

Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Jesús León Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

30 |

Vasily Petrenmo conducts the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and bass-baritone Bryn Terfel in Puccini’s Tosca Photography © Mark Mcnulty

‘In the end it was Petrenko and the orchestra who matched Terfel’s five-star quality.

Petrenko’s handling of balance, flow and large-scale dramatic architecture was nothing short of masterful.’

The Telegraph reviews Tosca

‘Under the baton of their chief conductor, Vasily Petrenko, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra were scene-stealingly good.’ new Statesman reviews Tosca, 2013

‘This has gone down as one of the best evenings I have ever had. The music, of course, was wonderful and the singers... This was not my choice of evening but my friend’s and I am so glad I went along with it. Thank you for all the wonderful evenings.’

Audience member about a performance of Mozart’s Requiem, november 2013

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Classic FM Series

Return of the Dream Team Wednesday 18 & Thursday 19 February 7.30pm

Prokofiev Russian Overture, Op.72

1946 The Orchestra gives the first concert performance of Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra

Ravel Piano Concerto in G

1951 Merseyside Youth Orchestra founded (known as Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra since 2006)

1957 Granting of Royal status to Liverpool Philharmonic Society and Orchestra

In 1965, the youth orchestra made an exception to its age policy, normally 13-23 years, for a brilliant 10-year-old musician who was studying Mozart piano and Vivaldi violin concerti. That was Sir Simon Rattle, former youth orchestra percussionist, now chief conductor of the Berliner Philharmoniker, youth orchestra Patron and with Vladimir Ashkenazy, Liverpool Philharmonic’s Artist Laureate 2008.

Tchaikovsky Capriccio Italien Tchaikovsky Symphony No.2 ‘Little Russian’ – Vasily Petrenko conductor Simon Trpc˘eski piano –

Post-concert Discussion Wednesday 18 February

(Starts 15 minutes after the concert) Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko and pianist Simon Trpc˘eski answer your questions about tonight’s performance in the Grand Foyer Bar.

Bring a russian conductor together with a Macedonian pianist, and…well, one critic described Vasily Petrenko’s and Simon Trpčeski’s award-winning rachmaninov recordings as “bursting with fire!” But then, russian musicians have always drawn inspiration from the South. In his Little Russian symphony, and in the bustling life and blazing sunlight of rome in his Capriccio Italien, Tchaikovsky was no exception. This should be a particularly joyous instalment of our year-long salute to Tchaikovsky; but first, we reassemble the Petrenko-Trpčeski dream-team in music of blue skies and smouldering passions: ravel’s sparkling, Basque-inspired Piano Concerto.

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts | 33

Liverpool John Moores University Series

Rhapsody in Blue Saturday 28 February 7.30pm

Gershwin Overture, Girl Crazy Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue Davis Safety Last (harold Lloyd’s 1923 film with live orchestra) – Carl Davis CBE conductor Ian Buckle piano – Sponsored by

It doesn’t matter how good your TV is. until you’ve heard a full symphony orchestra accompanying a film live, you’ve never experienced the ultimate in movie sound! As Philharmonic hall fulfils its art deco destiny as the city’s most spectacular cinema, veteran movie maestro Carl Davis conducts the Orchestra in a live accompaniment to harold Lloyd’s Safety Last. With its knockabout humour and breathtaking real-life stunts, this madcap 1923 comedy is an all-time classic – and it never sounds better than here. There’s even a “B” feature too – Gershwin’s jazz-tastic Girl Crazy overture and Rhapsody in Blue. ‘I got rhythm?’

You’d better believe it!

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Vasily Petrenko and Simon Trpc˘eski Photography © Mark Mcnulty Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

34 |

1958 Buddy Holly gives two concerts at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall The Hall has long been recognised as one of the UK’s premier arts and entertainment venues and today presents on average 250 concerts and events each year. No other venue in Liverpool presents such an eclectic programme with an illustrious tradition of bringing the top names from rock, jazz, roots, classical and contemporary music to Liverpool, as well as big name comedy, film, university graduations and other community events.

1960 World premiere of Walton’s Symphony No.2 given by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Throughout its history, Liverpool Philharmonic has been committed to the encouragement of today’s composers, and has premiered many works that have since become among the greatest and much-loved works in the classical music repertoire.

1987 Libor Pešek KBE appointed Principal Conductor

Nikolai Lugansky Photography © Marco Borggreve

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts | 35

Henry E Rensburg Series

Sunday Afternoon Classics

Petrenko’s Tchaikovsky I Wednesday 4 March 7.30pm

Petrenko’s Tchaikovsky II Sunday 8 March 2.30pm

Rimsky-Korsakov Overture, The Tsar’s Bride Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1 Tchaikovsky Symphony No.4 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Nikolai Lugansky piano – Sponsored by

Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony isn’t just a matter of life and death – it’s more important than that. Tormented by loneliness, and convinced that Fate itself was out to destroy him, Tchaikovsky poured everything into this shattering symphony: a no-holdsbarred emotional autobiography of uncompromising rawness and drama.

If you’ve heard Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestra play Tchaikovsky before, you’ll know what to expect; if you haven’t – well, their performance of Tchaikovsky’s renowned First Piano Concerto with the great russian piano virtuoso nikolai Lugansky should give you some idea! Prepare to be electrified!

Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.2 Tchaikovsky Symphony No.4 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Nikolai Lugansky piano

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestra have a special affinity with russian music and if you haven’t yet experienced it now is your chance.

They join with the magnificent russian virtuoso pianist nikolai Lugansky described as ‘a pianist who makes the music, its wit, its bravura and its piquant lyricism come vividly alive’, for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s splendidly tuneful Second Piano Concerto. Tchaikovsky poured everything he had into his shattering Fourth Symphony, tormented by loneliness and convinced that Fate itself was out to destroy him.

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

36 | Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

Henry E Rensburg Series / Liverpool John Moores University Series

Liverpool Philharmonic: Celebrating 175 Years Thursday 12 & Saturday 14 March 7.30pm

Mendelssohn Die erste Walpurgisnacht Beethoven Symphony No.9 ‘Choral’ – Vasily Petrenko conductor Claire Rutter soprano Kathryn Rudge mezzo-soprano Bryan Register tenor Andreas Scheibner bass Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir –

Thursday 12 March sponsored by

Saturday 14 March sponsored by

175th birthdays don’t happen every day – and the anniversary of the royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s first ever concert in 1840 calls for a very special musical celebration. But then, Beethoven’s ninth has never been just another symphony – from tragic opening to climactic, world-embracing ‘Ode to Joy’, it’s an artistic experience with the power to change lives. Vasily Petrenko, the Orchestra, the Choir and a quartet of world-class soloists will give it their all, and as we look forward to the next century-and-three-quarters, they toast our founding fathers with one of the highlights of the Society’s early years: Mendelssohn’s Die erste Walpurgisnacht, a secular cantata about survival against adversity and was given on the occasion of the Society’s 100th anniversary.

Classic Intro Thursday 12 March 6.15pm Barry Cooper, professor of music at Manchester University and leading expert on Beethoven and Tom Hutchinson from the Royal Philharmonic Society discuss the genesis and impact of Beethoven's Ninth symphony.

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Classic Intro Saturday 14 March 6.15pm On the 175th anniversary of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society, Darren Henley, Managing Director of Classic FM and Vincent McKernan, Liverpool Philharmonic’s former archivist, tell the story of Liverpool Philharmonic and the anecdotes and secrets of the people and events that have been associated with the organisation.

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Tickets £17, £22, £29, £34, £40 Booking fees may apply

Claire Rutter Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts | 37

Classic FM Series

Peer Gynt Wednesday 18 & Thursday 19 March 7.30pm

Grieg Peer Gynt Suite No.1 Sibelius Violin Concerto Tchaikovsky Symphony No.6 ‘Pathétique’ – Vasily Petrenko conductor Augustin Hadelich violin – Post-concert Discussion Wednesday 18 March

(Starts 15 minutes after the concert) Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko and violinist Augustin Hadelich answer your questions about tonight’s performance.

‘Pathétique’ means full of feeling. no surprises there: Tchaikovsky was a man on the edge, and all his hopes, his terrors and his passionate love of life went into his heart-breaking final symphony. Some say that it takes a russian conductor to do it justice, and Vasily Petrenko certainly won’t stint on the emotion tonight. It’s a long way from the nordic cool of Sibelius’ beautiful Violin Concerto, though the stunning young German violinist Augustin hadelich (who recorded the work with the Orchestra in 2013) will strike fire from the ice in his first concert appearance with the Orchestra.

Grieg’s famous Peer Gynt suite gets things off to a delightful start – tunes you’ve known all your life, whether you realise it or not!

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Augustin Hadelich Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

38 |

Liverpool John Moores University Series

Sponsored by

Music for Easter Saturday 28 March 7.30pm

Beethoven Overture, Leonore No.3

1988 Granting of Royal status to Liverpool Philharmonic Choir

1990 Royal Liverpool Philharmonic celebrates its 150th anniversary

1995 Refurbishment of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall; Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir established

1997 Ensemble 10/10, Liverpool Philharmonic’s contemporary music ensemble, give their first concert at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Wagner Prelude to Parsifal and Good Friday Music MacMillan A Little Mass World Premiere

Liverpool Philharmonic commission for the 175th Anniversary. Supported by Sally, Mary and Jonathan Groves to mark the centenary of Sir Charles Groves, in the month he would have celebrated his 100th birthday.

Rimsky-Korsakov Russian Easter Festival Overture – James MacMillan conductor Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir Liverpool Philharmonic Training Choir Melody Makers Simon Emery Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir Director Alison White Liverpool Philharmonic Training Choir and Melody Makers Director

Liverpool Philharmonic is 175, and we’re celebrating the way we always have – by looking to the future. And what better way to look forward than with the very first performance of a major new choral work, specially written for our wonderful youth choirs by the man who’s been called Britain’s greatest living composer? James MacMillan’s music is passionate, sincere and charged with emotion: with the man himself conducting, this should be a landmark event in British music. And then MacMillan and the Orchestra continue to reach for the heavens, with music inspired by easter -- by turns joyous, serene and rapturously beautiful. A celebration for both heart and soul.

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Post-concert Discussion

(Starts 15 minutes after the concert) Conductor James MacMillan, Simon Emery, Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir Director and a member of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir answer your questions about tonight’s performance in the Grand Foyer Bar.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts | 39

Liverpool John Moores University Series

Beloved Brahms Saturday 11 April 7.30pm

Mendelssohn Overture, A Midsummer Night’s Dream Prokofiev Piano Concerto No.2 Brahms Symphony No.2 – Gilbert Varga conductor Anna Vinnitskaya piano – Sponsored by

‘A lioness at the keyboard’ – that’s how one critic described Anna Vinnitskaya.

And since she’s making her Liverpool debut with Prokofiev’s ferocious Piano Concerto No.2, you’ll be able to hear exactly why! Prokofiev’s revolutionary concerto is the powerhouse at the centre of this first Liverpool appearance from the hugely respected conductor Gilbert Varga: an electrifying contrast to the feather-light fantasy of Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream overture, and a powerful upbeat to the sunlit meadows and joyous trumpets of Brahms’ lyrical Second Symphony.

Brahms loved the Alpine landscape, and it’s all there in the music, as Varga and the Orchestra take you on one of music’s very happiest summer holidays.

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Anna Vinnitskaya Photography © esther haase Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

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40 | Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

Classic FM Series

Henry E Rensburg Series

Pictures from an Exhibition Wednesday 15 & Thursday 16 April 7.30pm

South of the Border Thursday 23 April 7.30pm

Weber Overture to Oberon Beethoven Violin Concerto Mussorgsky, orch. Ravel Pictures from an Exhibition – Richard Farnes conductor Chloë Hanslip violin

Maybe it was the vodka talking, but when Modest Mussorgsky set out to tell a story in music, he made it a good one! Gnomes, talking skulls and a whole row of dancing chicks…Pictures at an Exhibition is simply one of the most fabulously imaginative half-hours you’ll ever hear, and in ravel’s lavish orchestral version, it sparkles and shines with all the colours of a russian carnival. Opera north music director richard Farnes really knows how to do drama, so expect thrills, spills, and poetry too, as he joins one of Britain’s most engaging violinists in Beethoven’s sunlit and serene Violin Concerto.

Weber’s fairytale overture gets the magic started.

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Ravel Rapsodie Espagnole Sollima Antidotum Tarantulae XXI (Antidote to Tarantulas XXI), Concerto for Two Cellos De Falla Suite, The Three Cornered Hat Chávez Sinfonia India Moncayo Huapango – Carlos Miguel Prieto conductor Giovanni Sollima cello Jonathan Aasgaard cello – Post-concert Discussion

(Starts 15 minutes after the concert) Conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto and Artist in Residence cellist Giovanni Sollima answer your questions about tonight’s performance.

Sponsored by

Chloë Hanslip Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Liverpool Philharmonic

ArTISTS in reSIDenCe

Spiders, carnivals, and antelope hooves…south of the border, things can get wild! And as Mexico’s leading conductor makes his Liverpool debut, he’s cooked up a fiesta of a programme: beginning in ravel’s sultry Spanish night, and ending with José Pablo Moncayo’s flamboyant Mexican folkdance and Mexico’s most famous foot-tapping piece of classical music. In between, Carlos Chávez celebrates the ancient cultures of Central America, Manuel de Falla thwarts a Spanish seducer, and the one and only Giovanni Sollima – Liverpool Philharmonic’s current Artist in residence – makes his cello dance like something’s bitten it.

Blazing colours, fiery rhythms and spicy tunes: this concert positively bursts with flavour, and Carlos Miguel Prieto serves it all up with a dash of Tabasco.

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

| 41

Giovanni Sollima cellist and composer ‘He’s a supervirtuoso of the cello. He studied with [the eminent] Antonio Janigro but plays like a jazz musician and is part performance artist. He has no fear, and that's unusual in the classical world – we're all terrified of wrong notes.’

Yo-Yo Ma, cellist ‘It was very difficult not to be drawn into the world sculpted by Giovanni Sollima’s sound…he brought the house down ... The audience was absolutely ecstatic.’

Time Out, hong Kong

Following his thrilling Liverpool performances in 2012, Giovanni Sollima returns, this time as Artist in Residence.

Giovanni Sollima has a restless and unquenchable curiosity (he once played a cello made of ice in a mountaintop igloo). The 51-year-old cellist-composer loves to encounter new places and people in his constant travels and to delve into history, especially the vast, multifaceted evolution of music from the Middle Ages to the rock music of Jimi hendrix and nirvana.

Born in Palermo to a family of musicians, Giovanni Sollima is a true virtuoso of the cello, playing for him is not an end in itself, but a means of communicating with the world. Sollima brings warmth, exuberance and passion to his music and playing as well as a flair for showmanship, drawing upon european and especially Mediterranean folk, Middle eastern music, electronica, and more to enliven his art. he is no stranger to grand gestures, including swooping glissandos, rhythmic pizzicato accents, and aggressive, even abrasive bowing.

In Liverpool he will be performing his own composition, Antidotum Tarantulae XXI (Antidote to Tarantulas XXI), Concerto for Two Cellos, first performed in 2014 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and cellist Yo Yo Ma.

Sollima describes the composition as ‘a mix of ritual, a sort of strange story of an Italy going back to baroque, Renaissance, Middle Ages, etc.; and then dance – tarantism; archaic instrumental techniques or far-fromWest mixed with bass lines like early baroque ‘division viol’ music…’ The title refers to tarantism - not of the fatal spider-bite variety, but in a local historical context, referencing the sort of fast, half-crazed dance of Southern Italy, from which the tarantella derives.

Liverpool Philharmonic

ArTISTS in reSIDenCe Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

42 |

Sunday Afternoon Classics

Boléro Sunday 26 April 2.30pm

Ravel Valses nobles et sentimentales

1998

Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations for cello and orchestra

The Orchestra launches its own recording label, RLPO Live

2007 Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is the first professional orchestra to give a live concert in the ‘virtual’ world of Second Life, attracting global media and public interest in praise of its innovation in reaching out to new audiences.

2006 Vasily Petrenko appointed Principal Conductor Petrenko is the youngest person and the first Russian to have held this position in Liverpool Philharmonic’s history.

Ravel Alborado del gracioso Falla Suite, The Three Cornered Hat Ravel Boléro – Carlos Miguel Prieto conductor Giovanni Sollima cello

Liverpool Philharmonic

ArTISTS in reSIDenCe

Warmth in the air, the scent of orange blossom on a gentle breeze…there’s something magical about a southern summer night. As Mexico’s leading conductor, Carlos Miguel Prieto knows how to conjure up that enchantment, whether in the glittering sounds and dream-waltzes of Maurice ravel or the Spanish perfumes of Manuel de Falla’s The Three Cornered Hat. Artist in residence Giovanni Sollima brings a very Italian panache to Tchaikovsky’s playful Rococo Variations, and Prieto rounds it all off with the ultimate in Latin passion. You know the rhythm, you know the tune, and whether or not you’re old enough to remember Torvill and Dean, there’s still only one Boléro!

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts | 43

Classic FM Series

Mahler’s ‘Resurrection’ Wednesday 29 & Thursday 30 April 7.30pm

Mahler Symphony No.2 ‘Resurrection’ – Sir Andrew Davis conductor Erin Wall soprano Catherine Wyn-Rogers mezzo-soprano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir –

Classic Intro Thursday 30 April 6.15pm Norman Lebrecht, one of the most widelyread commentators on music, culture and politics, regular presenter on BBC Radio 3 and author of Why Mahler? returns to Liverpool to speak about Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony.

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Sponsored by

A man stands alone at the grave of a friend. Shattered by grief, he shakes his fist at the heavens, and takes the first step on a journey that will take him to the end of the world itself. This is Gustav Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony, and if it sounds incredible on paper, just wait till you hear it live!

It’s quite simply overwhelming – and if you only know it from recordings, you haven’t really heard it at all. Sir Andrew Davis, whose association with Liverpool spans back to the early 1960s, joins the royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, two A-list singers and a full Orchestra, prepare yourself for this poignant symphony.

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Sir Andrew Davis Photography © Dario Acosta Photography Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

44 |

2008 ‘The Soundtrack to the Year’ Liverpool Post Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Vasily Petrenko open Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture in Liverpool The Musical at the ECHO Arena.

Liverpool Philharmonic was central to the delivery and success of many of the highlights of a memorable year

2009 Opening of Liverpool Philharmonic at the Friary and launch of In Harmony Liverpool

2013 Launch of partnership with Mersey Care NHS Trust

Vasily Petrenko agrees new contract that will see him stay at the helm of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra for the foreseeable future Alina Ibragimova Photography © Sussie Ahlberg

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts | 45

Henry E Rensburg Series

Sunday Afternoon Classics

Tchaikovsky Birthday Salute Thursday 7 May 7.30pm

Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony Sunday 10 May 2.30pm

Graham Fitkin Concerto for Orchestra World Premiere Liverpool Philharmonic 175th Anniversary Commission

Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto Beethoven Symphony No.7 – Dima Slobodeniouk conductor Alina Ibragimova violin – Sponsored by

‘I am the new Bacchus, pressing out glorious wine for the human spirit’. Ludwig van Beethoven wasn’t known for his modesty – but until you’ve heard his incredible Seventh Symphony in full, heart-pounding flight, you’ve never known just how intoxicating music can be! In his Liverpool debut, the dynamic young russian conductor Dima Slobodeniouk goes for broke; first, though, he joins violinist Alina Ibragimova (‘breathtaking’ – The Guardian) for a birthday salute to Tchaikovsky: 175 years old today! And to open, a fabulous explosion of colour from one of the most entertaining British composers of our time – the first performance anywhere in the world of Graham Fitkin’s stunning new Concerto for Orchestra continues the series of special commissions for the Orchestra in Liverpool Philharmonic’s 175th year. Fitkin describes this piece by saying ‘all the musicians become soloists for the night as the spotlight of scrutiny swings unerringly from instrument to instrument.’

Sibelius En Saga Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto Beethoven Symphony No.7 – Dima Slobodeniouk conductor Alina Ibragimova violin

In his Liverpool debut visit, the dynamic young russian conductor Dima Slobodeniouk joins Alina Ibragimova – according to The Arts Desk, ‘the most questing and lively young violinist of our time’ – to revel in the endless melody of Tchaikovsky’s much-loved Violin Concerto, with Sibelius’s powerful nordic drama En Saga setting the mood. Also featured is Beethoven’s incredible Seventh Symphony, referred to by Wagner as the ‘apotheosis of the dance’. Join us for a wonderful Sunday afternoon of great music.

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

46 |

Paul Lewis piano ‘There are many prized recordings of the Beethoven sonatas from past masters and current artists. But if I had to recommend a single complete set, I would suggest Mr. Lewis’s distinguished recordings.’

Anthony Tommasini, new York Times ‘One of the most highly prized recording marathons of recent years... An unmissable benchmark.’

Gramophone

Liverpool Philharmonic

ArTISTS in reSIDenCe

Photography © Josep Molina

Liverpool favourite Paul Lewis is internationally recognised as one of the leading pianists of his generation and we are delighted to welcome him back to his home town on this occasion as an Artist in Residence for 2014-15. his many awards have included the royal Philharmonic Society’s Instrumentalist of the Year Award, the South Bank Show Classical Music Award, two successive edison awards, the 25th Premio Internazionale Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, the Preis Der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik, a Limelight Award in Australia, and three Gramophone Awards. In 2010 he gained the honour of becoming the first pianist in the history of the BBC Proms to perform all five Beethoven Concertos in a single Proms season.

Paul Lewis studied with ryszard Bakst at Chetham’s School of Music and Joan havill at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, before going on to study privately with Alfred Brendel. he will be performing music by Brahms and will join the Orchestra on tour to the Prague Spring Festival before returning to Liverpool to direct Mozart Piano Concertos at the beginning of the Summer.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts | 47

Classic FM Series

Henry E Rensburg Series

Virtuoso Brahms Wednesday 13 & Thursday 14 May 7.30pm

Brahms Piano Concerto No.1 Dvor˘ák Symphony No.7 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Paul Lewis piano

Liverpool Philharmonic

ArTISTS in reSIDenCe

On Vasily Petrenko’s signal, Johannes Brahms unleashes hell. Brahms was young, gifted, and desperately in love, and he channelled all his torment into this maelstrom of a piano concerto.

Tonight, Paul Lewis enters the inferno – and even for one of the world’s greatest living virtuosos, this should be a thrilling challenge. After the interval, there’s no letting up: the Seventh Symphony by Brahms’s great friend Dvořák is every bit as powerful, combining national pride, personal tragedy and melodies that you’ll be humming all week. here in Liverpool, it’s a real signature work – some say that no orchestra west of Prague plays it better than the royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Sibelius’ Symphonies Thursday 21 May 7.30pm

Sibelius Symphony No.5 Symphony No.6 Symphony No.7 – Thomas Dausgaard conductor – Classic Intro 6.15pm

Conductor Thomas Dausgaard speaks about tonight’s programme of Sibelius symphonies.

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Sponsored by

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Conductor Thomas Dausgaard writes: “I am very much looking forward to the celebration of Sibelius' 150th anniversary with the Orchestra in a concert programme of his last three symphonies. While every single symphony of Sibelius seems to be a world of its own, together these last three take on something larger-thanlife-like, almost like an opera when performed in one evening. At the time of composition, many entries in Sibelius' diary simply says ‘Op.82, 104 & 105’ (the opus numbers of these symphonies!) telling us that they were brewing in his mind simultaneously.

The life affirming no.5 can be such a rousing end to a concert, yet in this context it is preparing us for the raw and mysterious no.6. no.7 which is seldom allowed to be at the end of a concert, finally gets to sum up the many characters, moods and emotions of them all in one single sweep.”

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Thomas Dausgaard Photography © Per Morten Abrahamsen Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Booking fees may apply

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

48 |

2013 Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra launches the inaugural Liverpool International Music Festival with a spectacular outdoor concert with fireworks in the city’s Sefton Park.

2014 Major refurbishment of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall commences, with the full complex set for completion in Spring 2015, including the opening of an exciting new second space.

2015 175th anniversary of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

Lisa Larsson Photography Š Merlijn Doomernik

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts | 49

Special

Liverpool John Moores University Series

Petrenko’s Elgar Friday 29 May 7.30pm

The Dream of Gerontius Saturday 13 June 7.30pm

Janác˘ek Suite, From the House of the Dead Berg Early Songs Elgar Symphony No.1 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Lisa Larsson soprano

When elgar’s First Symphony was first performed in 1908, the Manchester audience simply stood up and cheered.

A century on, it’s still one of the greatest journeys in British music, beginning and ending with what might be the most unforgettable tune even elgar ever composed. For Vasily Petrenko, it’s all about the emotion, and so he’s paired it with music in which two more great composers lay bare their souls: Janáček’s moving hymn to the human spirit, and shimmering love songs from the Vienna of Mahler and Klimt, performed today by one of europe’s most admired operatic sopranos.

Elgar The Dream of Gerontius – Vasily Petrenko conductor Karen Cargill mezzo-soprano Toby Spence tenor Roderick Williams bass Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir – Sponsored by

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

‘This is the best of me’ wrote edward elgar on the score of The Dream of Gerontius. So forget everything you thought you knew about religious music – and about elgar. It’s more like an opera than an oratorio: the story of a lonely soul’s journey towards eternity, told in music of startling passion and breathtaking beauty.

We’re proud that this Orchestra made the first ever recording of Gerontius; so what better way to mark the first half of our 175th anniversary celebrations than with Vasily Petrenko, the Orchestra, the Choir and three great British singers sharing music that comes straight from the heart?

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

48 | Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

Classic FM Series

Special

A Little Night Music Wednesday 17 & Thursday 18 June 7.30pm

Programme to include: Mozart Eine Kleine Nachtsmusik* Mozart Piano Concerto No.12 in A Major, K.414* Schumann Piano Concerto* – Paul Lewis piano/director*

Liverpool Philharmonic

ArTISTS in reSIDenCe

Any star pianist can play up a storm in a great concerto; part of what makes Paul Lewis so special is his love of collaboration – of pooling his musicianship with friends and colleagues in search of a deeper musical truth. This exquisite programme finds him stepping forward as first amongst equals to direct and perform Mozart’s very personal concerto: exactly as Amadeus would have done himself. Schumann’s lyrical love-letter of a piano concerto is ideally suited to Lewis’s ummatched combination of virtuosity and poetry.

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Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Booking fees may apply

Opera North’s The Flying Dutchman Wednesday 8 July 7.30pm

Cast includes: The Dutchman Béla Perencz Senta Alwyn Mellor Daland Mats Almgren Erik Mati Turi Steerman Matt Le Brocq – Richard Farnes conductor Peter Mumford Concert Staging Orchestra of Opera North –

Lasts approximately 2 hours 30 mins with no interval. Sung in German with english titles Financially supported by the Opera North Future Fund

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Please note that subscribers receive a 10% discount on tickets to this performance.

Liverpool Philharmonic, as part of our 175th Anniversary celebrations, is delighted to announce a new partnership with Opera north, who bring Wagner’s Flying Dutchman to Liverpool Philharmonic hall.

The myth of the Dutchman, doomed to wander the seas eternally unless he finds redemption through a woman’s love, treats themes that were to recur throughout the rest of Wagner’s career.

From this material, he constructed a thrillingly taut music drama that grips from the first, storm-tossed notes of the famous overture, to the work’s resplendent final moments of transfiguration. With its infectiously hummable tunes, it’s the ideal Wagner opera for first-timers.

Like Opera north’s highly acclaimed ring, The Flying Dutchman will be presented in a concert staging by Peter Mumford, and conducted by the Company’s Music Director richard Farnes.

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Tickets £17, £25, £29, £36, £45 Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

| 51

A Little Bit of History

The royal Liverpool Philharmonic's archive charts the cultural, social and economic history of Liverpool since the uK’s oldest continuing professional symphony orchestra was founded in 1840. The collection includes many thousands of documents relating to Liverpool Philharmonic’s history and it is now available to the public at Liverpool record Office in the splendidly refurbished Liverpool Central Library.

Our 175th anniversary celebrations will include an exhibition and accompanying events at Central Library from January to August 2015 that will draw on some of the fascinating source material in the collection including: • Autograph books containing the signatures of Charles Dickens and William Thackeray and some of most eminent musicians over the last 170 years (Hallé, Rostropovich, SaintSaëns and Rachmaninov) • Letters charting Liverpool Philharmonic’s spat with Sir Edward Elgar (in which England’s best known composer was accused of “stupidity and impertinence”!)

• Protests revealing local outrage at the attempts by controversial birth control campaigner Marie Stopes to book Philharmonic Hall for a lecture.

• Photographs of the blaze which destroyed the original hall in 1933.

• Records detailing ‘The Industrials’ – an annual series of concerts which the City’s biggest employers would book out for their workers.

• The orchestra’s morale-boosting tours across the country during World War II. From August 2015, a large part of the exhibition will move to Liverpool Philharmonic hall where it will be housed permanently.

The cataloguing of Liverpool Philharmonic's archive, and this exhibition and event has been made possible through the support of many partners and volunteers and the heritage Lottery Fund.

Liverpool Philharmonic Archive at Liverpool Records Office 3rd Floor, Liverpool Central Library William Brown Street Liverpool L3 8EW

Firemen battling with the blaze at Philharmonic Hall, 5 July1933 www.liverpoolphil.com

52 | Behind the Music

Behind the Music at Liverpool Philharmonic We are unable to offer Discover the Classics and Lunchtime Learning this season, whilst Liverpool Philharmonic hall is undergoing significant refurbishment, but we plan to continue these series in 2015/16.

Classic Intros

Our free pre-concert talks and interviews with visiting artists and scholars are a great way to get more from the performance.

The talks are free to all ticket-holders.

Thursday 20 november 6.15pm Page 15

Michael Torke, whose new Concerto for Orchestra is premiered tonight, in conversation with Angela heslop from BBC radio Merseyside.

– Thursday 12 March 6.15pm Page 34 Barry Cooper, professor of music at Manchester university and leading expert on Beethoven and Tom hutchinson from the royal Philharmonic Society discuss the genesis and impact of Beethoven's ninth symphony.

Saturday 14 March 6.15pm Page 34

On the 175th anniversary of the royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society, Darren henley, Managing Director of Classic FM and Vincent McKernan, Liverpool Philharmonic’s former archivist, tell the story of Liverpool Philharmonic and the

anecdotes and secrets of the people and events that have been associated with the organisation.

– Thursday 30 April 6.15pm Page 41

norman Lebrecht, one of the most widely-read commentators on music, culture and politics, regular presenter on BBC radio 3 and author of Why Mahler? returns to Liverpool to speak about Mahler’s Resurrection symphony.

– Thursday 21 May 6.15pm Page 45

Conductor Thomas Dausgaard talks about tonight’s programme of Sibelius symphonies.

Behind the Music | 53

Post-concert Discussions

We’re delighted to continue our series of very popular post-concert discussions this season. This is your chance to ask questions of world-famous artists and hear their perspectives on music. The events are free to all ticketholders and sessions begin 15 minutes after the concert ends in the Grand Foyer Bar. Discussions will last around 45 minutes.

Wednesday 10 December Page 18 Conductor Andrew Manze and violinist Vilde Frang – Saturday 7 February Page 26 Conductor Sperenza Scappucci and soprano Marina rebeka – Wednesday 18 February Page 30 Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko and pianist Simon Trpčeski – Wednesday 18 March Page 35 Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko and violinist Augustin hadelich – Saturday 28 March Page 36 Conductor James MacMillan, Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir Director Simon emery and a member of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir – Thursday 23 April Page 40 Conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto and Artist in Residence cellist Giovanni Sollima

Images top to bottom: Andre Manze, Vilde Frang / Sperenza Scappucci, Marina Rebeka / Vasily Petrenko, Simon Trpc˘eski / Augustin Hadelich, James MacMillan / Carlos Miguel Prieto, Giovanni Sollima

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

54 | Supersorchestra! Supersing!

Superorchestra!

Supersing!

SuperOrchestra!

SuperOrchestra is your chance to rehearse and perform with the royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in Liverpool Philharmonic hall.

SuperSing!

Your chance to be part of a massed choir on stage at Liverpool Philharmonic hall. For singers and non-singers alike. Previous singing experience is not required, but energy and enthusiasm are essential!

For the final performance you’ll be joined by the royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Past participants in SuperOrchestra! and SuperSing! commented:

“I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience of the rehearsals and the concert itself. I would like to emphasise how good I think Ian Chesworth is. He is approachable but knowledgeable and without his drive and enthusiasm I would not have had the confidence to get up and sing in front of so many people.”

“The rehearsals and learning process under Ian Chesworth were great fun and a memorable time for both of us. I am sure we will be humming and singing our pieces for a long time to come!”

“We have been coming to the Phil for many years now, and in all our future visits it will be great to look at our great orchestra and know we trod the same stage!”

Full details available when booking opens on Monday 1 September 2014.

Please visit www.liverpoolphil.com for details.

Chamber Music Concerts | 55

Chamber Music Liverpool Philharmonic’s Chamber Music series features performances by some of the world’s finest string quartets, vocalists and recital artists.

Concerts take place in the splendid setting of St. George’s hall Concert room. Considered by many to be the most beautiful room in the building, this 480-seat venue features elegant decoration in white, honey, and cream and a cast iron ‘wickerwork’ balcony supported by female figures. A superb crystal chandelier hangs in the middle of the room while ravenhead glass mirrors situated at the back of the stage create stunning reflections.

The Liverpool Philharmonic Chamber Music Series is supported by

Escher Quartet Thursday 18 September 7.30pm St George’s hall Concert room

Bach The Art of Fugue (selection) Berg Lyric Suite

Investec Wealth & Investment take great pride in our partnership with Liverpool Philharmonic which builds on a tradition going back to Henry Rensburg’s involvement with the Liverpool Philharmonic Society, a century and more ago. In the 2014/15 season we are delighted to extend our support to the Chamber Music series.

Beethoven String Quartet in B flat major, Op.130

St George’s Hall Concert Room © Alan Cookson

The escher Quartet was only established in 2005, but they’ve already won a reputation for diving deep into the profoundest depths of the quartet repertoire. Taking inspiration from the artist MC escher – and his depiction of ‘individual components working together to form a whole’ – their Liverpool programme brings together three genre-defining masterpieces by Bach, Berg and Beethoven, each linked by hidden allusions, deep emotions and peerless formal mastery. The eschers have something original to say about each of them.

‘The Escher [Quartet] made clear that it is now one of the top young quartets before the public today...This is a group to watch.’

The Washington Post

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Tickets £25

Booking fees may apply

Escher Quartet Photography © Laura rose Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

56 |

Chamber Music Concerts

Ben Johnson tenor James Baillieu piano Saturday 4 October 7.30pm

Pascal & Ami Rogé piano duo Tuesday 4 november 7.30pm

St George’s hall Concert room

Songs from Victoria’s England Programme includes: Arthur Sullivan The Lost Chord May Brahe Bless this House Amy Woodforde-Finden Four Indian Love Lyrics Vaughan Williams Linden Lea and Silent Noon

St George’s hall Concert room Ben Johnson returns to Liverpool with a programme of songs filled with the evergreen landscapes of Victorian england. Winner of the Dame Joan Sutherland Audience Prize at the 2013 Cardiff Singer of the World he will draw on reflections of India through Four Indian Love Lyrics alongside one of Vaughan Williams most famous songs, Lindon Lea, based on the folk tradition Vaughan Williams found in Dorset, and many other favourites suffused with the wistfulness and evocative nature of early 20th Century english music.

Mozart Sonata in C major Schubert Fantasie in F minor, Op.103 Debussy Six Préludes Stravinsky The Rite of Spring (for four hands plus percussion)

‘Many thought the song prize should rightly have been awarded to Ben Johnson, representing England, for his outstandingly sung programme of sonnets… In the event, he was awarded the audience prize, richly deserved.’

Guardian, June 2013

‘Here is quintessential French-ness, beautifully realised and wonderfully convincing it is, leaving little sense of orchestral deprivation.’

The Sunday Times

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Tickets £25

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Booking fees may apply

Tickets £25 Ben Johnson Photography © Chris Gloag

Booking fees may apply

For over five decades, Pascal rogé has brought poetry, wit and an unmistakably Gallic sense of style to the music of Debussy, Bizet and their compatriots. More recently he’s teamed up with his wife Ami to bring the same joyous, exuberant musicality to the repertoire for piano duet, and tonight, these “four hands, two hearts” tackle the everest of piano duets: the stupendous keyboard version of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring.

Phenomenally difficult and thrillingly physical, every performance is an event: tonight’s may leave you breathless.

Pascal and Ami Rogé

Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Chamber Music Concerts | 57

Pacifica Quartet Saturday 29 november 7.30pm

Kyung-wha Chung violin Kevin Kenner piano Saturday 22 november 7.30pm

St George’s hall Concert room

St George’s hall Concert room

Mozart Violin Sonata in G, K.379 Prokofiev Violin Sonata No.1 in F minor, Op.80 Bach Chaconne from Partita No.2 in D minor, BWV.1004 Franck Sonata in A

With some performers, the name is enough: and throughout a performing career that now spans seven decades, Kyung-wha Chung has been a byword for integrity, sensitivity and a shining, effortless virtuosity that quite simply seems to carry all before it. her recording of César Franck’s beautiful Sonata is an established classic.

Tonight, supported by award-winning pianist Kevin Kenner, it’s a tour through four landmarks of the solo violin repertoire – guided by a legend.

Ives String Quartet No.1 ‘From the Salvation Army’ Bartok String Quartet No.6 Dvor˘ák String Quartet Op.96, ‘American’

‘She's a star who radiates a constant light. Though younger players may flair to greater magnitudes, she remains, with a handful of famous names, like a fixed constellation among comets, meteors and other nine-days wonders.’

The Independent on Kyung-wha Chung

‘The Pacifica Quartet are both deeply serious and wholly affable. They have no gimmicks…It is rare to see such a commonness of purpose in a group with such individual performers.’

BBC Music Magazine

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Tickets £25

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Kyung-wha Chung

Combining a dazzling energy with real poetic insight, the award-winning Pacifica Quartet astonished Liverpool audiences on their last visit. Today, they return with a programme featuring Charles Ives’ String Quartet No.1, which uses his beloved revival and gospel hymns as musical sources, and Bartok’s Sixth Quartet, one of the composer’s most deeply expressive and personal works. And to finish, the work that did more than any other to shape the course of American chamber music, Dvor˘ák’s sweet, swinging and deliciously tuneful Op.96 – a string quartet that sends you home humming!

Tickets £25 Pacifica Quartet Photography © Anthony Parmelee

Booking fees may apply

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

58 |

Chamber Music Concerts

Ji Liu piano Sunday 18 January 6.30pm

The Three Harps of Christmas Thursday 11 December 7.30pm

St George’s hall Concert room

St George’s hall Concert room

Ruth Wall harps

The Three harps of Christmas, devised by harpist ruth Wall and composer Graham Fitkin, is a intimate concert paying homage to the Christmas carol.

Scottish harpist ruth Wall is passionate about her instrument – and that doesn’t just mean the gorgeous, glittering harp we know from the orchestra. In this magical sequence of Christmas music, freshly arranged by the composer Graham Fitkin, she plays the concert harp, the magical wirestrung Gaelic harp, and the jangling, medieval bray harp. The melodies are familiar, but the sounds summon up lost worlds and half-forgotten tales: interspersed with music by Satie, Piazzolla and Debussy, this is a Christmas Concert with a haunting difference.

Beethoven Piano Sonata No.14 ‘Moonlight Sonata’ Schubert Fantasie in C major, Op. 15 ‘Wanderer Fantasy’ Debussy Suite Bergamasque Music by Chopin, Liszt, Saint-Saëns and Gershwin

‘Ji Liu remained as cool as a cucumber as his fingers played with fire... this was a fine performance of a masterpiece and established Ji Liu as one to watch.’

Classical Source

‘Harps set free into a wonderland…’

Metro

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Tickets £25

Tickets £25

Booking fees may apply

Ruth Wall

China is quickly becoming the powerhouse of 21st century piano playing, and signs are that the Shanghai-born Ji Liu may soon acquire a following comparable to Yundi’s or Lang Lang’s. his debut disc Piano Reflections – recorded here in Liverpool – has already attracted glowing reviews, and this recital demonstrates the full range of his artistry, from Beethoven’s Moonlight sonata to one of the supreme challenges of the romantic repertoire, Schubert’s Wanderer Fantasy.

Miniatures by Chopin, Liszt, SaintSäens and Gershwin offer a charming portrait of this engaging and intelligent young artist.

Ji Liu

Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

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Chamber Music Concerts | 59

Carducci String Quartet Wednesday 4 February 7.30pm St George’s hall Concert room

Haydn String Quartet Op.33 No.2 ‘The Joke’ Shostakovich String Quartet No.4 in D, Op.83 Beethoven String Quartet No.8, Op.59 No.2

The Carducci Quartet have a powerful reputation in new music, but that sense of creativity, discovery and shared imagination colours everything they play – and it’s pushed them quickly into the top flight of international string quartet playing. This concert finds them tackling three cornerstones of the repertoire, from the timeless wit of haydn to the monumental strength of Beethoven’s second ‘razumovsky’ quartet by way of Shostakovich’s lyrical, impassioned Fourth, a heartfelt protest against anti-Semitism, rich in Jewish melody.

‘The Carducci Quartet played a blinder at the Wigmore Hall...playing of vivacity and constant rhythmic subtlety.’

The Strad

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Tickets £25

Booking fees may apply

Carducci String Quartet Photography © Andy holdsworth Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

60 |

Chamber Music Concerts

Gould Piano Trio Tuesday 24 March 7.30pm

St George’s hall Concert room

Dvor˘ák Piano Trio No.2 in G minor, Op.26 MacMillan Piano Trio No.2 Tchaikovsky Piano Trio in A minor, Op.50

The Gould Piano Trio have been building an international name for themselves for well over a decade.

That’s one reason why they’re the dedicatees of James MacMillan’s keenly-awaited Second Piano Trio, and why their recording of Tchaikovsky’s huge A minor Trio has won such widespread critical acclaim. Tonight they prove how this vast, tragic masterpiece can give even Tchaikovsky’s symphonies a run for their money!

‘The Goulds are a top-line ensemble.

Gould’s violin can soar like a lark, with a sweetness of tone that is honey to the ear; Neary’s spruce, articulated cello lines bring the bounce and propulsion of a jazz group... ’ new Zealand herald

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Tickets £25

Booking fees may apply

Gould Piano Trio Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Chamber Music Concerts | 61

Giovanni Sollima cello Monika Leskovar cello Saturday 18 April 7.30pm

Liverpool Philharmonic

ArTISTS in reSIDenCe

St George’s hall Concert room

The Interpretation of Dreams Marin Marais Suite in D minor from Pièces de Violes, Deuxième livre Debussy Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune Giovanni Sollima The Interpretation of Dreams

Composer, improviser, performanceartist, and cellist of jaw-dropping virtuosity and flair…there’s simply no one way of describing the many-sided musical phenomenon that is Giovanni Sollima. he refuses to be categorized: the best way of describing this concert with fellow-cellist (and regular collaborator) Monika Leskovar is to say that it begins with the sublimely inventive music of baroque France, and ends deep inside Sollima’s own extraordinary musical imagination.

And that the journey will be unforgettable.

Paul Lewis piano Tuesday 26 May 7.30pm

St George’s hall Concert room

Beethoven: The Final Three Piano Sonatas No.30 in E major, Op.109 No.31 in A flat major, Op.110 No.32 in C minor, Op.111

Paul Lewis was born in huyton, and his reputation as an interpreter of the great classics of the piano repertoire has gone around the world. Famed for his Schubert interpretations, anything that Lewis chooses to play demands to be heard, and it’s fascinating that for this recital as part of his Liverpool residency, he’s gone for Beethoven’s visionary final trilogy of piano sonatas – playful, elusive and ravishingly beautiful; music that asks the very deepest questions. Lewis’s answers will be profoundly worth hearing.

‘These performances are a transparent act of musical love and devotion. Nothing is exaggerated yet virtually everything is included. Of all the modern versions of the [Beethoven] sonatas, Lewis’s is surely the most eloquent and persuasive.’

Gramophone

‘He makes me look like a pussycat…

He’s a supervirtuoso of the cello. He studied with Antonio Janigro but plays like a jazz musician and is part performance artist. He has no fear.’

Yo Yo Ma on Giovanni Sollima

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Tickets £25

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Monika Leskovar

Liverpool Philharmonic

ArTISTS in reSIDenCe

Tickets £25 Paul Lewis Photography © Josep Molina

Booking fees may apply

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

62 | Family Concerts

Family Concerts

Rudolph on Hope Street Disney Fantasia Live in Concert Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 December 11.30am & 2.30pm Saturday 3 January Monday 22 December 2.3opm 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Liverpool Philharmonic Family Concerts bring children and adults together to experience the thrill of a live orchestra.

Alasdair Malloy director Michael Seal presenter Melody Makers and Liverpool Philharmonic Training Choir –

Fidgeting is allowed so come along and give it a try!

Children are invited to have a go on a variety of instruments from half an hour prior to each concert at our Instrument Petting Zoo!

everyone knows at least one song about rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, but this year, Santa’s given him a special present: the royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and a whole concert full of your favourite Christmas tunes. The best bit is – you’re invited! hear the Orchestra, sing along with our children’s choirs, and have your picture taken with one of rudolph’s real live reindeer pals, as presenter Alasdair Malloy and maestro Mike Seal get the party started. So come on up to hope Street, have a good old sing-along, and join in the reindeer games this Christmas. (And don’t tell anyone - but we’ve heard that Santa himself might even be dropping by!)

–

Tickets £13, £16 (£8 children) Booking fees may apply

Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Neil Thompson conductor –

Join us for a thrilling performance of Disney's groundbreaking marriage of symphonic music and animation, Fantasia. Magnificent repertoire from the original 1940 version and Fantasia 2000, including The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, and Nutcracker Suite, will be performed while Disney's stunning footage is shown on the big screen. experience iconic moments and childhood favorites as you never have before!

– Excerpts from Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 (restored HD film clips with orchestra) Presentation made under license from Buena Vista Concerts, a division of ABC Inc. © All rights reserved.

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Tickets £17, £22, £29, £34, £40 £7 students/under 25s/claimants.

Booking fees may apply

Kids Club | 63

S D K B CLU ed the d I attend old son an ith ‘My 10 year hestra Rehearsal w ; Orc as superb w t en Kids Club ev e anze ... th ildren ch e th Andrew M th ptivated bo fascinating Andrew ca ith a parents w r usic was ei th d an assical m n…If all cl io lls across at ha an t pl er ex is way, conc ing with th d ne ai expl bulg y would be a superb and the countr summary, In s! ce audien ing visit!’ enlighten earsal, Open reh Kids Club 13 20 r novembe

Join a fun and exciting club made just for kids who love music as much as you do. The Liverpool Philharmonic Kids Club is for those who want to learn more about music and the people who make music.

Included in your Liverpool Philharmonic Kids Club Membership kit are the following: • A Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra pencil for jotting down your concert reviews • Invitation to a special post-concert event each year where you will get the chance to meet musicians and conductors • Emails from our Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko highlighting interesting concerts • Opportunity to enter exclusive prize draws for concert tickets • Invitation to a masterclass with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians

To join, visit www.liverpoolphil.com/kidsclub

64 | Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Concerts

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

Sir Simon Rattle Patron Dane Lam Principal Conductor

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra brings together the region’s best young musicians to make music, inspire one another and produce exhilarating performances at Liverpool Philharmonic hall.

Sunday 16 november 7.30pm

Sunday 17 May 7.30pm

Sibelius Finlandia Janác˘ek Lachian Dances Dvor˘ák Symphony No.8 – Dane Lam conductor

Enescu Rumanian Rhapsody in D major, No.2

Sunday 15 March 2.30pm (please note start time)

Wagner Prelude to Die Meistersinger Brahms Double Concerto Copland Fanfare for the Common Man Arnold English Dances, Set 2, Op.33 Elgar Serenade for Strings in E minor Tchaikovsky Capriccio Italien* – Dane Lam conductor Vasily Petrenko conductor* Rakhvinder Singh violin Jonathan Aasgaard cello

Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person no fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Johann Strauss II By the Beautiful Blue Danube Richard Strauss Suite from Der Rosenkavalier – Dane Lam conductor LPYO Concerto Winner*

*Members of the Youth Orchestra audition for the opportunity to appear as soloist in this concert

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Tickets £9 adults / £6 under 25s £2 Liverpool Young Musician Pass Booking fees may apply

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall | 65

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall transformed This project would simply The refurbishment of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall not have been possible without you! is now underway, after a successful fundraising The careful refurbishment of our much campaign, with significant loved home will transform your visit to support from Arts Council Liverpool Philharmonic hall. We have based much of our work around what England, Liverpool City you have told us about your experiences Council, the Kenneth Stern of visiting the building. As well as Trust, the Garfield Weston improvements across all of the public Foundation, the Foyle areas, we are investing in the facilities for our musicians and artists so that they Foundation, the Wolfson Foundation, the Foundation can bring their very best performances to our stage and to ensure your enjoyment for Sport and the Arts and of music in this unique venue. the Granada Foundation in addition to the overwhelming We will also create a new intimate second space that will extend the range generosity of hundreds of of music, talent and audience experience individual donors and other that we can host at Liverpool Trusts and Foundations.

Philharmonic.

These important changes will take place across 2014 and the spring of 2015.

When we welcome you back to the hall for the start of our new season in the autumn of 2014, you will experience the revitalised foyers including a new box office and Grand Foyer Bar as well as significant improvements in comfort levels and access to the auditorium, new and refurbished toilets and other facilities and a new lift linking the major spaces in the building for the first time. We look forward to the completion of the whole project and the opening of a new second space in 2015.

We are working hard to minimise any impact on your visit to the hall throughout this time. From time to time there may be some change to how you use the facilities at the hall but no overall reduction in the quality of your visit.

More information about our plans can be found at www.liverpoolphil.com. – Please note that from 24 May – 10 November, the box office will take telephone and online bookings only, and will be unable to accommodate in-person booking due to construction works.

www.liverpoolphil.com

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Continue along the motorway until its end and then follow the signs for the city centre, cathedrals and universities (c.3 miles). Turn left at the Metropolitan Cathedral and head along hope Street. If lost, use this maxim: find one cathedral, head for the other.

Liverpool Philharmonic hall is halfway between the two.

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Liverpool Philharmonic hall is within walking distance of Lime Street and Central Stations. We are also on the frequent 74, 75, 80 and 86 bus routes. www.merseytravel.gov.uk has comprehensive transport information and a ‘Journey Planner’ service, or you can call Traveline on 0871 200 2233.

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Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Postcode navigation > L1 9BP

Situated off Caledonia Street, this payon-entry car park is open from 8.30am and is available for concerts. Please note that parking is limited and is on a first come, first served basis.

Blue Badge holders are able to reserve car park spaces at the Box Office (0151 709 3789). All reservations must be made at least one week in advance of the concert, and are subject to availability. Payment (£5) to be made on entry to car park.

Cost > £5 2

Blackburne House Postcode navigation > L8 7PE

Situated on Falkner Street, this car park is open on concert nights from 5.30pm, until 20 minutes after the end of concerts. Please note that gates will be locked after this period. Please do not use this car park if unstaffed.

Cost > £5

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University of Liverpool Visitor Car Parks 3

Cambridge Street (opposite Cambridge Pub) Postcode navigation > L7 7EE 4

Mount Pleasant (opposite Metropolitan Cathderal) Postcode navigation > L3 5TQ

These car parks are available Monday – Friday after 5.30pm, and all day on Saturday and Sunday. Take ticket on entry at the barrier, and pay with ticket at pay machine before leaving.

Cost > £2 up to 3 hours £3 over 3 hours

Liverpool Cathedral Postcode navigation > L1 7AZ

Situated on upper Duke Street. Just a few minutes’ walk away the car park is generally open on concert nights from 5.30pm. Secure parking with CCTV monitoring and manned patrols. Cost £4 on production of your concert ticket.

Please ensure that concert tickets are produced and payment for car park is made at the Constable’s Lodge on arrival.

Cost > £4 Please note that car parks 2, 3, 4 and 5 are not operated by Liverpool Philharmonic. Times/prices were correct at time of print. Please check opening and closing times and prices of these car parks before parking.

St George’s Hall Concert Room Postcode navigation > L1 1JJ

St George’s hall is situated within Liverpool’s St George’s Quarter in the city centre, directly opposite Lime Street Station. Access to the Concert room is via the north entrance of the building on William Brown Street at the north end of the building. By car on entering the city follow signs for Lime Street station.

There are a number of nearby car parks, including Queen Square Car park, L1 1rh. Parking tariff £1.90 per hour (0-5 hours) evening rate of £2.90 between 5pm and 9am.

By public transport Queen’s Square Bus Station and Lime Street Station are both less than 5 minutes walk away.

68 |

Access Liverpool Philharmonic strives to be as accessible as possible to all patrons. Please let the Box Office know of your specific requirements when booking your tickets in order to make best use of our facilities.

To ensure that they are available to those who need them, spaces for wheelchair users are not available to buy online. Please visit or call the Box Office on 0151 709 3789 to purchase these tickets.

Wheelchair users and other customers who require a companion or carer to assist their visit are entitled to a free ticket for the companion/carer on production of appropriate identification. Other disabled patrons may also be eligible for a discount. It is advisable to book your tickets in advance to ensure the seats you require are available.

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Refurbishment

During the 2014-15 season we are undertaking a major refurbishment of Liverpool Philharmonic hall. Plans include: > enabling wheelchair access to the Circle for the first time > lift access to all the foyer areas > improved toilet provision > improved way-finding > improved audio loop coverage > increased seating choice As we go through our refurbishment these facilities may not always be available, please call 0151 709 3789 for further information.

> Level access is available to the foyer and Box Office from the hope Street main entrance. > Small passenger lift and level access is available in the foyer to the stalls and boxes in the auditorium and to the Grand Foyer Bar. Large passenger lift access from foyer to the Grand Foyer Bar, Grand and upper Circle.

> Spaces for wheelchairs plus companions are available in Boxes 7 ,8 and 15, 16 in the front of the Stalls and in the Grand Circle.

Limited on street parking for blue badge holders.

> Accessible unisex WCs are available in the foyer - allowing right hand or left hand transfer. A further accessible WC can be found close to Box 16.

> An infra-red hearing enhancing system is available in the auditorium which can be used with (with a necklace loop and the hearing aide set to the “T� position) or without a hearing aid (with a headset). necklace loops and headsets are available free of charge through a refundable deposit system from the Box Office (subject to availability). > The Box Office has a low level counter to improve accessibility for wheelchair users and an Induction Loop hearing enhancement system for hearing aid users. > Tickets can be booked by telephone via the Text relay service (www.textrelay.org) during standard Box Office hours.

> Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the building and water is available for them. Please advise the Box Office when purchasing your ticket if you are bringing an assistance dog.

Large print versions of the brochure are available from the marketing department by calling 0151 210 2895.

Baby Changing Facilities Baby changing facilities are available in the WC in the outer corridor of the auditorium close to Box 16.

Hall Information

All areas of the building are nonsmoking. Alcohol and glassware are not permitted in the auditorium. The auditorium usually opens 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance.

Please ensure that all mobile phones and other communications devices are switched off before entering the auditorium.

Flash photography or recording of any performance in any format is strictly prohibited.

Available for Hire

The Main Auditorium and other spaces at Liverpool Philharmonic hall are available for hire for your prestigious event. For further information call Moira hall on 0151 210 2896.

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Booking Information When to book Friday 16 May Postal booking opens for renewing subscribers, members and groups.

In person booking (by appointment only) Monday 9 – Friday 13 June As our box office at Liverpool Philharmonic hall will be closed to personal callers from 24 May, if you would like to book your subscription in person, you can schedule a time to meet with a member of our box office team at our new office at 4-6 rodney Street (roscoe Court) during the week of 9 – 13 June.

To schedule an appointment, please phone 0151 709 3789. Please note, appointments are subject to availability.

Saturday 14 June Telephone booking opens for renewing subscribers, members and groups Friday 27 June Booking opens for new subscribers Monday 7 July All Tickets On Sale!

How to book

Discounted tickets

Online www.liverpoolphil.com

Concessions under 25s, students and claimants can purchase tickets for just £7 on production of appropriate identification (subject to availability and seating may be limited).

Postal Booking Box Office Liverpool Philharmonic hall hope St Liverpool L1 9BP Telephone 0151 709 3789

Subscriptions can be booked only by telephone (0151 709 3789) or by post.

Please note your credit card is charged when your order is received.

Subscription tickets will be posted by the end of June. Direct Debits will be processed on the date specified on your form.

Opening Hours The Box Office at Liverpool Philharmonic hall will be closed to personal callers from Saturday 24 May 10 november.

We will accept bookings by telephone and online only from 24 May until 10 november. Telephone booking hours are from 9.30am - 5.30pm Monday – Saturday and 12-5pm on Sunday.

Concession tickets do not apply to Family Concerts, New Year’s Eve and Messiah, and may be limited for other concerts.

Young Musicians’ Pass under 18, live in Liverpool and play a musical instrument? You can attend concerts for just £2! Visit www.liverpoolphil.com to apply for the pass. Tickets are offered subject to availability and no other discounts apply.

Standby Tickets On the day of the concert, Senior Citizens (aged 65 or over at the time of booking) may purchase half-priced tickets In PerSOn OnLY (no telephone orders) at Liverpool Philharmonic hall Box Office. Standby tickets are limited to 2 per person. Standby tickets are subject to availability and if there are only small number of tickets remaining for a concert, standby tickets will not be available.

Not available for Spirit of Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Messiah and Family Concerts.

Ticket Exchange Subscribers and members can exchange their tickets against any other royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concert in the same season at Liverpool Philharmonic hall. Single ticket buyers may exchange tickets for a service charge of £2 per ticket. All exchanges must be made 24 hours in advance by post or in person.

Booking Fees

Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

In Person (from 10 november only) no fees for payment by cash or debit card.

Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Group tickets (10+ tickets) – 50p per ticket fee.

Save on booking fees by becoming a member!

Booking fees DO nOT apply to Silver Members (£100 per year), and you’ll enjoy a host of other benefits as well. For more information on membership see page 7.

(Booking fees still apply to Group (10+) orders)

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Tickets Flexible Series Make up your own package and save!

You can include any concert in this brochure in your series.

Book 4-6 concerts Book 7-11 concerts Book 12-19 concerts Book 20 or more

Save 10% Save 15% Save 20% Save 25%

Book 7 or more concerts and get a free ticket to the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra concert of your choice. See page 7 for more benefits of subscribing!

Fixed Series Fixed series (henry e rensberg, Classic FM, Liverpool John Moores university Series) are a great way to enjoy regular concert-going. With a fixed series you can request the same seats for every performance and carry these over each year.

Don’t want to miss a single concert?

The Marathon Series includes tickets for every Orchestral concert* at a whopping 30% discount.

Fixed Series Prices A

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Marathon Series 36 concerts (save 30%)

£364.00

£483.00

£630.70

£749.70

£911.40

Liverpool John Moores University Series 7 concerts (save 15%)

£84.15

£113.90

£151.30

£181.05

£221.00

Henry E Rensburg Series 9 concerts (save 15%)

£102.85

£141.10

£187.85

£226.10

£278.80

Classic FM Series 8 concerts (save 15%)

£88.40

£122.40

£163.20

£197.20

£244.80

Sunday Afternoon Classics 4 concerts (save 10%)

£46.80

£64.80

£86.40

£104.40

£129.60

Chamber Music Concerts 11 concerts (save 15%)

£233.75

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Group Discounts

Fixed Series Liverpool John Moores University Series 7 Concerts 7 February, 14 February, 28 February, 14 March, 28 March, 11 April, 13 June Henry E Rensburg Series 9 Concerts 20 november, 27 november, 4 December, 12 February, 4 March, 12 March 23 April, 7 May, 21 May Classic FM Series 8 Concerts 12/13 november, 14/15 January 18/19 February, 18/19 March 15/16 April, 29/30 April, 13/14 May, 17/18 June

Generous group discounts are available for most concerts:

Seating Plan O N M L K J H G

Groups of 10-29 10% off Groups of 30-49 15 % off Groups of 50+ 20% off

For more details call Dawn Williams, Group Sales Coordinator, on 0151 210 2918 or email dawn.williams@liverpoolphil.com.

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- Wheelchair spaces - Transfer seats - Armrest on aisle lifts for ease of transfer from wheelchair or walker

72 |

Photograph L to R: David Owen, Senior Investment Director, Investec Wealth & Investment, Michael Eakin, Chief Executive, Liverpool Philharmonic, Vasily Petrenko, Chief Conductor, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Jonathan Seal, Director in charge of Liverpool Office, Investec Wealth & Investment.

At Investec Wealth & Investment we take great pride in our partnership with the royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, which continues to flourish, and we look forward to the 2014-15 season with great anticipation.

We are confident that audiences will continue to be thrilled and inspired by the variety and vitality of the concerts that await them.

Our partnership with Liverpool Philharmonic is a demonstration of our strong and long-established commitment to Liverpool. even in challenging economic times, the City’s cultural life continues to be a vital element of its continued resurgence as a vibrant and welcoming visitor destination. We believe that the royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s role both nationally and internationally plays a central role in the cultural and economic renaissance that the City continues to enjoy.

Investec Wealth & Investment is proud of its Liverpudlian heritage, and our commitment and contribution to the City’s economy. Our business is built on ‘extraordinary performance’ and strong and enduring relationships which we develop and nurture with our clients, built on trust and understanding, valuable and often rare commodities in today’s complex financial world.

Our partnership with Liverpool Philharmonic reflects this core ethos perfectly.

We are proud to continue our support of Vasily and the Orchestra and have no doubt that their extraordinary musical partnership will deliver more ‘extraordinary performances’ this season.

David Owen Senior Investment Director Investec Wealth & Investment

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Photograph L to R: Nigel Weatherill, Vice Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University, and Vasily Petrenko with students of LJMU.

Liverpool John Moores university and the royal Liverpool Philharmonic can both trace their roots back to the early 19th century and the start of a movement that continues unabated to this day to make both learning and culture more accessible to the people of Liverpool.

Through our combined outreach programmes, we demonstrate to children and young people of all ages that learning and culture in all their forms are relevant and necessary to today’s society and that everyone can and should get involved, even if only to become a member of the audience at public lectures and concerts.

We have long-standing and valued links with Liverpool Philharmonic. We stage the university’s roscoe Lecture Series, the largest public lecture series outside London, here at Liverpool Philharmonic hall and have hosted broadcasts with Classic FM from our studios in the Screen School. Through our partnership with Liverpool

Philharmonic we have been able to give hundreds of students the opportunity to experience world class orchestral concerts, many conducted

by Vasily Petrenko, who is a Fellow of the university.

We are immensely proud to support the royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra 2014/2015 concert season.

The Orchestra represents everything that is great about the city of Liverpool – it is ground-breaking, challenging and most importantly, it fuels the city’s love of music and creativity by enabling people from all walks of life and all ages to not only hear outstanding musical performances but also to see the workings of an

internationally-acclaimed orchestra for themselves.

Such access opens minds to dream of what can be possible and to seek opportunities to engage. Inspiring individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to the civic life of Liverpool is the driving force behind everything that we do at Liverpool John Moores University, an ethos we capture in three small but powerful words: Dream, Plan, Achieve.

Nigel Weatherill Vice Chancellor Liverpool John Moores University

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Diary September 2014 18

Thu 7.30pm

January 2015 Escher Quartet

P53

Ben Johnson / James Baillieu Serenade to Music*

P54 P11

Remembrance* Pascal & Ami Rogé piano duo Season Opening Season Opening Youth Orchestra Winter Daydreams Kyung Wha Chung / Kevin Kenner Romantic Rachmaninov Sax in the City Pacifica Quartet

P12 P54 P13 P13 P62 P15 P55 P16 P16 P55

October 2014 4 25

Sat 7.30pm Sat 7.30pm

November 2014 8 4 12 13 16 20 22 23 27 29

Sat Tue Wed Thu Sun Thu Sat Sun Thu Sat

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.3opm 7.3opm 7.30pm

December 2014 4 10 11 13 18 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 22 23 31

Thu Wed Thu Sat Thu Sat Sat Sat Sun Sun Sun Mon Mon Tue Wed

7.3opm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 11.30am 2.30pm 7.30pm 11.30am 2.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

Lark Ascending Pastoral Symphony The Three Harps of Christmas White Christmas ...

The Spirit of Christmas Family: Rudolph on Hope Street Family: Rudolph on Hope Street The Spirit of Christmas Family: Rudolph on Hope Street Family: Rudolph on Hope Street The Spirit of Christmas Family: Rudolph on Hope Street The Spirit of Christmas The Spirit of Christmas Swinging in the New Year

P17 P18 P56 P19 P22 P60 P60 P22 P60 P60 P22 P60 P22 P22 P22

3 Sat 2.30pm 3 Sat 7.30pm 10 Sat 7.30pm 14 Wed 7.30pm 15 Thu 7.30pm 18 Sun 6.30pm

Disney Fantasia: Live in Concert Disney Fantasia: Live in Concert Messiah Classic FM Hall of Fame Classic FM Hall of Fame Ji Liu piano

P23 P23 P24 P25 P25 P56

Carducci String Quartet Exsultate, jubilate Shostakovich Nine Valentine’s Day Concert Return of the Dream Team Return of the Dream Team Rhapsody in Blue

P57 P26 P27 P27 P30 P30 P31

Petrenko’s Tchaikovsky I Petrenko’s Tchaikovsky II Celebrating 175 Years Celebrating 175 Years Youth Orchestra Peer Gynt Peer Gynt Gould Piano Trio Music for Easter

P33 P33 P34 P34 P62 P35 P35 P58 P36

Beloved Brahms Pictures from an Exhibition Pictures from an Exhibition Giovanni Sollima / Monika Leskovar South of the Border Boléro

P37 P38 P38 P59 P38 P40

February 2015 4 7 12 14 18 19 28

Wed Sat Thu Sat Wed Thu Sat

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

29 Wed 7.30pm 30 Thu 7.30pm

Mahler’s ‘Resurrection’ Mahler’s ‘Resurrection’

P41 P41

Tchaikovsky Birthday Salute Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony Virtuoso Brahms Virtuoso Brahms Youth Orchestra Sibelius’ Symphonies Paul Lewis piano Petrenko’s Elgar

P43 P43 P45 P45 P62 P45 P59 P47

The Dream of Gerontius A Little Night Music A Little Night Music

P47 P48 P48

Opera North’s The Flying Dutchman

P48

May 2015

7 Thu 7.30pm 10 Sun 2.30pm 13 Wed 7.30pm 14 Thu 7.30pm 17 Sun 7.30pm 21 Thu 7.30pm 26 Tue 7.30pm 29 Fri 7.30pm

June 2015

13 Sat 7.30pm 17 Wed 7.30pm 18 Thur 7.30pm

March 2015 4 8 12 14 15 18 19 24 28

Wed Sun Thu Sat Sun Wed Thu Tue Sat

7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

July 2015 8

Wed 7.30pm

April 2015

11 Sat 7.30pm 15 Wed 7.30pm 16 Thu 7.30pm 18 Sat 7.30pm 23 Thu 7.30pm 26 Sun 2.30pm

KEY Events in SILVER - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts Events in GREY - Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Concerts Events in BLUE - Chamber Concerts at St George’s Hall Concert Room *Concerts outside Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

PRINCIPAL FUNDERS

Thanks to the City of Liverpool for its financial support

PRINCIPAL PARTNERS

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra The

Orchestra in North West England

royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society A company limited by guarantee registered in england number 88235 registered charity number 230538 – Patron her Majesty the Queen President The rt hon the earl of Derby DL – Please note, programme is correct at time of going to print.

For the most up to date information visit www.liverpoolphil.com – Design Paul hooley Commissioned photography Mark Mcnulty Front cover Vasily Petrenko conducts the royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.