Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra 25/26 Season Brochure

© John Millar

Welcome to the 2025/26 Season

It is wonderful to welcome you to our 2025/26 Season, the 185th anniversary of our great Society. We have an eclectic and exciting programme of events for you to discover across the Orchestra season, our chamber concerts, youth ensembles and our contemporary music group Ensemble 10:10.

With every performance here in Liverpool, I am honoured to present a unique blend of repertoire and perform alongside incredible guest artists. This season, we welcome return visits from pianists Sir Stephen Hough and Paul Lewis, violinist Simone Lamsma, soprano Carolyn Sampson, and accordionist Ksenija Sidorova, and there’ll also be Liverpool debuts for viola player Timothy Ridout, conductor Kristiina Poska, pianist Frank Dupree and many more.

Mark Simpson is our Artist in Residence for the 2025/26 Season – a talent born and bred in Liverpool who has gone on to receive international recognition as both clarinettist and composer. We’ll see the Orchestra take on two of his works in September and March, and Mark himself will also perform in two chamber concerts and an unmissable collaboration with Ensemble 10:10.

I am looking forward to many wonderful projects coming up throughout the season, including concert performances of Dvořák’s opera Rusalka, continuing our exploration of music from France and the Americas, and presenting epic works by Mahler and Bruckner. Here at Liverpool Philharmonic, we have a great reputation for championing new music, and I’m delighted that we have five

world premieres and five UK premieres across the concert series, including a new Double Concerto written for two of our own players.

Of course, our Orchestra and its musicians are the staple of our season, but we’ll also be welcoming some special guests from Munich. In November, Sir Simon Rattle brings the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra to Liverpool for a rare UK appearance outside London. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir also have an exciting season ahead –highlights include Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius under Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze, and a whole solo Choir concert featuring Rossini’s Petite messe solennelle.

Finally, we would like to thank our principal funders Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council, our sponsors, trusts and foundations, and the many individuals who support us through Memberships and donations. Their generosity enables us to deliver all that we do here in our incredible city region and beyond.

Domingo Hindoyan Chief Conductor

Critical Acclaim

Over the last season, the Orchestra and Choir have enjoyed positive press coverage for their live performances and recordings.

“No watch-checking was required in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s heartfelt performance, under the baton of their charismatic chief conductor, Domingo Hindoyan. The big trombone solo, menacing, low and insistent in the huge opening movement, was impeccably played. So too was the offstage post horn, calling as if from a distant Austro-Bohemian peak"

March 2025, Mahler Symphony No 3

A YOUNGISH PERSPECTIVE

"An (inter)stellar performance. The Orchestra’s horns, brass and percussion anchored the suite and gave a sense of the massive scale of the planets, while strings and woodwind danced and flitted, melting seamlessly into one another, evoking their movement in space”

October 2024, The Planets

“Throughout the piece there are echoes of the past, yet it always sounds remarkably fresh. There’s an elusive quality to Alberga’s music but a spirit of fun too, and the orchestration is full of colour and interest”

April 2024, Eleanor Alberga Piano Concerto (world premiere)

Sheku Kanneh-Mason © Gareth Jones

Commissions and premieres

Liverpool Philharmonic proudly supports new music and has premiered and commissioned more than 300 new works in the last twenty years. Explore our new commissions and premieres coming up in the 2025/26 Season:

Thursday 25 September

Mark Simpson Hold Your Heart in Your Teeth: concerto for viola and orchestra (UK premiere)

Wednesday 8 October

Cameron Biles-Liddell Concerto for Chamber Orchestra (world premiere) RPS commission

Sunday 19 October

Victoria Borisova-Ollas Oh Giselle, remember me... (UK premiere)

RLPS co-commission with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra

Thursday 22 January

Dobrinka Tabakova Accordion Concerto (UK premiere) Cocommission with Stuttgarter Philharmoniker

Wednesday 28 January

Aaron Breeze The Haçienda (world premiere)

Mathilde Wantenaar Serenade (UK premiere)

Sunday 1 March

Carmel Smickersgill New Work (world premiere)

Commissioned by the players in the 2024 Merseyside and Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Reunion Concert

Thursday 26 March

Mark Simpson The Immortal (world premiere of new version)

Thursday 23 April

Andrew Barney New Work (world premiere) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir

Wednesday 29 April

Josephine Stephenson In Time Like Air (UK premiere)

Thursday 11 June

Roxanna Panufnik Double Concerto for Oboe and Cor Anglais (world premiere) RLPS commission

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Multibuy

Book 5 concerts or more and save

Choose at least 5 concerts from the 2025/26 Season, including all Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concerts, Lunchtime, Close Up, Ensemble 10:10, Youth Orchestra/Choir, and Chamber Music concerts and enjoy the following discounts:

Multibuy Benefits

A Liverpool Philharmonic multibuy offer (subscription) is a package of tickets for five or more concerts across the season. You can save up to 30% on the price of each ticket, and you’ll receive a range of other benefits too.

Best seats in the house

You'll be able to order your tickets before they go on general sale. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have.

Flat-rate booking fee

An £8 booking fee applies to all multibuy orders placed by phone, email or post before Wednesday 28 May. There is no booking fee applied to multibuy orders placed online. From 28 May, the standard booking fee of 10% per ticket applies.

Book 5–8 concerts Save 10%

Book 9–15 concerts Save 15%

Book 16–25 concerts Save 20%

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Can’t make a concert? No problem! As a subscriber, you can return your tickets up to 24 hours in advance and we’ll provide you with a credit for another performance in the same season.

'Roll over' your seats

Book 30+ concerts and you can ‘roll over’ your seats into next season, keeping your favourite seats for each Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performance. Please note, this does not apply to events outside Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Subscription discounts do not apply for Sir Simon Rattle and the BRSO.

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Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra 2025/26 Season

Season Opening Concert: Dream Team

Thursday 18 September 7.30pm

Sunday 21 September 2pm NB start time

Amadeo Roldán La Rebambaramba

Jennifer Higdon blue cathedral*

Arturo Márquez Trumpet Concerto

Dvořák Symphony No.9, ‘From the New World’

Domingo Hindoyan conductor

Pacho Flores trumpet

Percussionists from Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company and In Harmony Liverpool*

New season, new worlds! We’ve always loved Dvořák’s New World symphony, and if you enjoy great tunes, stirring emotions, and the glorious sound of a full orchestra playing its heart out, we’re sure that you’ll love it too. And that’s not even the half of it – the Dream Team reunite as our great friend and trumpet player extraordinaire Pacho Flores joins Domingo Hindoyan and the Orchestra for a multi-coloured celebration of the Americas in all their diversity and wonder.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

The concert on 18 September will be sponsored by

Pacho Flores and Domingo Hindoyan © Gary William Smith

Ravel La Valse

Thursday 2 October 7.30pm

Copland El Salón México

Britten Violin Concerto

Julián Orbón Tres versiones sinfónicas (1953)

Ravel La Valse

Domingo Hindoyan conductor

Simone Lamsma violin

When Aaron Copland hit the town in Mexico City, he didn’t hold back, and tonight, Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan takes us on a wild, whirling ride through the highs and lows of the 20th century. Maurice Ravel waltzes on the brink, and Julián Orbón brings Cuban dances to the party. We also welcome back previous Artist in Residence Simone Lamsma to play Britten’s gripping Violin Concerto: a work that weaves dark visions on the eve of the Second World War.

Tickets £59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Simone Lamsma © Otto van den Toorn

The Sound of Julie Andrews

Saturday 4 October 7.30pm

Featuring songs including: ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’, ‘Feed the Birds’, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Let’s Go Fly A Kite’ and more!

Richard Balcombe conductor

Graham Bickley, Katie Birtill and Kelly Mathieson vocalists

Julie Andrews’ career has spanned eight decades on the stage and screen, and along the way she’s starred in some of the world’s favourite films and musicals, created some of cinema’s most iconic characters, and earned an enviable collection of Hollywood’s greatest awards. Now, as this practically perfect national treasure celebrates her 90th birthday, the Orchestra and acclaimed vocalists bring you a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious evening of beloved songs from Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady and more.

Tickets

£65, £57, £47, £42, £39, £25

Sibelius Symphony No.5

Saturday 11 October 7.30pm

Boccherini/Berio Ritirata notturna di Madrid

Bernstein Chichester Psalms*

Copland Clarinet Concerto

Einojuhani Rautavaara Cantus Arcticus

Sibelius Symphony No.5

Geoffrey Paterson conductor

Julian Bliss clarinet

Agustin Pennino countertenor*

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir

Matthew Hamilton Director of Choirs and Singing

“What beauty!” exclaimed Jean Sibelius, as he saw a flight of swans in the northern sky. They inspired his magnificent Fifth Symphony, and that radiant piece is tonight seamlessly introduced by Finnish composer Rautavaara’s haunting ‘Concerto for Birds and Orchestra’. But conductor Geoffrey Paterson begins with midnight in Madrid, honouring Berio’s 100th birthday with a work that received its UK premiere here in Liverpool from our Orchestra. It’s a wonderful contrast to Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and the all-American sunshine of Copland’s Clarinet Concerto, played by Julian Bliss.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Julian Bliss © Conn Selmer

FlixPix

Alamy Stock Photo

Liszt Piano Concerto No.2

Thursday 30 October 7.30pm

Hindemith Concert Music for Strings and Brass

Liszt Piano Concerto No.2

Richard Strauss Also sprach Zarathustra

Domingo Hindoyan conductor

Mariam Batsashvili piano

by

In the primal darkness a trumpet sounds –and seconds later, the whole universe is ablaze with light. Richard Strauss wanted Also sprach Zarathustra to tell the “entire story of humanity”, but if that blockbuster opening is all you know, believe us: things are about to get exciting. It’s an epic climax to a concert that begins with the big-band swagger of Hindemith’s Concert Music, plus a showstopping concerto written by Franz Liszt – one of the greatest pianists who ever lived – and played today by the hugely in-demand Mariam Batsashvili.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Mariam Batsashvili

© Attila Kleb

Sponsored

Mozart Symphony No.41, Jupiter

Sunday 2 November 2pm NB start time

Sir Simon Rattle and the BRSO

Monday 10 November 7.30pm

Haydn Overture, L'isola disabitata (The Deserted Island)

Mozart Symphony No.41, ‘Jupiter’

Richard Strauss Also sprach Zarathustra

Domingo Hindoyan conductor

Richard Strauss never did anything by halves, and if you’ve seen 2001: A Space Odyssey, you won’t need telling that Also sprach Zarathustra is music on a truly cosmic scale –a roof-raising, multicoloured showcase for a great orchestra at the very peak of its game.

Domingo Hindoyan won’t hold back today, but first he brings a desert island adventure with Joseph Haydn, and possibly the single greatest symphony by the one composer whom even Richard Strauss revered – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Schumann Symphony No.2

Stravinsky The Firebird (complete)

Sir Simon Rattle conductor

Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

Here in Liverpool, we take pride in our people, and tonight the world-famous Liverpudlian conductor Sir Simon Rattle returns home with a very special concert indeed. He brings his new orchestra – the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra – from Munich to the Hall almost 50 years to the day since they last visited, when the young Simon himself was here in the audience. They’re ranked as one of the world’s finest ensembles, and tonight they perform the feast that is Schumann’s Second Symphony, followed by Stravinsky’s complete ballet music for The Firebird.

Tickets

£85, £75, £60, £50, £42, £35

Supported by

Domingo Hindoyan © Gary William Smith

Sir Simon Rattle

© Gareth Jones

Brahms Requiem

Saturday 22 November 7.30pm

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestras: 75th Season

Sunday 23 November 2pm NB start time

Arvo Pärt Cecilia, vergine romana

Arvo Pärt Cantus in memoriam Benjamin Britten

Brahms A German Requiem

Domingo Hindoyan conductor

Sophie Bevan soprano

Samuel Hasselhorn baritone

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir

Matthew Hamilton Director of Choirs and Singing

“Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted” sings the choir in Brahms’ A German Requiem. Brahms had just lost his mother, and he poured all his love and sorrow into a requiem of profound tenderness and beauty. Our acclaimed Choir loves to sing this music, and tonight they are joined by two international stars, soprano Sophie Bevan and baritone Samuel Hasselhorn. But to open – on the day of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music – we celebrate the 90th birthday of Arvo Pärt, perhaps the greatest living master of sonic tranquillity. It’s strong emotions, softly sung.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Programme to include: Shostakovich Festive Overture*

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Academy Orchestra

Alex Dunn conductor

Ben Draper conductor

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra with members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Domingo Hindoyan conductor*

Robert Guy conductor

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Youth Academy Orchestra take to the stage in a showcase of our city’s talented young musicians. The concert concludes with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan leading our Youth Orchestra, side-by-side with players from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, in the celebration that is Shostakovich’s Festive Overture

Tickets

£18 (£10 under 25s)

10% discount for groups of 6+

Sophie Bevan © Sussie Ahlburg

© Gary William Smith

Rachmaninov with Sir Stephen Hough

Thursday 27 November 7.30pm

Sunday 30 November 2pm NB start time

Tchaikovsky Winter Daydreams

Thursday 4 December 7.30pm

Falla (orch. Francisco Coll) Fantasía

Bética (UK premiere)

Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.1

Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet, Suite

Domingo Hindoyan conductor

Sir Stephen Hough piano

Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet: the fiery ballet of star-cross’d passion that’s so much more than just the theme from The Apprentice. Sir Stephen Hough: the musical genius from Heswall whose piano playing has made jaws drop and critics rave all over the world. Put them together with Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan, add the romance of Rachmaninov and Falla’s blazing Fantasía Bética – heard here for the first time in a new orchestration –and your pulse will be racing.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Post-concert Question Time

Domingo Hindoyan, Sir Stephen Hough – see p.70 for details (Thursday 27 November only)

The concert on 27 November will be sponsored by

Liszt Orpheus

Bruch Violin Concerto No.1

Tchaikovsky Symphony No.1, ‘Winter Daydreams’

Lawrence Foster conductor

Daniel Lozakovich violin

Some pieces are popular for a reason, and when it comes to Bruch’s First Violin Concerto, it’s not hard to hear why – there’s something irresistible about its blend of musical fireworks and heart-melting melody. Bringing it to life tonight is phenomenal young Swedish violinist Daniel Lozakovich. Conductor Lawrence Foster begins with Liszt’s luscious hymn to music, and ends with Tchaikovsky’s youthful symphony: a master of melody, walking in a winter wonderland.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Lawrence Foster © Marc Ginot

Sir Stephen Hough © Sim Canetty-Clarke

Spirit of Christmas

Friday 19 December 7.30pm

Saturday 20 December 7.30pm

Monday 22 December 7.30pm*

Tuesday 23 December 7.30pm

Matthew Hamilton conductor

Benjamin Appl baritone/presenter

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir

Paul Whittaker OBE & Stephen Heselton BSL Interpreters*

They’re the star of the season – our legendary Spirit of Christmas concerts! In the biggest and best celebration in town, we’ll bring you classic carols, seasonal readings, audience singalongs and festive fun, all wrapped up and delivered by the fabulous baritone Benjamin Appl. He’ll be hosting the entire extravaganza and of course treating us to some musical magic along the way… So come along and join Benjamin, Matthew, the Orchestra and our Choirs in Liverpool’s great musical festive tradition – it just wouldn’t be Christmas without it!

Tickets

£65, £57, £47, £42, £39, £25

* BSL interpretation provided at the 22 December performance only – call 0151 709 3789 or email ticketing@liverpoolphil.com to book suitable seats.

© Gary William Smith

New Year’s Eve: Boogie Wonderland

Wednesday 31 December 7.30pm

Messiah

Saturday 10 January 7pm NB start time

Alfonso Casado Trigo conductor

Soloists to include: Gloria Onitiri

2026 might be just around the corner, but tonight we’re heading back to the 70s and straight to the disco… It’s New Year’s Eve – the greatest of all Boogie Nights – so get dressed up in your finest disco attire and join the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and sensational vocalists including Gloria Onitiri for dancefloor fillers such as 'I Will Survive', 'YMCA', 'Dancing Queen', 'Blame It on the Boogie', 'It's Raining Men' and more! And the sparkliest of occasions calls for the sparkliest of drinks, so all tickets include a glass of fizz delivered to your seat.

Tickets

£70, £62, £52, £47, £44, £29

BSL interpretation provided at this performance – call 0151 709 3789 or email ticketing@liverpoolphil.com to book suitable seats.

Handel Messiah

Laurence Cummings conductor

Fflur Wyn soprano

Reginald Mobley countertenor

Nick Pritchard tenor

George Humphreys baritone

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir

Matthew Hamilton Director of Choirs and Singing

Hallelujah! Handel’s Messiah isn’t just an oratorio, it’s a national treasure. From Ev’ry Valley to For Unto Us a Child is Born, and of course the Hallelujah chorus, everybody already knows some of the tunes, but to hear the whole thing performed live is pretty much as good as music gets. Baroque music expert Laurence Cummings and the full Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir storm the heavens tonight. For many, it’s an annual tradition. Why not make it yours?

This concert will last approximately 2 hours 35 minutes, including an interval.

Tickets

£65, £57, £47, £42, £39, £25

Reginald Mobley © Richard Dumas

© GloriaOnitiri

Rachmaninov Symphony No.3

Thursday 22 January 7.30pm

Prokofiev Suite, The Love for Three Oranges

Dobrinka Tabakova Accordion Concerto (UK premiere) Co-commission with Stuttgarter Philharmoniker

Rachmaninov Symphony No.3

Andris Poga conductor

Ksenija Sidorova accordion

Post-concert Question Time

Andris Poga, Ksenija Sidorova – see p.70 for details

Thought you knew the accordion? Well, in the hands of Ksenija Sidorova, it takes on magical properties. Her previous visits to Liverpool have been sensational, and now she returns with a brand-new, bespoke showcase by the spectacularly imaginative British-Bulgarian composer, Dobrinka Tabakova. Andris Poga’s welcome return begins with Prokofiev’s cheeky musical fairytale and ends with the bittersweet beauty of Rachmaninov’s Third Symphony – a song of exile by a master of melody. This will be a treat.

Tickets £59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Ksenija Sidorova © Dario Acosta

Beyond the Console: The Music of Video Games

Saturday 24 January 7.30pm

Featuring music from: The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, Uncharted, The Last of Us, Fallout 4, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and more!

Robert Ames conductor

Elle Osili-Wood presenter

In a concert presented by Sound of Gaming’s Elle Osili-Wood, conductor Robert Ames and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra fill the Hall with music from the world’s biggest video games. It’s the music that’s accompanied fierce battles and epic journeys. It conjures up other worlds and fires imaginations. Featuring soundtracks from recent blockbusters and nostalgic favourites too, this concert has wowed audiences across the country.

Tickets

£65, £57, £47, £42, £39, £25

Bruckner Symphony No.6

Thursday 5 February 7.30pm

Schubert Overture, Die Zauberharfe (Rosamunde)

Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No.1 Bruckner Symphony No.6

Domingo Hindoyan conductor Guy Johnston cello

There’s something special about the music of Anton Bruckner – his huge symphonies create a world of towering peaks and glowing vistas that speaks straight to the soul. For Domingo Hindoyan, Bruckner’s symphonies are a passion – “so poetic, so suffused with fresh air, so free in spirit” wrote one critic – and the Sixth Symphony might be the most beautiful of them all. But judge for yourself – and enjoy, too, the sheer flair of British cellist Guy Johnston in Saint-Saëns’ ardent concerto.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Guy Johnston © Frances Marshall

© Elle Osili-Wood

Classic FM Hall of Fame

Sunday 8 February 2pm NB start time

John Williams Main Theme from Star Wars

Grieg Morning and In the Hall of the Mountain King from Peer Gynt

Rodrigo Concierto de Aranjuez

Chabrier España

Orff O Fortuna from Carmina Burana

Puccini Humming Chorus from Madame Butterfly

Karl Jenkins Palladio (Allegretto)

Mascagni Intermezzo from Cavalleria

rusticana

Verdi Triumphal March and Gloria all’Egitto from Aida

Domingo Hindoyan conductor

Miloš guitar

Ritula Shah presenter (Classic FM)

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir

Matthew Hamilton Director of Choirs and Singing

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra present the ultimate countdown of the world’s favourite classical music. These are the works that have soundtracked epic moments, that have appeared in beloved films – the pieces you feel you’ve known your entire life. Now, alongside presenter Ritula Shah, superstar guitarist Miloš and the massed voices of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, the Orchestra bring them all to life in awe-inspiring symphonic sound. A truly magnificent celebration of so many of the alltime greats.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Miloš ©

Christoph Köstlin

Tchaikovsky Symphony No.6, Pathétique

Thursday 12 February 7.30pm

Dvořák Overture, Carnival

Anna Clyne Glasslands for saxophone and orchestra

Tchaikovsky Symphony No.6, ‘Pathétique’

Jonathan Bloxham conductor

Jess Gillam saxophone

Pathétique – it’s a funny name for a great symphony. But don’t be misled: it means ‘emotional’, and Tchaikovsky’s heart-rending final masterpiece is exactly that. Conductor Jonathan Bloxham will bring out its drama, its longing and its unforgettable melodies tonight. And he joins saxophone sensation Jess Gillam in a showcase created especially for her, inspired by a terrifying Irish legend – if you’ve heard Gillam on the radio, you’ll already know that she’s great company. But before all that, Dvořák’s Carnival Overture gets us off to a truly exuberant start.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet

Saturday 14 February 7.30pm

Tchaikovsky Fantasy Overture, Romeo and Juliet Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Bizet Suite from Carmen Loewe (arr. Robert Russell Bennett) My Fair Lady: Symphonic Picture

Jonathan Bloxham conductor Martin James Bartlett piano

I could have danced all night… Love and passion are certainly in the air on Hope Street! Bizet’s Carmen dances a seductive habanera, Romeo and Juliet risk everything for one another, and conductor Jonathan Bloxham whirls us to Broadway for a glamorous selection from My Fair Lady. But for true romance, you can’t beat a grand piano and the melodies of Sergei Rachmaninov, and pianist Martin James Bartlett will wear his heart on his sleeve in the glittering Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.

Tickets

£65, £57, £47, £42, £39, £25

Sponsored by

© Martin James Bartlett

© Robin Clewley

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestras: 75th Birthday Weekend

Sunday 1 March 6.30pm

Programme to include:

Carmel Smickersgill New Work (75th Birthday Commission by the players in the 2024 Merseyside and Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Reunion Concert)

Eric Fogg Bassoon Concerto Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Academy Orchestra

Alex Dunn conductor

Ben Draper conductor

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

Robert Guy conductor

Linton Stephens bassoon

Join Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra in celebrating their 75th birthday, featuring soloist Linton Stephens (bassoonist, BBC Radio 3 presenter and previous member of Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra), and a world premiere of a specially commissioned piece by previous Rushworth Composition Prize winner Carmel Smickersgill.

Tickets

£18 (£10 under 25s)

10% discount for groups of 6+

Beethoven Symphony No.6, Pastoral

Thursday 5 March 7.30pm

Dvořák The Water Goblin Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto Beethoven Symphony No.6, ‘Pastoral’

Ariane Matiakh conductor Diana Tischenko violin

Even a genius has to relax sometimes and when Beethoven wanted to unwind, he headed for the countryside. In his Pastoral symphony, we get to join him: green meadows, rippling brooks and the occasional thunderstorm, all crafted into one of the freshest symphonies ever written. Conductor Ariane Matiakh returns and gets things started with a supernatural thriller from Antonín Dvořák, before Tchaikovsky's ever popular Violin Concerto heats up the stage.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Diana Tischenko © FX Pelissier

Beethoven with Paul Lewis

Thursday 12 March 7.30pm

Schumann Overture, Genoveva Beethoven Piano Concerto No.3 Berlioz Symphonie fantastique

Adam Hickox conductor Paul Lewis piano

You’re young, you’re French and you’re madly in love. Naturally, you pour all your feelings into a colossal symphony: a delirious, multicoloured rollercoaster of raw passion, gothic nightmares and jangling bells. Sounds fantastic? Wait till you hear Berlioz’s psychedelic symphony conducted by fast-rising British star Adam Hickox, who returns with Liverpool’s own Paul Lewis in Beethoven’s darkest and most personal piano concerto. Things are about to get spectacular – it’s what Berlioz (and his hero Beethoven) would have expected.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Mozart with Paul Lewis

Sunday 15 March 2pm NB start time

Debussy Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune Mozart Piano Concerto No.27 in B-flat K595 Berlioz Symphonie fantastique

Adam Hickox conductor Paul Lewis piano

Take a young composer with a heart full of unrequited love and a head full of wild imaginings. Add bells, witches, guillotines and a super-sized orchestra, and – well, let’s just say that they don’t call it the Symphonie fantastique for nothing. Adam Hickox conducts Berlioz’s extravaganza today, but first, we’ll join Claude Debussy in a garden of otherworldly delights, and Paul Lewis performs Mozart’s final piano concerto. It might be his loveliest.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Adam Hickox © Ben Ealovega

Paul Lewis © Kaupo Kikkas

Elgar Serenade for Strings

Thursday 26 March 7.30pm

Elgar Serenade for Strings

Mark Simpson The Immortal (world premiere, new version)

Sibelius Symphony No.2

Daniela Candillari conductor

Mark Stone baritone

EXAUDI vocal ensemble

When you find your voice, you’ve got to make it heard. Sibelius poured all the hopes and fears of a new nation into a Second Symphony that flows and swells like a mighty river –crowned with a tune you’ll never forget. In 2015, Artist in Residence Mark Simpson astonished the world when he premiered his supernatural oratorio, The Immortal. With the help of conductor Daniela Candillari and a star vocal line, he’s bringing it home tonight. The evergreen favourite Serenade for Strings by Elgar sets off the evening.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Post-concert Question Time

Mark Simpson, Daniela Candillari, lyricist

Melanie Challenger – see p.70 for details

Grieg Piano Concerto with Alexandra Dariescu

Sunday 29 March 2pm NB start time

Barber Overture, The School for Scandal Grieg Piano Concerto

Sibelius Symphony No.2

Daniela Candillari conductor

Alexandra Dariescu piano

Sibelius’ Second Symphony begins with a gentle pulse and a playful little tune. By the end, it’s reaching for the stars – an aweinspiring soundscape, complete with ringing trumpets and a melody for the ages. But any concert is a journey, and Daniela Candillari is your guide on an adventure that begins with Samuel Barber in 1930s America and sees pianist Alexandra Dariescu return to Liverpool for Grieg’s hugely popular Piano Concerto. You’ll know it when you hear it!.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

© Daniela Candillari

Alexandra Dariescu

© Nick Rutter

Rushil Ranjan and Abi Sampa present: The Orchestral Qawwali Project

Thursday 9 April 7.30pm

Abi Sampa lead vocalist

Rushil Ranjan composer/piano/guitar/ harmonium/vocalist

Melvin Tay conductor

East meets West, musical traditions are refashioned, then seamlessly interwoven on a truly mind-blowing scale. With soaring vocals and captivating creativity, groundbreaking singer Abi Sampa and acclaimed composer Rushil Ranjan unite with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, beautifully merging traditional Sufi poetry, Indian classical music and powerful orchestral arrangements. It’s an immersive concert that’s enraptured sell-out audiences across the country – and as cultures combine, the result is something very special indeed.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Post-concert Question Time

Rushil Ranjan, Abi Sampa – see p.70 for details

Pre-concert event: East Meets West

Thursday 9 April 6-7.15pm Music Room

Breathing new life into ancient traditions, The Orchestral Qawwali Project promises to be a feast for the senses. Before the concert, let’s get things started over in the Music Room, where we’ll be serving up a selection of tantalising and evocative flavours. Expect deliciously aromatic IPAs and wines, platters of lightly spiced nibbles and irresistible Indian Summer cocktails, all set against a soundtrack of Indian classical music. It’s the perfect way to begin your evening of exciting musical discovery.

Tickets

£30

Please note, a ticket for this event does not also grant entry for Rushil Ranjan and Abi Sampa present: The Orchestral Qawwali Project. A separate ticket is needed for the concert.

© Gaelle Beri

© Jessica McAleny

Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5

Sunday 26 April 2pm NB start time

Mahler Symphony No.9

Sunday 10 May 2pm NB start time

Rimsky-Korsakov Russian Easter Festival Overture

Prokofiev Piano Concerto No.2

Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5

Domingo Hindoyan conductor

Alim Beisembayev piano

Sparks fly when Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan teams up with Kazakh keyboard dynamo Alim Beisembayev, returning to Liverpool once again after his win at the 2021 Leeds International Piano Competition. Prepare for the grand passions and endless melodies of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, a glittering celebration from Rimsky-Korsakov and – right at the centre of things – the unique chemistry of Hindoyan and Beisembayev in a concerto that Prokofiev forged in the fires of revolution.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Mahler Symphony No.9

Domingo Hindoyan conductor

The very first notes of Mahler’s Ninth seem to stumble. The stricken composer put the rhythm of his failing heart into the orchestra, and his Ninth Symphony opens with a sigh of farewell. But that’s the beginning, not the end, and throughout the piece, Mahler wrings every last drop of sweetness, terror and beauty from all of life’s twists and turns. Each performance is a unique occasion, and make no mistake, Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan will have something powerful – and very personal – to say.

Please note, this concert has no interval.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

© Alim Beisembayev

Domingo Hindoyan © Gareth Jones

Music of the Americas: USA

Thursday 14 May 7.30pm

Adolphus Hailstork An American Port of Call (1984)

Gershwin Piano Concerto in F Copland Symphony No.3

Domingo Hindoyan conductor Frank Dupree piano

It’s the USA’s 250th birthday, and tonight Domingo Hindoyan explores different visions of the nation, from three of its most famous musical sons. Adolphus Hailstork paints a bustling portrait of a great American seaport, and Gershwin lights up the New York skyline in his gloriously bluesy Piano Concerto – our soloist Frank Dupree, making his long-awaited Liverpool debut, knows exactly how to make it swing. Meanwhile, expect to be stirred and surprised by Copland’s epic Third Symphony –a real supersonic showdown!

Tickets £59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Frank Dupree © Ralph Steckelbach

Good Vibrations: A Celebration of The Beach Boys

Friday 22 May 7.30pm

Featuring hits including: ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’, ‘God Only Knows’, ‘You Still Believe In Me’, ‘I Get Around’, ‘Surfin’ USA’, ‘Don’t Worry Baby’, ‘Barbara Ann’ and more!

Richard Balcombe conductor

Graham Bickley, Stuart Matthew Price, Patrick Smyth, Jon Boydon and Steve Trowell vocalists

Natalie Davies BSL Interpreter

It’s been 60 years since The Beach Boys released Pet Sounds – and Wouldn’t It Be Nice if we could find a special way to celebrate that groundbreaking album? Well tonight, performing arrangements by Richard Balcombe, the Orchestra do just that. With their heart-melting harmonies and ingenious musical magic, Beach Boys tracks are the perfect match for pure symphonic power, and as the Orchestra and star vocalists come together to bring you the legendary Pet Sounds in full, plus a selection of other iconic Beach Boys classics too, we know there’ll be Good Vibrations all round.

Tickets

£65, £57, £47, £42, £39, £25

BSL interpretation provided at this performance – call 0151 709 3789 or email ticketing@liverpoolphil.com to book suitable seats.

Pre-concert event: California Dreamin’

Friday 22 May 6-7.15pm Music Room

Surf’s Up on Sugnall Street… Before you enjoy the best of the Beach Boys with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra over in the Hall, we’re filling the Music Room with enough Californian sunshine to last All Summer Long. Join us for a Surfin’ Safari through the sun-drenched sixties of the Golden State – there’ll be delicious Californian wines and light canapés, all soundtracked by classic 60s and 70s hits. So dig out the perfect West Coast outfit, and come along for lots of Fun, Fun, Fun!

Tickets

£30

Please note, a ticket for this event does not also grant entry for Good Vibrations: A Celebration of The Beach Boys. A separate ticket is needed for the concert.

© Jessica McAleny

The Golden Age of Film Music

Saturday 6 June 7.30pm

Programme to include music from: Out of Africa, The Magnificent Seven, Modern Times, Vertigo, The Untouchables, Back to the Future, Casablanca, Star Wars and more!

Anthony Gabriele conductor

Since the dawn of cinema, film scores have played an integral role in bringing captivating stories to life. In fact, with grand sweeping melodies and subtle motifs, some of the most exciting and memorable music ever composed has been for the silver screen. Combine that magic with the power of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and we’re in for an unforgettable celebration of the music from the movies. Performing works from Hollywood’s ‘Golden Age’ onwards, conductor Anthony Gabriele and the Orchestra journey through the incredible works by iconic composers that have defined the very essence of cinema.

Tickets

£65, £57, £47, £42, £39, £25

Post-concert Question Time

Anthony Gabriele – see p.70 for details

Pre-concert event: Lights, Camera, Quiz!

Saturday 6 June 6-7.15pm Music Room

And the award for Biggest Film Fan goes to… Well, all shall be revealed with our sensational cinema quiz. As the Orchestra prepare to bring iconic soundtracks to life in the Hall, we’re rolling out the red carpet and throwing a celebration of cinema over in the Music Room. So dress up like it’s the Oscars and join us for some delicious wines and snacks – and a fabulously fiendish film quiz that’ll put your knowledge of cinema’s Golden Age to the ultimate test.

Tickets £30

Please note, a ticket for this event does not also grant entry for The Golden Age of Film Music. A separate ticket is needed for the concert.

Frank Dupree © Ralph Steckelbach

Haydn London Symphony

Thursday 11 June 7.30pm

Weber Symphony No.2

Roxanna Panufnik Double Concerto for Oboe and Cor Anglais (world premiere commissioned by RLPS)

Haydn Symphony No.104, ‘London’

Domingo Hindoyan conductor

Helena Mackie oboe

Drake Gritton cor anglais

When Joseph Haydn came to London, the British public took him to their hearts – and the feeling was mutual. His London Symphony is his last, but it might be his very best, packed with melody, drama and Haydn’s signature brand of musical comedy. It’s a delightful end to a concert which starts with a beguiling symphony from one of Haydn’s young contemporaries, before Domingo Hindoyan conducts the world premiere of a stunning new showcase by Roxanna Panufnik, commissioned by Liverpool Philharmonic for two of the Orchestra’s own stars.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Post-concert Question Time

Helena Mackie, Drake Gritton – see p.70 for details

Dvořák Rusalka

Friday 19 June 6.30pm NB start time Sunday 21 June 2pm NB start time

Dvořák Rusalka

Cast to include:

Sonya Yoncheva Rusalka

Adam Smith The Prince Jongmin Park Vodník

Jennifer Johnston Ježibaba

Domingo Hindoyan conductor

“O, moon, up in the deep sky; tell me, where is my love?” The water-spirit Rusalka dwells deep in the Czech forest. But she has a human heart, and when she falls in love with a handsome prince, she longs for a human soul too – no matter how terrible the price. In Dvořák’s fairytale opera, the feelings are raw but the sounds are ravishing, and for this rare concert performance, Domingo Hindoyan has assembled a truly stellar cast including soprano Sonya Yoncheva.

Sung in Czech with English surtitles and features enhanced lighting. This concert performance lasts approximately 3 hours 45 minutes, including one interval.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

The concert on 21 June will be supported by

© Gareth Jones

Sonya Yoncheva © Gareth Jones

Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert (PG)

Saturday 27 June 1pm & 6.30pm

Timothy Henty conductor Kantos Chamber Choir

Relive the magic of your favourite wizard in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert. Based on the third instalment of the classic saga, the thrilling tale is accompanied by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Kantos Chamber Choir as Harry soars across the big screen. From the moment Harry uses the Marauder’s Map to when the Patronus Charm bursts from his wand, you’ll be transported back into the world you love.

This performance will include an interval.

Tickets

£65, £57, £47, £42, £39, £25

£18 Under-25s (limited availability)

All characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR.

Elgar The Dream of Gerontius

Saturday 4 July 7.30pm

Elgar The Dream of Gerontius

Andrew Manze conductor

Jess Dandy contralto

Nicky Spence tenor

James Platt bass

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir

Matthew Hamilton Director of Choirs and Singing

Paul Whittaker OBE BSL Interpreter

“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 an experience like no other: the story of a lonely soul’s journey towards eternity, told in music that’ll break your heart. The Orchestra made the first ever recording of The Dream of Gerontius, but today, Andrew Manze, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir and an unrivalled team of solo singers will bring their own, very personal perspective to this masterpiece of British music.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

BSL interpretation provided at this performance – call 0151 709 3789 or email ticketing@liverpoolphil.com to book suitable seats.

White Nights

Thursday 9 July 7.30pm

Miaskovsky Symphony No.21

Prokofiev Violin Concerto No.2

Rachmaninov/Respighi 3 Études-tableaux

Respighi Roman Festivals

Vasily Petrenko conductor

Johan Dalene violin

Summer is here – time for a touch of la dolce vita, Roman style, from Conductor Laureate Vasily Petrenko. In fact, he’s got a whole concert full of pictures to paint and stories to tell – fairytales from Rachmaninov, Spanish melodies from Prokofiev (dazzlingly played by violin soloist and former Young Artist in Residence Johan Dalene), and a powerful, pocket-sized Russian symphony by Prokofiev’s underrated friend Miaskovsky. And then we’re off to sunny Italy, where Respighi’s Roman holiday ends our season in a riot of fun.

Tickets

£59, £54, £44, £38, £30, £20

Jess Dandy © Clare Park

Johan Dalene © Mats Bäcker

Youth Company

Festival: Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestras

Sunday 5 July 2pm NB start time

Programme to include: Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Academy Orchestra

Alex Dunn conductor

Ben Draper conductor

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

Robert Guy conductor

In a stunning finale to the Youth Orchestra’s 75th Season, both orchestras come together in a celebration concert.

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra will dazzle in a stunning performance of Saint-Saëns’ mighty Organ Symphony.

Tickets

£18 (£10 under 25s) 10% discount for groups of 6+

Youth Company Festival: Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choirs Summer Showcase

Sunday 12 July 6.30pm NB start time

Matthew Hamilton guest conductor

Simon Emery conductor

Closing this year’s festival is the annual Youth Company choral celebration concert. Over 250 young singers aged 7-19, across four different Youth Company choirs, will take to the stage. Included in this performance will be the Philharmonic Hall debut of Youth Company’s newest choir –Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Training Choir.

Tickets

£18 (£10 under 25s)

10% discount for groups of 6+

© Gary William Smith

Ensemble 10:10

Ensemble 10:10 is Liverpool Philharmonic’s contemporary music group – a flexible and rotating collective of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians.

Taking on the surprising and the exciting, bringing you boundary-pushing works and renowned modern classics, each Ensemble 10:10 performance is a curated showcase of today’s contemporary music scene – and places a particular emphasis on cutting-edge local talent too. In the stunning surrounds of The Tung Auditorium, our musicians will introduce you to the works you need to know, the names you need to remember, and the raw energy and evocative power of great contemporary classical music.

Inspirations –Ensemble 10:10

Wednesday 8 October 7.30pm

The Tung Auditorium

Arvo Pärt Mein Weg

Luciano Berio Requies

Cameron Biles-Liddell Concerto for Chamber Orchestra (world premiere, RPS commission)

Luke Bedford By the Screen in the Sun at the Hill on the Gold

Anna Thorvaldsdottir Hrím

Judith Weir Heroic Strokes of the Bow

Geoffrey Paterson conductor

What inspires you? For Judith Weir, it was the brushstrokes of a painting, and for Luke Bedford, an urban landscape. Arvo Pärt – who turns 90 this year – reflects on powerful words, Anna Thorvaldsdottir plays with ideas of dispersion, and marking Luciano Berio’s 100th anniversary, we celebrate love – the eternal inspiration – with a beautiful piece dedicated to the memory of his wife. Cameron Biles-Liddell’s new work completes this showcase of musical imagination, bringing rich harmonies and vivid, shimmering textures.

Tickets

£22

Geoffrey Paterson © Ben Ealovega

Kaleidoscope –Ensemble 10:10

Wednesday 28 January 7.30pm

The Tung Auditorium

Anna Clyne Within Her Arms

John Adams Shaker Loops

Julia Perry A Short Piece for Orchestra

Mathilde Wantenaar Serenade (UK premiere)

Aaron Breeze The Haçienda (world premiere)

Chloe Rooke conductor

A tapestry of contrast. A whole spectrum of colour. In her Ensemble 10:10 debut, Chloe Rooke pairs John Adams’ ecstatic masterpiece with Anna Clyne’s fragile, yet hauntingly powerful, lament. We see the energy of musical trailblazer Julia Perry captured in gritty, pulsating lyricism, before Mathilde Wantenaar’s creation, serene and enchanting, restores calm – for now. But the night is young, so Aaron Breeze – Highly Commended in the 2024 Rushworth Composition Prize – conjures up a snapshot of a night at a famous club.

Tickets

£22

A grant from the ABO Trust’s Sirens programme (supporting the promotion of music by historical women composers) made this performance possible.

Notes on a Journey –Ensemble 10:10

Wednesday 25 February 7.30pm

The Tung Auditorium

Ryan Latimer Mills Mess Tansy Davies Dune of Footprints

Gary Carpenter Mondrian for harpsichord

Mark-Anthony Turnage Lullaby for Hans Hans Werner Henze Dance and Drawing Room Music from The Idiot Joseph Horovitz Jazz Concerto (1965)

Clark Rundell conductor Mahan Esfahani harpsichord

Historic instrument, cutting edge sounds. Mahan Esfahani returns to remind us that new music for the harpsichord didn’t finish two and a half centuries ago, reprising Gary Carpenter’s contemporary classic and taking on Joseph Horovitz’s inspired melding of jazz and the Baroque. From there, Clark Rundell leads us in some quite different directions – Ryan Latimer’s rebellious masterpiece, a “searching journey” from Tansy Davies, and a musical tribute to Hans Werner Henze on his 100th anniversary.

Tickets

£22

Reich and Adams: American Giants – Ensemble 10:10

Wednesday 29 April 7.30pm The Tung Auditorium

Josephine Stephenson In Time Like Air

(UK premiere)

John Adams Gnarly Buttons

Steve Reich Reich/Richter

George Jackson conductor

Mark Simpson clarinet

Two iconic American contemporary masters meet tonight. John Adams’ work travels through musical history, and the composer’s own history too, and is brought to life tonight by Artist in Residence Mark Simpson. Then, it’s one of the great Steve Reich’s most remarkable recent works – cool, elegant music inspired by art and written for film. Before that, George Jackson kicks off his Ensemble 10:10 debut with the beautiful, unique voice of the multi-genre composer Josephine Stephenson.

Tickets

£22

George Jackson © Short Eared

Dog Photography

Chamber Music at The Tung Auditorium

Come and hear some of the world’s greatest artists and ensembles in Liverpool Philharmonic’s Chamber Music series. Concerts take place in the stunning surroundings of The Tung Auditorium.

Imogen Cooper, Henning Kraggerud, Adrian Brendel Trio

Wednesday 22 October 7.30pm

The Tung Auditorium

Schubert Piano Trio No.1 in B-flat major, D898

Schubert Piano Trio No.2 in E-flat major, D929

Imogen Cooper piano

Henning Kraggerud violin

Adrian Brendel cello

‘Three distinguished players carving out an oasis of warm but focused performances … the ensemble was magical.’ – The Strad

When you bring together the great British pianist Imogen Cooper, inspirational Norwegian violinist Henning Kraggerud and cellist Adrian Brendel, you might call the result a classical supergroup. But with these three, it’s only ever about the joy of making music, and chamber music doesn’t get more lyrical or poetic than Schubert’s two gloriously tuneful piano trios.

Tickets

£31

Dame Imogen Cooper © Sussie Ahlburg

Mark Simpson Wind Ensemble

Wednesday 14 January 7.30pm

The Tung Auditorium

Mark Simpson Geysir

Simon Holt Duet for basset clarinet and bassoon

Gary Carpenter Pantomime for 13 winds

Mozart Gran Partita

Mark Simpson clarinet/director

Wind soloists of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Iceland’s volcanic Geysir is a force of nature –an unstoppable blast of supercharged energy. You could say the same for composer and clarinettist Mark Simpson, and today our Artist in Residence leads his own all-star wind ensemble in a programme that begins with that elemental explosion, and ends with the single greatest piece ever written for 13 wind players. Merseyside composer Gary Carpenter adds his own fantastic homage to Mozart’s masterpiece.

Tickets

£31

Paul Lewis: Mozart +

Sunday 1 March 2.30pm

The Tung Auditorium

Mozart Sonata in C major K330

Poulenc Improvisations Nos. 7-12

Debussy L’Isle Joyeuse

Poulenc Improvisations Nos. 1-6 and 13-15

Mozart Sonata in C minor K457

Paul Lewis piano

Acclaimed pianist Paul Lewis returns to Liverpool for a homecoming show and the first instalment of his Mozart world tour.

“For many years I’ve wanted to spend some time focusing on Mozart’s piano sonatas and have long felt sceptical of the broadly held view that these remarkable works are the poor siblings of his piano concertos – less original, inspired, and engaging than their symphonic counterparts. From the transparency, discretion, and humour of Poulenc, through the vocal and operatic world of Chopin and Weber, to the development of variation form and, ultimately, the dramatic tension of Beethoven’s musical language – all of these threads are traceable to, and audible in, the piano sonatas of Mozart.” – Paul Lewis

Tickets

£31

Maek Simpson © katjafeldmeier

Paul Lewis © Kaupo Kikkas

Chaos String Quartet: Wiener Blut

Sunday 19 April 2.30pm

The Tung Auditorium

Schubert String Quartet No.10 in E-flat major, D87

Webern String Quartet, Op.28

Korngold String Quartet No.2 in E-flat major, Op.26

Chaos String Quartet

'No superlatives can do it justice. It simply has to be heard.’ – Music Web International

Chaos doesn’t have to mean mayhem – it can contain unbounded energy and limitless creative possibilities. That’s certainly the case with these four young string players, who’ve made quite a stir since they were chosen as BBC New Generation Artists in 2023. Hear why today, as they dive headlong into two centuries of Viennese music for string quartet: a dizzying, dazzling whirl of lilting tunes, sumptuous waltzes and glinting modernist colours.

Tickets

£31

Supported by

Junyan Chen, piano

Wednesday 3 June 7.30pm

The Tung Auditorium

Frank Bridge Phantasy for Piano Quartet in F-sharp minor

Gabriel Fauré Piano Quartet No.1 in C minor, Op.15

Anna Thorvaldsdottir Shades of Silence

Brahms Piano Quartet No.1 in G minor

Junyan Chen piano

Thelma Handy violin

Nadia Debono viola

Alexander Holladay cello

‘Exhilarating and technically thrilling’ –Gramophone

Some pianists just have it – the indefinable chemistry that leaps the gap from keyboard to audience and creates a truly shared experience. Winning the 2024 Leeds International Piano Competition Yaltah Menuhin Award chamber music prize, Junyan Chen demonstrated that she’s a natural, and today she shares that rare gift with a group of incredible players from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tickets

£31

Junyan Chen © Radskiphoto

28 September – 13 October 2025

From local legends to global sounds: Celebrating 10 years of bringing you closer to grassroots music

Over the past decade, our Music Room has done it all. We’ve brought you incredible shows spanning the whole spectrum of musical genres, plus intimate chamber concerts, musical adventures for our youngest audiences and inspiring community-led performances too. We’ve welcomed a vast array of artists, nurtured new talent, and collaborated with partners to present a programme that’s exciting, diverse and truly unique – just like our city.

Now, we’re marking this special occasion with a huge celebration of all the Music Room does. Our Open Day will kick off a fortnight of specially crafted performances, featuring plenty of old friends, beloved local organisations and a whole range of talent from across the city, the UK and the world. There’ll be folk and blues, world music and rock, and of course, some of the Orchestra’s musicians will take to the stage in very special performances too…

Liverpool Philharmonic Open Day

Sunday 28 September, all day

Liverpool Philharmonic throws open its doors for a day filled with music, and everyone’s welcome! Drop in throughout the day for a series of musical ‘taster sessions’ –the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will perform short concerts conducted by Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze, we’ll have exciting studio sounds over in the Music Room, and there’ll be plenty more

going on throughout our fabulous Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

More details to be announced soon

Tickets FREE

Please note, there is no advance booking available for this event and seating is unreserved.

Ensemble of St. Luke's Celebrate 10 Years of the Music Room

Saturday 11 October 1pm

Klezmer-ish

–

Celebrating 10 Years of Music and Memories

Sunday 12 October 8pm

Monday 13 October 8pm

Puccini Crisantemi

Beethoven String Quartet Op.59 No.1, Rasumovsky

Ensemble of St. Luke’s

Alexander Marks violin

Elizabeth Lamberton violin

Robert Shepley viola

Gethyn Jones cello

The Ensemble of St. Luke’s, who opened the Music Room back in 2015, return to celebrate the venue’s 10th anniversary with a programme that features one of the greatest and most influential string quartets of all time, and Puccini’s beautifully poignant Crisantemi

Tickets

£16, £12

Thomas Verity clarinet

Concettina Del Vecchio piano accordion/violin

Marcel Becker double bass

Robert Shepley guitar/violin

Klezmer-ish returns to the Music Room to celebrate a remarkable milestone — the 10th anniversary of both the band and this iconic venue. These special performances will be a vibrant celebration of nostalgia, joy, and musical magic. To mark the occasion, we’ll welcome back special guest artists who have collaborated with us over the years, while also showcasing the talent of new young performers, coming together to create a dynamic and exciting blend of sounds and styles.

Tickets

£23, £20

Klezmer-ish

Mark McNulty

Close Up Concerts

Join the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra ensembles and guest artists in the intimate and informal surrounds of our Music Room.

Klezmer-ish –Celebrating 10 Years of Music and Memories

Sunday 12 October 8pm

Monday 13 October 8pm

Thomas Verity clarinet

Concettina Del Vecchio piano

accordion/violin

Marcel Becker double bass

Robert Shepley guitar/violin

Klezmer-ish returns to the Music Room to celebrate a remarkable milestone — the 10th anniversary of both the band and this iconic venue. These special performances will be a vibrant celebration of nostalgia, joy, and musical magic. To mark the occasion, we’ll welcome back special guest artists who have collaborated with us over the years, while also showcasing the talent of new young performers, coming together to create a dynamic and exciting blend of sounds and styles.

Tickets £23, £20

© Klezmer-ish

Liverpool Philharmonic

Youth Brass Band: A Festive Fanfare

Wednesday 3 December 7.30pm

The Tung Auditorium

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Brass Band

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Training Choir

Come and celebrate the beginning of the festive season with the best of Liverpool's emerging brass talent – Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Brass Band. Conducted by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra's section leader trombone Simon Cowen, you'll be treated to seasonal classics old and new. Joining the Brass Band in song will be Youth Company's newest choral offering, the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Training Choir.

Tickets

£10 (£5 under 25s)

Joana Rodrigues and William Bracken

Monday 9 February 8pm

Arvo Pärt Fratres

Messiaen Le baiser de l’Enfant-Jésus from Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus

Messiaen Theme and Variations for violin and piano

Beethoven 12 variations on ‘Se vuol ballare’ from Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro

Beethoven Violin Sonata No.10 in G major Op.96

Joana Rodrigues violin William Bracken piano

As we celebrate his 90th birthday this season, Joana Rodrigues and William Bracken take on Arvo Pärt’s Fratres, and also perform heavenly music by Messiaen. These modern classics then make way for virtuosic works by an old master – Ludwig van Beethoven.

Tickets

£23, £20

©

Joana Rodrigues

© Gareth Jones

An Evening with Mark Simpson

Monday 11 May 8pm

Gerald Finzi Five Bagatelles

Mark Simpson Lov(escape)

Mark Simpson Echoes and Embers

Stephen Pratt Short Score

Gary Carpenter Clarinet Sonata

John Ireland Fantasy-Sonata

Mark Simpson clarinet/presenter

Ian Buckle piano

Liverpool-born Mark Simpson rose up through the ranks of the Merseyside (now Liverpool Philharmonic) Youth Orchestra and went on to become both a clarinettist and composer – and our Artist in Residence this season. Tonight, he tells his story through music that has shaped his life, performing works written by himself and composer friends, and the everpopular Finzi pieces played by many young clarinettists.

Tickets

£23, £20

Bach: The Cello Suites

Monday 15 June 6pm NB start time

Bach Six Cello Suites

Jonathan Aasgaard cello

Jonathan Aasgaard, leader of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra cello section, takes a one-man odyssey through all six of Bach’s sublime Cello Suites.

This concert will have two intervals (one 20 minute interval and one 10 minute interval).

Tickets

£23, £20

Jonathan Aasgaard © James Wafer

Mark Simpson © katjafeldmeier

Ensemble of St. Luke's Celebrate 10 Years of the Music Room

Saturday 11 October 1pm

Puccini Crisantemi

Beethoven String Quartet Op.59 No.1, Rasumovsky

Ensemble of St. Luke’s

Alexander Marks violin

Elizabeth Lamberton violin

Robert Shepley viola

Gethyn Jones cello

The Ensemble of St. Luke’s, who opened the Music Room back in 2015, return to celebrate the venue’s 10th anniversary with a programme that features one of the greatest and most influential string quartets of all time, and Puccini’s beautifully poignant Crisantemi

Tickets

£16, £12

Entente Cordiale

Monday 3 November 1pm

Philippe Gaubert Tarentelle

Ethel Smyth Two Interlinked French Folk

Melodies

Jean-Michel Damase Trio for flute, oboe and piano

Ravel Jeux d'eau for piano

Madeleine Dring Trio for flute, oboe and piano

Helen Wilson flute

Ruth Davies oboe

Benjamin Powell piano

Wonderfully inventive music from Britain and France promises a delightful celebration of the Entente Cordiale, packed with tunes, passion and a zest for life.

Tickets

£16, £12

Ensemble of St. Luke's © Gareth Jones

Drake Gritton and Benjamin Powell

Monday 24 November 1pm

Hindemith Sonata for cor anglais and piano

Antonio Pasculli Homage to Bellini

Chopin Nocturne, Op.62 No.1 in B major Antonio Pasculli Fantasia on Amelia’s aria, 'Un Pensiero' from Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera

Charles Koechlin Au loin

Elliott Carter Pastoral

Drake Gritton cor anglais

Benjamin Powell piano

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s Drake Gritton takes the cor anglais out of the orchestra and brings it into the spotlight. He’ll perform a core piece of cor anglais repertoire by Hindemith and Antonio Pasculli’s Fantasia – a beautiful work that took inspiration from Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera. Charles Koechlin felt the cor anglais ‘voice’ was a perfect arrangement of his own song, and the sprightly Pastoral from Elliott Carter shows the agile side of this lesser heard member of the wind family.

Tickets £16, £12

The Bassline Goes to the Movies

Monday 15 December 1pm

The Bassline:

Marcel Becker

Anthony Williams

Ashley Frampton

Nathan Knight

Get down to bass-ics this lunchtime as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra bass section takes us to the movies with music from Disney's 1950 film Cinderella, Titanic, Wallace & Gromit's The Wrong Trousers, The Sound of Music and more.

Tickets £16, £12

Marcel Becker © Gareth Jones

Drake Gritton © Gareth Jones

Christmas Organ Recital

Monday 22 December 1pm

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Ensemble of St. Luke’s

Monday 19 January 1pm

JS Bach Chorale Prelude ‘Wachet auf’' BWV645

Dieterich Buxtehude Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern Bux 223

Claude Balbastre Première Suite de Noëls

‘Joseph est bien marié’

Berlioz The Shepherds’ Farewell

Noel Rawsthorne Prelude on Divinum Mysterium

Jean Langlais La Nativité (Poèmes Évangéliques)

arr. Tracey Christmas Medley

Henri Mulet Carillon-Sortie

Ian Tracey organ

Following the success of last year’s concert, Liverpool Cathedral and City Organist Ian Tracey returns this Christmas with another selection box of irresistible festive treats.

Expect Bach’s evergreen ‘Wachet auf’ followed by a spectacular showpiece by a composer who inspired the young Bach, sublime music from Berlioz and Balbastre, a piece that pays homage to an ancient carol and a fabulously tinselled medley of American Christmas songs.

Tickets

£16, £12

Mozart String Quartet No.4 in C K157

Verdi String Quartet

Wolf Italian Serenade

Alexander Marks violin

Elizabeth Lamberton violin

Robert Shepley viola

Gethyn Jones cello

Mozart wrote his quartet in Milan whilst working on his opera Lucio Silla, whilst Verdi wrote his string quartet in downtime from overseeing an Aida production in Naples. Meanwhile Hugo Wolf absorbed literary influences for his Italian inspiration.

Tickets

£16, £12

Elizabeth Lamberton

© Gareth Jones

Ensemble of St. Luke's © Mark McNulty

Jonathan Aasgaard and Friends

Monday 16 February 1pm

Liverpool String Quartet

Monday 30 March 1pm

Johan Svendsen Romance for Cello and Strings

Johan Svendsen String Octet

Jonathan Aasgaard cello/director

Soloists from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

A rare opportunity to hear Svendsen’s Octet, written when he was a student. Its 1866 premiere in Leipzig was a triumph, leading to prizes and immediate fame, with critics praising his use of Norwegian melody and bold harmonies.

Tickets

£16, £12

Haydn The Seven Last Words of Christ Trad. (arr. Danish String Quartet) Easter Sunday - Polsk after Rasmus Storm

Róisín Verity violin

Sarah Hill violin

Dani Sanxis viola

Nick Byrne cello

The Liverpool String Quartet present a profoundly moving performance of Joseph Haydn’s The Seven Last Words of Christ Originally composed for Holy Week, this powerful work unfolds through seven deeply expressive movements, taking the listener on a journey of reflection and emotion.

Tickets

£16, £12

Jonathan Aasgaard © Jon Barraclough

Liverpool String Quartet © Emily Mowbray

Springtide Organ Recital

Monday 18 May 1pm

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Franz von Suppé Overture, Poet and Peasant

JS Bach Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring BWV147

CPE Bach Sonata in D (Allegro, Largo, Allegro)

César Franck Prélude, Fugue et Variation (Six Pièces)

Peter Warlock Capriol Suite

Robert Elmore Pavane (Rhythmic Suite)

Derek Bourgeois Serenade Op.22

Théodore Dubois Toccata (Dix Pièces)

Ian Tracey organ

Liverpool Cathedral and City Organist Ian Tracey puts the organ into full flight in a spectacular recital featuring Franz von Suppé’s ever popular Poet and Peasant and JS Bach’s iconic Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. There’ll also be a serene work by the great César Franck and a reimagining of Peter Warlock’s

Capriol Suite arranged by Ian, before we hear Théodore Dubois’ Toccata – a powerful, intricate work that pulls out all the stops.

Tickets

£16, £12

Lumas Winds

Monday 8 June 1pm

Eugène Bozza Scherzo Op.48

Sally Beamish The Naming of Birds Mozart arr. Sally Beamish Adagio for Glass Harmonica

Valerie Coleman Afro-Cuban Concerto Bernstein arr. Richard Price Maria and America from West Side Story

Beth Stone flute

Ewan Millar oboe

Rennie Sutherland clarinet

Benjamin Hartnell-Booth horn

Flo Plane bassoon

Lumas Winds bring you everything from Mozart’s lamentations on a glass harmonica to the tunes of Bernstein’s West Side Story. They also offer up an opportunity to hear Sally Beamish’s The Naming of Birds – a piece the group were the first to record, and which featured on their 2024 album.

Tickets £16, £12

Grosvenor String Quartet

Monday 29 June 1pm

Beethoven String Quartet No.1 in F Op.18 No.1

Beethoven String Quartet No.10 in E-flat Op.74, ‘Harp’

James Pattinson violin

Emily Mowbray violin

Rachel Jones viola

Simon Denton cello

Beethoven string quartets are fêted as the most supreme and profound forms of chamber music in the canon. Today we hear two of the finest examples of his art.

Tickets £16, £12

Emily Mowbray © Gareth Jones

Family Concerts

The whole family is invited to experience the power of a full symphony orchestra at these lively, interactive concerts. Fidgeting is allowed and fancy dress is positively encouraged!

Concerts last approximately one hour. Tickets for children under 18 months are free, but must be booked in advance. Family concerts are most suitable for children aged 5-10 years. Children’s snack packs are available to pre-order at each event.

Family Concert: Spooktacular!

Sunday 26 October 2.30pm

Programme to include:

‘This is Halloween’ from The Nightmare Before Christmas

‘Remember Me’ from Coco Theme from The Addams Family Saint-Saëns Danse Macabre Mussorgsky The Gnome

Alasdair Malloy presenter Matthew Lynch conductor

Witches, vampires, ghosts and ghouls – they’re all here at the Hall this Halloween! In this faboo-lous family concert, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra take on the spooky and the spine-chilling, performing haunting music from your favourite films and television, as well as creepy classics by Mussorgsky, SaintSaëns, Leroy Anderson and more. So come along in your most devilish disguise and settle in for a journey of musical mystery – it’s guaranteed to give you goosebumps…

Tickets

Adult: £24, £17, £15

Child: £16, £14, £10

Family Concert: Santa’s

Christmas Party

Saturday 20 December 11.30am & 2.30pm*

Sunday 21 December 2.30pm

Alasdair Malloy presenter

Ellie Slorach conductor

Liverpool Philharmonic Children’s Choirs

Kate Labno BSL Interpreter*

There’s only a few sleeps to go until the big day, but Santa Claus is getting ready to throw his little elves an absolute cracker of a Christmas party – and of course you’re invited! With the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and our Children’s Choirs providing a sparkling soundtrack, get ready for seasonal singalongs, plenty of dancing, and fun and games galore in this family festive extravaganza. RSVP as soon as you can –Santa can’t wait to see you there!

Tickets

Adult: £30, £19, £16

Child: £19, £15, £11

* BSL interpretation provided at the 2.30pm performance on Saturday 20 December – call 0151 709 3789 or email ticketing@liverpoolphil.com to book suitable seats.

Family Concert: Woodland Wanderers

Sunday 8 March 2.30pm

Programme to include:

Beethoven Symphony No.6, 'Pastoral': Movement 1

Dai Wei The Dancing Moonlight

Vaughan Williams The Wasps, Overture

Music from Brave

Lucy Drever presenter

Charlotte Corderoy conductor

Kate Labno BSL Interpreter

Muddy puddles, creepy crawlies, and maybe even a few furry friends – follow the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra as they set off on a magical, musical nature trail. Whether it’s the bottom of the garden, or the woods round the corner, there’s always something to discover when you step into nature, and today our Orchestra brings the outdoors inside with a spectacular showcase of works inspired by the countryside. So put on your wellies, and let’s have an adventure!

Tickets

Adult: £24, £17, £15

Child: £16, £14, £10

BSL interpretation provided at this performance – call 0151 709 3789 or email ticketing@liverpoolphil.com to book suitable seats.

© Mark McNulty

Under-5s Concerts

Musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra bring you a series of specially-designed musical extravaganzas, perfect for introducing your little ones to the magic of a live orchestra. With our fabulous presenter Claire Henry as our guide, these relaxed concerts allow our youngest audiences to explore familiar and new orchestral pieces through movement, songs and interactive fun.

All taking place in our Music Room – an easy to access space, with a babychanging area and plenty of room for prams – our audiences will enjoy wriggling and jiggling along to the music from comfy floor mats (limited seating is also available). Our Under-5s concerts are incredibly popular – so book early to avoid disappointment! Tickets for under-6 months are free but must be booked in advance with an adult ticket.

Under-5s Concert: Blast Off

Wednesday 12 November 11am, 1pm & 2.45pm

Help astronaut Claire Henry and musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra to power the rocket and blast off into space! We’ve lined up a concert full of exciting space music and our audience will be very busy helping to make the launch a success.

Tickets

Adult/child: £13

6-12 months: £6

© Mark McNulty

Post Concert Talks

If you have ever left a concert with questions, this is your chance to ask the artists! Grab a drink from the bar and join conductors and soloists for an informal 30-minute question and answer session in the Music Room, starting about 15 minutes after the concert ends in Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. These talks are led by Sandra Parr, Artistic Planning Director (Orchestra & Ensembles).

Free to all ticket-holders

Thursday 25 September

Conductor Andrew Manze and viola player

Timothy Ridout

Thursday 27 November

Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan and pianist

Sir Stephen Hough

Thursday 22 January

Conductor Andris Poga, accordion player Ksenija Sidorova and composer Dobrinka Tabakova

Thursday 19 February

Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan and soprano Carolyn Sampson

Thursday 26 March

Artist in Residence Mark Simpson, conductor Daniela Candillari and The Immortal lyricist

Melanie Challenger

Thursday 9 April

Rushil Ranjan and Abi Sampa from the Orchestral Qawwali Project

Saturday 6 June

Conductor Anthony Gabriele

Thursday 11 June

Oboist Helena Mackie, cor anglais player

Drake Gritton and composer Roxanna Panufnik

Daniela Candillari

Ksenija Sidorova

Timothy Ridout

Rushil Ranjan and Abi Sampa

Carolyn Sampson

Sir Stephen Hough

Anthony Gabriele

Helena Mackie and Drake Gritton

How to Book

Booking Information

Liverpool Philharmonic Subscribers, Members and group bookers have an exclusive booking period.

Key dates are:

Tuesday 13 May

Season Launch – orders accepted on the night

Wednesday 14 May

Telephone, website, email and in-person subscription booking opens from 10am on Wednesday 14 May.

Saturday 17 May

The box office will open for telephone subscription bookings only.

Wednesday 28 May

All tickets go on general sale at 10am.

Please note, your credit card is charged when your order is received. Direct Debit payments split over several months are available. Contact box office for more information.

Save on booking fees by becoming a Member!

Silver+ Members don’t pay any booking fees – see p.74 for details.

The price of tickets may vary, subject to demand.

(Booking fees correct at time of printing and may be subject to change)

How to Book

Online liverpoolphil.com

Phone

0151 709 3789

Open Monday-Friday, 9.30am–5.30pm

Email ticketing@liverpoolphil.com

Post Box Office

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Hope Street Liverpool L1 9BP

In person

Monday-Friday, 12-5pm, plus 2 hours prior to the start of each event in the Hall.

Booking Fees

An £8 booking fee applies to all subscription/ multibuy orders placed by phone, email or post before Wednesday 28 May. There is no booking fee applied to subscription/multibuy orders placed online.

From Wednesday 28 May, the following fees apply:

Online/Phone orders

10% booking fee (+£2.50 postage, or free e-tickets)

In person

No fees

Group tickets (15+)

50p per ticket (15-50 tickets per event)

25p per ticket (51+ tickets)

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Seat Map

Ticket prices for Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concerts

Please see individual event pages for prices. The seat map on p.72 shows the position of each price band in the Hall. Please note, price sections are subject to change from 28 May, subject to demand.

Price bands listed high to low, with Box/Price A high

Please note, these price bands do not apply for Lunchtime concerts, Family concerts or concerts at The Tung Auditorium – please see individual event pages for details.

Concessions

For most Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra events, under-25s, Students and those in receipt of Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance can purchase tickets for just £10*, subject to availability. Discounts do not apply to Music Room concerts, Family Concerts, Sir Simon Rattle and the BRSO, Jurassic Park in Concert, New Year’s Eve, Messiah, and Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert and may be limited for other events. Discounted tickets can be purchased in person, online or by phone.

Concession tickets cannot be booked in the boxes, Price Bands A or B, and are subject to availability.

*You will be required to collect tickets from Box Office. Proof of eligibility must be provided.

Group discounts

Generous group discounts are available for most concerts:

Groups of 15-29 10% off

Groups of 30-59 15% off

Groups of 60+ 20% off

Tickets for groups may be reserved in advance and paid 30 days prior to the event date.

For more details, email groupbookings@liverpoolphil.com or call 0151 709 3789.

Standby tickets - Save 25%

On the day of a concert, Senior Citizens (aged 65+ at the time of booking) can enjoy 25% off tickets to Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concerts. This discount is available in person only from the Liverpool Philharmonic box office, is limited to two tickets per person, and is subject to availability. Please note, standby tickets may not be available for all events.

© Gary William Smith

Join as a Member today and enjoy fantastic benefits, designed to get you closer to the music.

Your support will enable us to be even more ambitious, to continue to bring exciting and memorable music to the stage, to provide quality musical experiences and training to the next generation of musicians, and to take music into our communities.

Bronze £59+

(£4.90 per month)

• Invitation to Annual Season Launch and priority booking for Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performances

• Regular Members’ E-Newsletters

• Invitation to the Annual General Meeting and voting rights

Gold £400+

(£33 per month)

Silver Membership benefits, plus:

• Invitations to at least eight Open Rehearsals each season

• Invitations to exclusive VIP events and launches

• Opportunities to attend learning workshops and Schools’ Concerts

1840 Circle £1200+

(£100 per month)

Gold Plus Membership benefits, plus:

• Invitation to our exclusive Pre-Season Launch where you can find out about the new season before anyone else and receive the highest level of priority booking

• Dedicated member of Fundraising Team to manage your ticket requests

• Access to the Caledonia Street car park for Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concerts*

Silver £200+

(£16 per month)

Bronze Membership benefits, plus:

• Invitations to at least four Open Rehearsals each season

• Access to our Members-only bar, the 1840 Lounge*

• Invitation to a pre-concert reception

• No booking fees and free ticket exchange

Gold Plus £750+

(£62 per month)

Gold Membership benefits, plus:

• Priority booking for our Members-only bar, the 1840 Lounge*

• Invitation to our Annual Patrons’ Thank You Dinner with Chief Conductor, musicians and Liverpool Philharmonic senior management

• Priority Booking for rock, pop and comedy shows at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Chief Conductor’s Circle £5000+

(£400 per month)

1840 Circle Membership benefits, plus:

• Invitations to London concerts with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, including BBC Proms performances, and associated VIP receptions

• Signed copies of new recordings

• Invitations to meet with senior management of Liverpool Philharmonic

*Available to Members at Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concerts only. Pre-booking is required and entry is subject to availability.

Visit liverpoolphil.com/member for full membership terms and conditions, including Gift Aid information.

Plan Your Visit

For more details and frequently asked questions please go to liverpoolphil.com/plan-your-visit

Parking

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

We offer pre-reserved parking at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral car park (L3 5TQ) for most Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concerts. Located on Mount Pleasant, it is a five-minute walk down Hope Street from Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. The car park is available from 6-11pm and is charged at £6. For matinee concerts, the car park is open from 1pm-6pm. To book, call Box Office on 0151 709 3789 or book online with your tickets.

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Caledonia Street

There is limited parking available at this car park (L1 9BP), especially on Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concert nights. The charge is £8, or £16 overnight parking, and can be paid for at the pay and display machine in the car park, or using the smartphone app. Please note, prices for the car park are subject to change.

The Tung Auditorium Parking at Paddington Village

24-hour pay and display parking is available at Paddington Village Multi-Storey car park located at The Spine building, Grove St, Liverpool L7 3FA. Tung Auditorium

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BP

Music Room

Entrance is on Sugnall Street, to the rear of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

The Tung Auditorium

Yoko Ono Lennon Centre 60 Oxford Street, Liverpool, L7 3NY

ticket holders can park here for £5, for a stay of up to 5 hours. To use this offer, park as usual then on return press the information button on the pay machine and inform the member of staff you have been to a Tung Auditorium event and they will reduce the parking fee to £5.

For other parking options, visit liverpoolphil.com/plan-your-visit

Blue Badge Holders

Spaces can be reserved in our Caledonia Street car park for most Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concerts. Please call 0151 709 3789 in box office hours at least three days prior to the concert to reserve your space. Please note, these spaces are subject to availability.

Travelling by train or bus

The nearest train stations are Liverpool Central and Liverpool Lime Street (both approximately a 10–15-minute walk away).

We are also on the 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.

Access For All

Joining our free Access Scheme is the best way to help us provide you with the appropriate support you need to enjoy your visit.

Support includes:

• Large print materials

• Accommodation for service dogs*

• Wheelchair seating

• Complimentary tickets for personal assistants ...and more!

To find out more about the benefits included in the scheme, visit liverpoolphil.com/access, email us at access@liverpoolphil.com or call to speak to a member of our team on 0151 709 3789.

*Please contact Box Office if you plan to bring a service dog with you, so we can book you into the most suitable seat.

We also have a number of events throughout the season, specifically suited to audiences with access needs.

British Sign Language

Six of our concerts this season will be signed by a BSL interpreter

Family Concert: Santa’s

Christmas Party (see p.67)

Saturday 20 December 2.30pm

Spirit of Christmas (see p.23)

Monday 22 December 7.30pm

New Year’s Eve: Boogie Wonderland (see p.25)

Wednesday 31 December 7.30pm

Family Concert: Woodland Wanderers (see p.67)

Sunday 8 March 2.30pm

Good Vibrations: A Celebration of The Beach Boys (see p.38) Friday 22 May 7.30pm

Elgar The Dream of Gerontius (see p.42)

Saturday 4 July 7.30pm

To book for any of our concerts, please email Box Office at ticketing@liverpoolphil.com or call 0151 709 3789 for further details on how to book the most suitable seats.

Thu 18 7.30pm Season Opening Concert: Dream Team 12 Sun 21 2pm Season Opening Concert: Dream Team 12 Mon 22 1pm Kelsey Thomas Song Recital 59 Thu 25 7.30pm Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition 13

October 2025

Thu 2 7.30pm Ravel La Valse 14

Sat 4 7.30pm The Sound of Julie Andrews 15 Wed 8 7.30pm Inspirations –Ensemble 10:10 45

Sat 11 1pm Ensemble of St Luke's Celebrate 10 Years of the Music Room 60

Sat 11 7.30pm Sibelius Symphony No.5 15

Sun 12 8pm Klezmer-ish – Celebrating 10 Years of Music and Memories 54

Mon 13 8pm Klezmer-ish – Celebrating 10 Years of Music and Memories 54

Sun 19 2pm Shostakovich Symphony No.7 16

Mon 20 8pm ounitno Continuo 55

Wed 22 7.30pm Imogen Cooper, Henning Kraggerud, Adrian Brendel Trio 48

Thu 23 7.30pm Brahms Symphony No.4 16

Sun 26 2.30pm Family Concert: Spooktacular! 66

Thu 30 7.30pm Liszt Piano Concerto No.2 17

November 2025

Sun 2 2pm Mozart Symphony No.41, Jupiter 18

14 7.30pm Elvis: Viva Las Vegas! 19

22 7.30pm Brahms Requiem 20

23 2pm Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestras: 75th

24 1pm Drake Gritton and Benjamin

20

7.30pm Rachmaninov with Sir Stephen Hough 21

Rachmaninov with Sir Stephen Hough 21

1 8pm Equilibrium String Quartet 55 Wed 3 7.30pm Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Brass Band: A Festive Fanfare 56 Thu 4 7.30pm Tchaikovsky Winter Daydreams 21 Sat 13 7.30pm A Christmas Gaiety: A Queer Festive Extravaganza 22 Sat 13 10pm - Post-concert event: 12am More Christmas Gaiety! 22 Mon 15 1pm The Bassline Goes to the Movies 61 Fri 19 7.30pm Spirit of Christmas 23 Sat 20 11.30am Family Concert: Santa’s Christmas Party 67 Sat 20 2.30pm Family Concert: Santa’s Christmas Party 67 Sat 20 7.30pm Spirit of Christmas 23

December 2025

Sun 21 2.30pm Family Concert: Santa’s Christmas Party 67

Mon 22 1pm Christmas Organ Recital 62

Mon 22 7.30pm Spirit of Christmas 23

Tue 23 7.30pm Spirit of Christmas 23

Sun 28 2pm Jurassic Park in Concert (12A) 24

Sun 28 7pm Jurassic Park in Concert (12A) 24

Mon 29 7pm Jurassic Park in Concert (12A) 24

January 2026

Wed 31 7.30pm New Year’s Eve: Boogie Wonderland 25 Sat 10 7pm Messiah 25 Wed 14 7.30pm Mark Simpson Wind Ensemble 49

Mon 19 1pm Ensemble of St. Luke’s 62

Thu 22 7.30pm Rachmaninov Symphony No.3 26

Thu 22 Post Concert Talk 70 Sat 24 7.30pm Beyond the Console: The Music of Video Games 27

Sat 21 2.45pm Under-5s Concert: Magic Forest 69 Wed 25 7.30pm Notes on a Journey –Ensemble 10:10 46 February 2026

March 2026

Wed 28 7.30pm Kaleidoscope – Ensemble 10:10 46 Sun 1 2.30pm Paul Lewis: Mozart + 49 Sun 1 6.30pm Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestras: 75th Birthday Weekend 31 Thu 5 7.30pm Beethoven Symphony No.6, Pastoral 31

April 2026

February 2026

Thu 5 7.30pm Bruckner Symphony No.6 27

Sun 8 2pm Classic FM Hall of Fame 28

Mon 9 8pm Joana Rodrigues and William Bracken 56

Thu 12 7.30pm Tchaikovsky Symphony No.6, Pathétique 29

Sat 14 7.30pm Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet 29

Mon 16 1pm Jonathan Aasgaard and Friends 63

Thu 19 7.30pm Ravel Mother Goose Suite 30

Thu 19 Post Concert Talk 70

Sat 21 1pm Under-5s Concert: Magic Forest 69

8 2.30pm Family Concert: Woodland Wanders 67 Mon 9 8pm Dioscuri 57 Thu 12 7.30pm Beethoven with Paul Lewis 32 Sun 15 2pm Mozart with Paul Lewis 32 Thu 26 7.30pm Elgar Serenade for Strings 33 Thu 26 Post Concert Talk 70 Sun 29 2pm Grieg Piano Concerto with Alexandra Dariescu 33 Mon 30 1pm Liverpool String Quartet 63 Thu 9 6pm - Pre-concert event: East 7.15pm Meets West 34 Thu 9 7.30pm Rushil Ranjan and Abi Sampa present: The Orchestral Qawwali Project 34 Thu 9 Post Concert Talk 70 Mon 13 8pm Iberia: For Two Guitars 57 Tue 14 7.30pm Youth Company New Works Concert: Rushworth Young Composers and Songwriters 57

16 7.30pm Mendelssohn Scottish Symphony 35

19 2.30pm Chaos String Quartet: Wiener Blut 50 Thu 23 7.30pm A Choral Celebration 35 Sun 26 2pm Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5 36 Wed 29 7.30pm Reich and Adams: American Giants – Ensemble 10:10 47

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