What's On Guide January - April 2022

What’s On

Image Texas / Page 6

January – April 2022

Featuring Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan / Dylan Moran / Dick and Angel Strawbridge / Texas / Diversity James Morrison / Gretchen Peters

Box Office 0151 709 3789 liverpoolphil.com

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Live music has returned to Liverpool Philharmonic!

In this guide...

Contemporary Music Page 4 Music Room Page 12

Since September, we’ve welcomed thousands of audience members back through our doors to enjoy live music at Liverpool Philharmonic.

Family & Variety Page 30 Classical Music Page 36

Audiences are happy to be back!

Talks & Taking Part Page 52 Comedy & Spoken Word Page 54

“It was so fantastic to be back at the theatre. I would like to commend all the staff for the organisation involved and with making everyone feel safe.”

What to expect at Liverpool Philharmonic Page 56 What’s On Diary Page 58 Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is grateful to the following supporters:

Principal Funders

Media Partner

Sponsors

Premier Sponsors

Corporate Members

Towergate Insurance Brokers | MGMA Architects | R S Clare & Co. Ltd | Sutcliffe

Hotel Partner

Higher Education Partner

Travel Partner

In-kind Sponsors

In Harmony Liverpool

The Grodner Family | The Eric and Margaret Kinder Charitable Trust | The Oglesby Charitable Trust In Harmony Fund | The Rushworth Foundation | The Johnson Foundation | Robin Bloxsidge & Nick Riddle | Lord Leverhulme’s Charitable Trust | The Margaret Wethered Trust | Joyce Lund | Elizabeth Jolly Charitable Trust | The Eleanor Rathbone Charitable Trust | DWF Foundation | Hemby Charitable Trust | The Price Parry Charitable Trust | The Whitlock Blundell Charitable Trust | Skelton Bounty | Peter Moore Foundation | Royal Northern College of Music | Liverpooljazz | Jesuit Fund for Social Justice | Music for Alice | DM Thomas Foundation for Young People | The Rushworth Trust | Liverpool South Rotary Club | Support in memory of Michael Dempsey | Elizabeth L Rathbone Charitable Trust | The Patricia Routledge Charitable Trust | Chrimes Family Charitable Trust | The Claude Ballarde Southall Memorial Charity | The Steel Charitable Trust | Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund | Scops Arts Trust | Anonymous donors

Liverpool Philharmonic is supported by:

Other Public Donors

“We had a wonderful time. So lovely to be back in the hall after such a long time.

The sights, smells and atmosphere, took us back before all the craziness…the staff were brilliant and helpful as usual too.

Cannot wait to start coming back to see the Orchestra.”

“We had a fabulous night, we were super impressed with the way the night was handled by your staff. This was our first night out and felt everything was normal can’t wait for our next experience.”

“We had a fabulous evening thank you felt totally safe and able to relax and enjoy the concert, which was brilliant! It was so nice to be watching live music again - well done and thank you for providing a safe environment to enjoy it.”

For information on what to expect when visiting Liverpool Philharmonic, see page 56.

Contemporary Music

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Contemporary Music

Ronan Keating Monday 31 January 7.30pm £51, £45, £42.50

Since the original break-up of Boyzone, one of the most successful British bands of the 90’s, Ronan Keating has forged a solo career for himself and become a four-time platinum-selling singer and songwriter. To celebrate 20 years since the release of his debut solo album, Keating will perform hits from his brand new album Twenty Twenty, and will dive into his back catalogue to revisit three of his biggest hits.

Image Paul Carrack

Classic Crisis/40th Anniversary

China Crisis Sunday 6 February 7.30pm £36, £30, £25

The Classic Rock Show Friday 14 January 8pm Saturday 15 January 8pm £38.50, £34.50, £28.50

Queen Extravaganza Monday 7 February 7.30pm £52.50, £46.50, £28.50

Paying tribute to its favourite rock heroes, The Classic Rock Show thunders through legendary performances from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits, Steely Dan, Eric Clapton, AC/DC, Queen, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, The Who and many more. Anthem after anthem, riff after riff and solo after solo, culminating in a showstopping guitar duel that is definitely not to be missed.

Good and Ready Tour

Paul Carrack Saturday 29 January 7.30pm Sunday 30 January 7.30pm £48, £42, £37.50

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Nicknamed ‘the man with the golden voice’, Paul Carrack is firmly established as one of the hardest working, independent musicians on the scene. Paul’s vocals have graced million selling songs such as ‘How Long’ by ACE, ‘Tempted’ by Squeeze and the Grammy-award nominated ‘Living Years’ by Mike and the Mechanics, making him one of the most revered voices in music and a figurehead of soulful pop.

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An Evening of New York Songs and Stories

Suzanne Vega Plus support John Smith Saturday 12 February 8pm £42.50, £37.50, £32.50

Join Liverpool musical royalty China Crisis in a hometown show celebrating 40 years. The band, which started in Kirkby, Merseyside, released their debut album Difficult Shapes and Passive Rhythms in 1982 and found major success in the UK with five Top 40 singles, ten Top 50 singles and five Top 40 albums. This special evening will be a huge treat for fans old and new, featuring all the hits with stunning arrangements.

Queen Extravaganza, the official Queen tribute band, are made up of a rolling cast of gifted musicians who have been hand-picked by Roger Taylor and Brian May. In this spectacular show, the talented musicians play the music of Queen perfectly and perform more than 20 classics drawn from the band’s biggest hits.

Suzanne Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s, and is known for performances that convey deep emotion. Vega’s distinctive, ‘clear, unwavering voice’ (Rolling Stone) has been described as ‘a cool, dry sandpaper-brushed near-whisper’

by The Washington Post. Her latest offering, An Evening of New York Songs and Stories includes songs that were inspired by New York City or for which New York provided the backdrop.

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Contemporary Music

Contemporary Music Sold Out

Echo & the Bunnymen Monday 14 February 7.30pm £55, £45, £32.50

One of the most influential British bands, Echo & The Bunnymen will celebrate the songs that have brought the group success during their incredible 40-year career. The band’s seminal albums Crocodiles, Heaven Up Here, Porcupine and Ocean Rain have been a major influence, whilst later albums Evergreen and What Are You Going To Do With Your Life? and Siberia & Meteorites demonstrate what an amazing body of work the band have.

Sold Out

Texas Monday 21 February 7.30pm £135 (VIP), £85 (VIP), £60, £49.50, £37.50, £28.50

For over 30 years, Texas have proved themselves to be one of Scotland’s best ever bands. Formed in 1986 by the undeniably brilliant Sharleen Spiteri and her partner in crime, Johnny McElhone, they have made consistently great music throughout their stellar career having sold over 40 million records, had 13 top ten UK singles, three number one UK albums and eight top ten UK albums including their latest, Jump On Board.

Tony Visconti and Woody Woodmansey present

The Best of Bowie Monday 7 March 8pm £51, £45, £38, £32

Tony Visconti and Woody Woodmansey present The Best Of Bowie, featuring Glenn Gregory and all-star band Holy Holy David Bowie’s former producer and bassist; Tony Visconti, and drummer; Woody Woodmansey, launch their new Bowie project - The Best Of Bowie, featuring long-time fan and friend Heaven 17’s Glenn Gregory and the all-star Holy Holy band.

The band will perform iconic hits and cult classics from Bowie’s extensive back catalogue with Visconti on bass. Drummer Woody performed and recorded with Bowie during his Ziggy Stardust era as one of The Spiders from Mars (Bowie’s backing band).

Visconti, Woody and Glenn bring the magic of Bowie to life, with an intoxicating mix of adoration and respect for their old friend and fellow band member.

Antics

Adam Ant Tuesday 8 March 7.30pm £48.50, £42.50, £37.50

Limited

Out Out Quoing

Status Quo Saturday 5 March 7.30pm £54.50, £48.50, £42.50, £37.50

Britain’s best-loved rockers Status Quo are back with a brand new tour. Status Quo are known for their live performances across their incredible fifty-year career, and it’s time to get back to doing what they do best. After such an unwanted layoff, the band is more ready than ever, making the Out Out Quoing tour unmissable.

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Pop icon Adam Ant returns with a set list that promises to get everyone on their feet, performing his classic chart-topping singles and personal favourites. From his early punk days in London to his explosion on the world stage that would lead to him becoming an icon, Adam Ant’s musical career spans the course of nine albums and 22 chart-topping singles worldwide.

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Contemporary Music

Contemporary Music 40th Anniversary Tour

Tony Hadley Saturday 12 March 7.30pm £120 (VIP), £53.50, £47.50, £35, £27.50

One of the most renowned voices in British music, Tony Hadley, celebrates a remarkable 40 years in music. Tony’s unmistakeable voice still brims with passion and urgency as it first did all those years ago. Fitting for what will be a big celebration of one of the biggest voices in pop, Tony will perform tracks from across his career both as the voice of Spandau Ballet, and as a solo artist.

Last Few Tickets

Ultimate Greatest Hits Tour

10cc Friday 25 March 7.30pm £45, £39, £34

10cc return to celebrate the hits which have seen them recognised as one of the most inventive and influential bands in popular music. Led by co-founder Graham Gouldman, 10cc are heralded in equal measure for their ability to craft ingenious songs that also resonated commercially.

The icons of art-rock achieved 11 top 10 hits, and over 15 million albums sold in the UK alone, with three No.1 singles - ‘Rubber Bullets’, ‘Dreadlock Holiday’, and ‘I’m Not In Love’.

The Voice & Visions Tour

Midge Ure Saturday 2 April 8pm £40.50, £34.50, £29.50, £25

Midge Ure and Band Electronica are celebrating 40 years since the release of Ultravox’s Rage In Eden and Quartet albums. The Voice & Visions tour will transport fans back to the decade of electronics, experimentation, synthesizers and great songwriting. The album highlights will be showcased alongside landmark hits from Ure’s incredible back catalogue.

Gretchen Peters With special guest Kim Riche Wednesday 6 April 7.30pm £32, £26

Last Few Tickets

For two decades, Gretchen Peters has been one of Nashville’s most beloved and respected artists. Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October 2014 by singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell who called her ‘both a songwriter and a poet (who) sings as beautifully as she writes...[her song] ‘The Matador’ moved me so greatly, I cried from the soles of my feet’ - Peters has accumulated accolades as a songwriter for artists as diverse as Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, The Neville Brothers, Patty Loveless, George Strait, Bryan Adams and Faith Hill.

Greatest Hits

James Morrison Saturday 26 March 7.30pm £75 (VIP), £45.50, £39.50, £29.50, £22.50

James Morrison embarks on his first ever Greatest Hits tour.

Featuring his five unforgettable Top 10 hits (‘You Give Me Something’, ‘Wonderful World’, ‘You Make It Real’, ‘Broken Strings’ and ‘I Won’t Let You Go’) together with a selection of fan favourites, the tour represents a life-affirming celebration of a remarkable career that has spanned 15 years.

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‘If Peters never delivers another tune as achingly beautiful as ‘On A Bus To St. Cloud’, she has already earned herself a spot among country’s upper echelon of contemporary composers.’ - People Magazine

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Contemporary Music Greatest Hits

Barbara Dickson OBE has long since cemented her status as one of the UK’s best-loved performers.

Emerging from the Scottish folk revival of the 1960’s, Barbara Dickson became the biggest selling Scottish female album artist of all time - earning six platinum, 11 gold and seven silver albums.

After a musical odyssey of 50 years creating music, playing guitar and piano, acting, and songwriting, this show is a culmination of her journey thus far - an evening packed with songs from one of the finest voices you will ever hear.

Time Is Going Faster UK Tour

Barbara Dickson Friday 15 April 7.30pm £37, £32

Marti Pellow Tuesday 19 April 7.30pm £42.50, £36.50, £33.50

Limited

The Sorrows Away Tour

Welcome to the Twenties 2.0 Tour

The Unthanks

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

Saturday 16 April 7.30pm £30, £24 Image Dear Esther

After two years off the road, The Unthanks return with the rich and colourful sound of their eleven-piece ensemble, showcasing their forthcoming new album Sorrows Away, alongside favourites such as ‘Magpie’, ‘The King Of Rome’, and ‘Mount The Air’.

Long-anticipated, Sorrows Away promises to be a blues-buster and a step into the light for a band known more for melancholy and well, sorrow. The Unthanks’ approach to storytelling makes easy bedfellows of tradition and adventure, direct social commentary and sophisticated harmony, heart-breaking empathy and glacial minimalism.

Sold Out

Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets Monday 18 April 7.30pm £58.50, £52.50, £47.50, £42.50

Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets played their first gigs in May 2018 at four intimate and acclaimed live shows in London and Putney Nick Mason’s first live musical outings since Pink Floyd’s Division Bell Tour. The band went on to sell-out theatres around the world including three nights at London’s Roundhouse, where Pink Floyd played some of their most revered early shows in the 1960s. The tour will see the band further expand their repertoire and will play songs from Pink Floyd’s early catalogue up to the 1972 album Obscured by Clouds.

Sunday 24 April 8pm £124 (VIP), £69.50, £51, £45, £36, £29.50

Priority Booking – Beat the Crowds!

After 12 million people tuned in for his lockdown sessions, Marti Pellow was inspired to get back out on tour with a show that would celebrate all the wonderful music throughout his career. This brand new Greatest Hits tour is about finally being able to come together to celebrate love, life, and remember those we may have lost along the way. Most of all, it’s about enjoyment and celebrating the here and now. Get your dancing shoes on – it’s time to party with Marti!

Famed time-twisting musical collective Postmodern Jukebox will circumnavigate the globe on their Welcome to the Twenties 2.0 Tour.

The tour is meant to prepare the world for this new decade - one that Postmodern Jukebox creator Scott Bradlee hopes will see a return to the style and craftsmanship that typified the music of past generations.

Never miss out on your favourite shows!

For £45 a year (or just £40 by direct debit), you can become one of a limited number of members who receive priority notification and booking to gigs at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Priority Premium Why not join or upgrade now to Liverpool Philharmonic’s Priority Premium membership?

Including all the benefits of Priority Booking membership, our premium scheme includes additional rewards, such as discounts on selected shows, and an invitation to an exclusive reception each year with artists and musicians.

Sign up now for as little as £10 a month. liverpoolphil.com/priority

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Martyn Joseph Saturday 15 January 8pm £21, £18

Liverpool Philharmonic’s specially designed space for intimate live gigs.

Compared to Bruce Springsteen, John Mayer, Bruce Cockburn and Dave Matthews, Martyn Joseph has created his own style and reputation as a mesmerizing live performer and stands in his own right. Driven by passion, social awareness and love for his trade, jaw dropping guitar playing with a unique percussive style, teamed up with a powerful show stopping voice, Martyn’s career spans 30 years, 33 albums, over a half a million record sales and thousands of live performances.

Get closer to the acts you love, experience new artists, and enjoy high quality music in a relaxed and friendly venue. We’ve got a range of events, spanning the best of folk, roots, blues, world and classical music, as well as lunchtime performances.

Close Up Concert

Jonathan Aasgaard, cello Monday 17 January 8pm £20, £17

Dutilleux Trois strophes sur le nom de Sacher Steve Reich Counterpoints with tape Ben Hackbarth Liquid Study 3 (cello and live electronics) Giovanni Sollima Hell 1 for cello and tape Kaija Saariaho Petals (cello and live electronics) Bright Sheng Seven tunes heard in China Pierre Boulez Messagesquisse (multiple cellos with film) Jonathan Aasgaard explores music written for the cello in his lifetime, including a number of works featuring versatile ways to work with electronics.

Just You, Just Me

Jacqui Dankworth & Charlie Wood Friday 21 January 8pm Saturday 22 January 8pm £26, £23

Multi award-winning vocalist, Jacqui Dankworth is joined by acclaimed American pianist-vocalist, Charlie Wood, for a unique concert of duets. Inspired by some of the great musical partnerships, such as Ray Charles and Betty Carter, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn - the concert will feature numbers including ‘Alone Together’, ‘It Don’t Mean a Thing’, ‘ The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ and ‘You’ve Got a Friend’.

Image Alistair McGowan – see page 29

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Music Room Sally Beamish St Andrew’s Bones Timothy Jackson Continuo for violin solo with horn and piano (world premiere) Brahms Trio in E flat, Op.40

Lunchtime Concert

Pixels Ensemble Monday 24 January 1pm £12, £8

Thelma Handy violin Tim Jackson horn Ian Buckle piano

Sponsored by

Sweet Little Mystery

Sarah Jane Morris Friday 4 February 8pm £20, £17

Treat yourself to a lunchtime break, with an hour-long concert featuring Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians in the intimate and informal surroundings of our Music Room.

Dementia-Friendly Concert with musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Wednesday 2 February 12.30pm £12, £8

Join Claire Henry and strings from Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra for a programme of Italian favourites, including Puccini’s Nessun Dorma and Musetta’s Waltz from La Bohème, as well as ‘That’s Amore’, made famous by Dean Martin.

Sweet Little Mystery is a joint project between Sarah Jane Morris and long term collaborator and guitarist Tony Remy, paying homage to the sublime genius of the late Scottish singer-songwriter John Martyn.

The performance, part of a show directed by comedian and activist Mark Thomas, will also include unreleased footage of John Martyn and interviews with his family and friends.

Julian Taylor Saturday 5 February 8pm £16, £13

This interactive performance has been created to be a safe and enjoyable space for people living with dementia, their friends, family and carers. Audiences will experience a performance given by musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra that will take them on a journey through the music of Italy. The small chamber ensemble will be joined by presenter Claire Henry, who acts as a guide through the concert experience and introduce the music. The repertoire will be well-known classical works – perhaps with a few favourite songs thrown in for good measure!

All tickets include a complimentary cup of tea or coffee on arrival.

The performance spaces and bar area will be made as comfortable as possible for the audience, including keeping lights on during the performance and having a quiet space during the performance. Doors open 45 minutes before each performance, and the concert will last approximately an hour.

Lunchtime Concert

A Tango in Paris Monday 7 February 1pm £12, £8

In association with L100 & No Fakin’

Africa Oyé Hip Hop Showcase In association with L100 & No Fakin Thursday 3 February 8pm £10

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The Africa Oyé Hip-Hop Showcase brings together a wealth of talent from Liverpool to the African continent. This collaborative event will explore the eclecticism and depth of the genre, in collaboration with Liverpool hip-hop royalty No Fakin’ and L100. From the politicallyastute rap of Awate, to the emerging artists of the L100 cypher, as well as former Oyé Introduces alumni, MC Nelson.

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Sponsored by

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Julian Taylor enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2020, when his second solo acoustic album, The Ridge, earned praise from press worldwide, and airplay from America to the U.K. Taylor’s versatility as a songwriter is signature; one minute he’s onstage with his band playing electrified rhythm and blues glory, and the next he’s featured at a folk festival delivering a captivating solo singer-songwriter set. Taylor is as an explosive and captivating a live performer as you’ll ever see.

Piazzolla Histoire du Tango Ravel Sonatine Debussy Sonata for flute, viola and harp Cormac Henry flute Catherine Marwood viola Elizabeth McNulty harp Treat yourself to a lunchtime break, with an hour-long concert featuring Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians in the intimate and informal surroundings of our Music Room.

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Tim Edey

Jackie Oates & John Spiers

Tuesday 8 February 8pm £16, £13

Saturday 12 February 8pm £15, £12

As a multi-instrumentalist and singer, Tim Edey has toured the world and recorded with most of the major names in Celtic and contemporary roots music, including The Chieftains and Christy Moore. His live performances showcase a stunning mix of world music-inspired instrumental virtuosity, with a strong Celtic theme.

You’ll be blown away by one of folk’s finest melodeon and guitar players, in a highly entertaining night of tuneful genius.

Martha Tilston Wednesday 9 February 8pm £18, £15

Heal & Harrow Sunday 13 February 8pm £16, £13

Martha Tilston has carved her niche in the English modern folk scene with sharp, original songs that dissect the modern world and established herself as a renowned artist. Her live performances take you from stripped down folk arrangements to textural electronica, sparkling melodies and her beautiful crystal clear vocals, often stepping off stage to sing un-accompanied amongst the audience.

Multi award-winning contemporary folk duo Jackie Oates and John Spiers meld together their love of English traditional folk tunes and songs with their voices and acoustic instruments, resulting in a fresh sound that is uplifting, joyful and poignant.

John and Jackie, already admiring of each other’s work, began playing music together, making regular appearances at Nettlebed Folk Club, plus special festival sets, a live set for BBC Radio 3 and John’s contribution to Jackie’s seventh album The Joy of Living.

The 16th and 17th century Scottish witch trials were one of the darkest periods of Scotland’s history. An estimated 2500 people were executed, 80% of which were thought to have been women. In this new project, Heal & Harrow, Rachel Newton and Lauren MacColl pay a humanising tribute to these women while also exploring historical beliefs in the supernatural and modern day parallels in our society. Each piece of music is based on tales inspired by and in remembrance of real women who were persecuted and tried as witches, and characters from the folkloric tales and mythology enshrined in our oral culture.

‘Sharp, original songs that dissect the modern world. She captures both the harshness and enchantment of life’ - The Guardian

Charlie Dore Trio Friday 11 February 8pm £21, £18

Multi-award winner Charlie Dore brings a genre-defying evening of ‘intriguingly other’ eclectic, contemporary, rootsy, folk - bursting with earworms and crunchy lyrics. Joined by Gareth Huw Davies, Charlie and her long-time collaborator Julian Littman (Steeleye Span) will swap guitars, piano, mandolin, harmonium, ukulele, banjo and stories as they showcase songs from her brand new album, alongside favourites from the past seven albums.

Gift Cards Give the gift of live music A perfect present for the music lover who has everything!

Available online at liverpoolphil.com/gift-cards, or phone 0151 709 3789. Redeemable online or at Box Office for any concert or event at Liverpool Philharmonic.

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Music Room Close Up Concert

Serenade for Valentine’s Night Monday 14 February 8pm £20, £17

Angelina Dorlin-Barlow mezzo soprano Armand Rabot bass baritone Armand Rabot (winner of the 2021 Junior Class Charles Wood Song Prize and a former Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir member) and Angelina Dorlin-Barlow (formerly of Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Choir and most recently the winner of the Norma Procter Song Prize at the 2020 Kathleen Ferrier Society Bursary Competition) perform songs for Valentine’s Day, including works by Donizetti, Brahms and Mendelssohn.

Luke Wright Wednesday 16 February 8pm £16.50, £13.50

EXTC Wednesday 23 February 8pm £20 This is a standing event.

Whether he’s opening for The Libertines or reciting Georgian ballads down your local, Luke Wright is adept at taking poetry places it doesn’t normally go.

John Cooper Clarke’s regular warm-up guy writes poems that are tender, riotous, caustic and romantic then delivers them with the ferocity and panache of a raconteur at the top of his game.

Sharon Shannon Quartet

With hits including ‘Making Plans for Nigel’, ‘Senses Working Overtime’, and ‘Sgt Rock (Is Going to Help Me)’, XTC was one of the UK’s most exciting and influential bands. Now XTC drummer Terry Chambers and his band are bringing a full set of classic XTC songs to the Music Room. Already, EXTC have stormed through prestigious shows, including headline appearances at the Isle of Wight Festival, and for the ultimate stamp of approval, the band comes with the blessing and support of XTC leader, Andy Partridge.

SURROUND YO U R S E L F I N L U X U RY

Thursday 17 February 8pm Friday 18 February 8pm £25, £22

W I T H A S TAY AT PULLMAN LIVERPOOL Irish musician Sharon Shannon is best known for her work with the button accordion and her violin fiddle technique, but has also played the tin whistle. While crossing–over into many genres of music, Sharon’s style is uniquely traditional Irish and she has been hugely influential in promoting Irish music. After announcing her latest studio album, The Reckoning, she’s pulling out all the stops with her most innovative and original album to date.

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F RO M O N LY

B E D & B R E A K FA S T BO O K N OW h9227-re1@accor.com | 0151 945 1035 T&Cs – subject to availability.

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Music Room The Piano Sessions

Harriet Friday 4 March 8pm £23, £20

British singer-songwriter Harriet performs intimate versions of her favourite original songs and some specially selected covers accompanied by her incredible pianist. Her self-titled debut album, recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, was a personal expression of loss and love, drawing inspiration from the warmth of the 1960’s and 70’s soundscape.

Liverpool Acoustic

Elfin Bow, Little Sparrow and Daria Kulesh

Liverpool Acoustic presents three songwriters who share a rare musical synergy and come together for the first time to showcase their magical songs and stories. Elfin Bow, Little Sparrow and Daria Kulesh, all three skilled songwriters and captivating performers, will take to the stage in the style of a song-writers circle.

Saturday 26 February 8pm £15, £12

Blazin’ Fiddles Saturday 5 March 8pm £21, £18

Kathryn Tickell & Amy Thatcher Sunday 27 February 8pm £25, £22

Close Up Concert

Equilibrium Kathryn Tickell first took up the Northumbrian smallpipes aged nine, inspired by her family and by the music of an older generation of musicians. Kathryn’s personal evocation of the stories of rural Northumberland is heard through the music she has toured around the world.

Amy Thatcher is one of the UK’s leading folk accordionists. Since moving to the north east, she has been part of The Shee, The Monster Ceilidh Band and Kathryn’s ensembles The Side and The Darkening.

Jack Lukeman Tuesday 1 March 8pm £16, £13

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Irish singer-songwriter and performer Jack Lukeman is a critically acclaimed artist in his homeland, touring the UK as a special guest on tours by artists as varied as Imelda May, Jools Holland, The Proclaimers and Neil Sedaka. Incorporating the theatrical and romantic sensibilities of the likes of Jacques Brel, but with genuine melodic appeal and a knack for creating his own ‘magic realist’ world, Lukeman is a rare and unusual brand of performer.

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Tuesday 8 March 8pm £20, £17

Formed for a one-off tour of the Scottish Highlands in 1999, Blazin’ Fiddles are still raising roofs far and wide well over two decades later. Encompassing a rare and virtuosic selection of the fiddle’s diverse Highland and island voices, with ensemble and solo-led sets both backed by powerhouse guitar and piano, the Blazers pack all the power, passion and sensitivity of Scotland’s traditional music, into a single show.

Elizabeth Maconchy Theme and variations: duo for violin and cello Grace-Evangeline Mason Into the abyss I throw roses: string trio Amy Beach Quartet in one movement, Op.89 Imogen Holst Phantasy Quartet Carmel Smickersgill Ornament for String Quartet (world premiere) Kate Richardson and Kate Marsden violins Rachel Jones viola Hilary Browning cello Equilibrium, composed of musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, have a mission to introduce works by hitherto neglected female composers, alongside exciting new works from female artists creating music today. On International Women’s Day, Equilibrium brings you a programme of music by women past and present, historically neglected but currently celebrated. Amy Beach and Elizabeth Maconchy’s music both draw on the folk music that speaks to them, whereas Imogen Holst’s style lies firmly in the English pastoral camp of Ralph Vaughan Williams. Grace-Evangeline Mason and Carmel Smickersgill are both recipients of the Rushworth composition prize.

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Music Room Solo Piano Performance of Inversion

Belinda O’Hooley Wednesday 9 March 8pm £17, £14

Belinda O’Hooley is an exceptionally gifted pianist, singer, songwriter, and composer and is half of four time BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominees O’Hooley & Tidow. Inversions, Belinda’s brand new album, showcases pieces inspired by the songs her father inherited from a long line of male musicians in the hills of the West coast of rural Ireland.

When The World Stood Still Tour

Harley Kimbro Lewis

Wille and the Bandits

Tuesday 15 March 8pm £21.50, £18.50

Saturday 12 March 8pm £15 This is a standing event.

Wille and the Bandits have been praised by critics for being one of the most dynamic bands around theglobe, as they move from rifftastic rock and roll to more acoustic sensibilities that only few bands manage. The use of string arrangements, oscillating delays and soaring lap steel guitar solos give the band an emotive edge mixed with a groove and vocal phrasings that leaves audiences in pieces.

Blue Rose Code Wednesday 16 March 8pm £18, £15

Luke Daniels & Nancy Kerr Sunday 13 March 8pm £15, £12

Breabach Two of the British folk scene’s top musicians have teamed up to perform together in this double headliner show. Luke Daniels is a BBC award-winning folk musician and former Riverdance band member, and Nancy Kerr is one of the most celebrated folk musicians of her generation. This new duo show promises to be a stunning mix of contemporary folk music and inspired instrumental virtuosity.

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Thursday 17 March 8pm £19, £16

From Knoxville to Nashville via Hertfordshire, Martin Harley, Daniel Kimbro, and Sam Lewis collaborate for the first time on a laid back album reminiscent of an early American songbook. Produced the old fashioned way; writing songs in the morning and rolling the tape in the afternoon, the album highlights Daniel’s Appalachia roots, Sam’s Nashville tones and Martin’s travelling riverside blues. This is acoustic Americana at its finest.

Ross Wilson, aka Blue Rose Code, addresses universal themes of love, loss, travel, home and hard times in a deeply personal way. His songs are variously painted with the vibrant colours of folk, Americana, jazz, country, soul, pop and, increasingly, celtic traditions.

This eclecticism has become a hallmark of his work and has seen him compared to John Martyn, Van Morrison and Tom Waits amongst others.

Over 15 years, Breabach have always looked to acknowledge and respect the origins of both the music they play and the roots of the band, whilst embracing the future with new ideas, energy and belief. It is these key attributes, combined with hard work and talent, that has seen them develop into one of Scotland’s most exciting and successful folk groups. With six albums under their belt and a multitude of awards, they look set to continue to build upon their successes.

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Twelfth Day Wednesday 23 March 8pm £16, £13

Twelfth Day (Catriona Price and Esther Swift, two young Scottish virtuosos) offer a musically ground-breaking amalgam of chamber music, Scottish folk music, jazz-funk and electronica. Their latest album, Face To Face, confronts societal conventions by exploring a wealth of urgent current issues, and the multi vocal harmonies and layered strings has resulted in a varied compendium of songs with influences from a multitude of places and performers.

The First Farewell Tour

Peggy Seeger with Calum MacColl Saturday 19 March 8pm £23, £20

The charismatic singer-songwriter Peggy Seeger makes a welcome return to Music Room, with her son Calum MacColl, for a glorious evening of up-close performance. Expect to hear some of Peggy’s most loved songs, readings from Peggy’s award-winning memoir The First Time Ever, plenty of audience participation and lots of relaxed family banter.

Cara Dillon Friday 25 March 8pm £24, £21

Close Up Concert

Beethoven Septet Monday 21 March 8pm £20, £17

Beethoven Septet Timothy Lines clarinet Nina Ashton bassoon Timothy Jackson horn Thelma Handy violin Alex Mitchell viola Ian Bracken cello Anthony Williams bass The first half of this concert will be a fantastic opportunity to learn a piece from both a player’s and composer’s perspective. There will be demonstrations of period instruments, looking at the developments over the centuries, exploring the impact of that evolution on sound and on the challenges and joys of music-making. We’ll also take the Septet apart and show the inner workings of this absolute masterpiece. The evening will conclude with a complete performance of the Beethoven Septet.

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Juan Martin Saturday 26 March 8pm £20, £17

Extraordinary Irish singer Cara Dillon has been captivating audiences and achieving exceptional acclaim for over 20 years. Every note and word sung with a passion and confidence earned through a life of experience singing traditional songs. Legions of fans will attest to their impassioned performances with Cara’s warm and natural stage presence something to savour.

Alongside a selection of favourites from her previous releases, Cara will be performing material from her new album Wanderer - a collection of beautiful and moving songs recorded in an intimate setting with her husband and musical partner Sam Lakeman.

Guitarist and composer Juan Martin plays and introduces his compositions within the forms of the tradition of flamenco.

His exquisite style is enhanced through minimal amplification to capture his very pure flamenco sound.

Voted into the top three flamenco guitarists in the world by Guitar Player USA, he has toured the world playing concerts from Shanghai to New York, as well as in the Montreux Jazz Festival. Critics have compared his compositional talent to that of great Spanish composers Albéniz, Turina and Tárrega, and his original book on learning the guitar is referred to as ‘the Bible’ of flamenco guitar.

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Music Room Beethoven Clarinet Trio in B flat, Op.11 Bruch Eight Pieces, Op.83

Lunchtime Concert

Old St Paul’s Trio Monday 28 March 1pm £12, £8

Calum Robertson clarinet John Kitchen piano Jamie Kenny bass

Sponsored by

Ímar Tuesday 19 April 8pm £17, £14

Treat yourself to a lunchtime break, with an hour-long concert featuring Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians in the intimate and informal surroundings of our Music Room.

With a line-up featuring members of Mànran, RURA, Talisk and Barrule, instrumental firebrands Ímar have scored a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award and topped the iTunes World Music Chart with their second album Avalanche. The band’s formation embodies a potent reconnection with its members’ formative years, dating back long before their camaraderie around Glasgow’s justly celebrated session scene.

Police Dog Hogan Saturday 2 April 8pm £19, £16

The Rheingans Sisters Thursday 21 April 8pm £16, £13

Brilliant song-writing, sensational harmonies, fantastic musicianship, joyous live performances, Police Dog Hogan have been attracting audiences for more than ten years.

With singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist James Studholme at the helm, supported by fiddle, banjo, accordion, trumpet, bass and drums - these varied instruments allow the band to create a mosaic of sounds and songs including husky ballads mourning lost loves, foot-stompers about the West Country and full-throated, multi-harmony anthems.

The band’s eagerly-awaited new album Overground has been described as their best ever, and they’ll play tracks from it, alongside some of their most-loved songs when they return to the Music Room.

An Evening with Ni Maxine: An Ode to Billie Holiday

Drawing on their pan-European musical scholarship and their spirited mission to make connections between the music of different geographical roots, they have developed a rich artistic approach to the deconstruction and reimagining of traditional music alongside their own beguiling compositions.

Sailors & Whalers - Shanties & Songs of Liverpool and the Sea

Port Sunlight Sea Dogs Plus support Gerry Ffrench Friday 22 April 8pm £15, £12

Port Sunlight Sea Dogs bring songs of a sailor’s hard life, of heroes and villains, songs of Liverpool, distant ports and cruel seas. Liverpool is the home of the sea shanty, and Hope Street beats at its heart, so what better place for rambunctious work songs, lusty choruses and wistful ballads?

Thursday 7 April 8pm £16, £13

Join neo-jazz singer-songwriter Ni Maxine for an evening of live jazz to honour ‘Lady Day’ herself, Billie Holiday. With a sense of duty to reflect the times, Ni presents the story of a Black woman navigating today’s world, with a nod to Billie and Nina Simone. Joined by a full band with an elegant 21st century twist, this will be a night to remember.

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The Rheingans Sisters make playful, powerful and richly connecting music that is wholly contemporary while deeply anchored in folk traditions. With three critically acclaimed albums, a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nomination for ‘Best Duo/Group’, and winners of BBC Radio 2 Folk Award ‘Best Original Track’, audiences across the world have been utterly captivated by their very special live performances.

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The River Mersey, the waterfront, the Port of Liverpool, the docks and its people, are all celebrated in songs and stories, tributes to our past & future maritime story.

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Flook Tuesday 26 April 8pm £20, £17

More than twenty-five years after their first gig together, Flook continue to inspire and enchant audiences of all ages. Their most recent album Ancora - released in 2019 to critical acclaim and nominated for BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards ‘Album of the Year’ - clearly demonstrates that, with their roots firmly anchored in the tradition, Flook still hold fast to their reputation as major musical innovators.

Sold Out

Liverpool Acoustic

Merry Hell

Merry Hell is a band founded on the ever evolving folk tradition – music made by the people and shared by the people. Though their hearts and souls are tuned to the songs which came before them, they bring new words and music forged from their own experiences, from the lows and the loves of their lives.

Saturday 23 April 8.30pm £14 This is a standing event.

Sunday 24 April 8pm £15, £12

Close Up Concert

Liverpool String Quartet

Bruch String Quintet in E flat Schoenberg Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night) for string sextet Ian Stephens A Wailing on the Wind for storyteller and string quartet Róisín Walters violin Kate Marsden violin Sarah Hill viola Daniel Sanxis viola Nick Byrne cello Alex Holladay cello Angela Mounsey narrator Join Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians and guest artists in the intimate and informal surroundings of the Music Room.

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Friday 29 April 7.30pm £28, £25

Sometimes folk, sometimes not. India Electric Company use traditional instruments in contemporary styles to explore diverse themes from Eastern Europe, Irish traditions and modern urban alienation to end up with something ‘quirky and glittery - a veritable musical magpie’s nest.’

(BBC Radio 3).

India Electric Co.

Monday 25 April 8pm £20, £17

Alistair McGowan

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Following the success of his piano album, Alistair McGowan presents his brand new show, combining his talents as master impressionist and comedian with his new-found talent as a classical pianist. Join Alistair as he plays Glass, Chopin, Gershwin, Grieg, Debussy and more - expect a lot of beautiful music (with the odd mistake!) and a sprinkling of his trademark impressions.

Elephant Sessions Saturday 30 April 8pm £15 This is a standing event.

Elephant Sessions transcend boundaries and shake the very foundations of expectation. Exploding onto the indie folk scene to unparalleled effect with their last album All We Have Is Now, the band have since appeared at some of the world’s most notable venues and festivals. Watch out for this band – they have transformed traditional music!

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Raymond Gubbay

Glenn Miller Orchestra Sunday 9 January 2.30pm £35, £29.50, £24.50, £19.50, £17.50

Directed by legendary band leader Ray McVay plus special guests The Swing Time Jivers The UK’s most renowned big band is excited to be returning, swinging you back in time playing Glenn Miller’s own arrangements of favourite wartime chart toppers and hits from the forties, including ‘Opus One’, ‘Memories of You’, ‘Sing Sing Sing’, ‘Sunrise Serenade’, ‘Stardust’, ‘Moonlight Cocktails’, ‘Johnson Rag’, ‘Caribbean Clipper’, ‘In the Mood’, ‘Little Brown Jug’, ‘Moonlight Serenade’, ‘String of Pearls’ and ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’.

The orchestra will perform the second half of the concert in the World War II uniforms of the US army Air Force.

LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC

Image New Year at Liverpool Philharmonic: Puttin’ on the Ritz

New Year at Liverpool Philharmonic: Puttin’ on the Ritz Friday 31 December 7.30pm £57, £52, £50, £42, £30

Featuring ‘Girl Crazy Overture’, Gershwin medley, ‘I Get A Kick Out of You’, ‘I’ve Got A Crush on You’, ‘I Won’t Dance’, ‘The Trolley Song’, ‘Let’s Face the Music & Dance’, ‘Tahiti Trot (Tea for Two)’, ‘Cheek to Cheek’, ‘The Man I Love’, ‘The Lady Is A Tramp’, ‘I’ll Build A Stairway to Paradise’, ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’, ‘The Girlfriend Overture’, ‘The Lullaby of Broadway’, ‘Night & Day’, ‘I Only Have Eyes for You’, ‘My Funny Valentine’, ‘Well, Did You Evah!’, ‘Promenade (Walking the Dog)’, ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’, ‘I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm’, ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ and ‘Mack the Knife’.

Martin Yates conductor Emma Williams, Charlotte Wakefield, Nadim Naaman and Steven Houghton vocalists Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Celebrate New Year in New York style! Join us for an evening of songs from the roaring 20s and fabulous 30s including ‘Cheek to Cheek’, ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’, I’ve Got You Under My Skin’, ‘The Way You Look Tonight’… and of course, ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’. Come dressed in your most fabulous flapper gear and enjoy specially created cocktails from our art deco bar – there’s even a prize for the best dressed on the night!

Relaxed Concert: Adventures in the Magical Kingdom Sunday 16 January 2.30pm £22, £15, £12 (adult) £13, £10, £8 (child) Tickets for children under 18 months are free. Family concerts are most suitable for children aged 4-10 years.

Kaapo Ijas conductor Alasdair Malloy presenter Kate Labno co-presenter / BSL interpreter Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Our relaxed concerts are fun and accessible for the whole family, combining brilliant music and a safe and enjoyable environment. We offer support for audiences with a range of additional needs, including communications difficulties, physical and learning disabilities. We’ll have resources to help you prepare for the event, including music playlists and a virtual venue tour. We’ll also have easy-read materials, BSL interpretation for the concert, and quiet spaces on the day.

The King of the Magical Kingdom of Far, Far Away would like to invite everyone to his Palace where a Grand Ball is about to take place, so make sure you’re wearing your most wonderful and majestic clothes!

As the guests begin to arrive we’ll meet Robin Hood, The Empress of the Pagodas and several Disney favourites including Anna and Elsa from the Frozen North. The Orchestra will provide wonderful music from ballet to film favourites.

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Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Family & Variety Raymond Gubbay

Family Concert Especially For Under 5s

Anton & Erin Showtime

Mad Professor Friday 25 March 1pm & 2.45pm Music Room £12 (adult) £8 (child)

Saturday 19 February 7.30pm £56, £49.50, £39.50, £27.50

Join the nation’s favourite ballroom couple in a glittering celebration that pays tribute to some of the world's greatest icons of entertainment. With stunning costumes, fabulous live vocals, and a high-energy West End dance ensemble, Anton & Erin present world class dance inspired by an array of classic performers including Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Charlie Chaplin, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Liza Minelli, Elton John and many more.

Claire Henry presenter Musicians from Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra We’re inviting you to come along to the Mad Professor’s laboratory where presenter Claire Henry will conduct all sorts of madcap musical experiments with musicians from our Orchestra.

Youth Company

Designed especially for our youngest audiences, this concert is the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the sights and sounds of an orchestra. Wriggling, dancing and exploring are all part of the 45-minute experience!

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company Session Orchestra and LIMF Academy

Come and enjoy music through storytelling, in the informal surroundings of the Music Room - easy to access, with plenty of space for prams and a baby-changing area.

Sunday 20 February 7.30pm £15 Ticket package £18, includes entry to Music Industry Careers Fest (see page 53 for details) and LIMF Academy Orchestrated.

LIMF Academy Orchestrated Celebrating the talented young music creators of our city, this event brings together musicians from Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company and the best of LIMF Academy’s singer/songwriters. Join us for this upbeat showcase, featuring a range of genre-bending performances as well as original material written and orchestrated for this special event.

Melvin Tay conductor Alasdair Malloy presenter Liverpool Philharmonic Children’s Choir Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Family Concert

Symphonic Safari on Hope Street Sunday 13 March 2.30pm £22, £15, £12 (adult) £13, £10, £8 (child) Tickets for children under 18 months are free. Family concerts are most suitable for children aged 4-10 years.

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Come and join the Orchestra and Liverpool Philharmonic Children’s Choir, conductor Melvin Tay and tour guide Alasdair Malloy on a sensational Symphonic Safari to meet all sorts of exciting creatures!

Expect some awesome animal antics as we encounter fur, feathers and fins from far and near with music to match. Come dressed as your favourite animal and bring a cuddly animal toy to join in the fun!

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£8 Tickets Did you know that under 25s and students can get tickets for most Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concerts* for just £8? £8 tickets can be purchased from Box Office in person or by phone on 0151 709 3789. *Subject to availability and you will be required to show proof of eligibility.

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In Harmony Liverpool 13th Birthday Concert Friday 1 April 1.30pm Free (tickets must be booked in advance)

Everton Children’s Orchestras, Anfield String Orchestras and In Harmony Liverpool Children’s Choir Join us to mark 13 years of In Harmony Liverpool – life changing orchestral music-making with the children and families of North Liverpool. Hear over 260 young musicians perform alongside musicians from Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra culminating in a joyous finale of massed choir and orchestra led by Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan. This concert will feature In Harmony Liverpool young musicians aged 9-11 from schools in Everton and Anfield, so come and join us for our celebration!

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

The Way We Were: A Tribute to Barbra Streisand for her 80th Birthday Saturday 23 April 7.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19 In association with

Remembering The Oscars Monday 25 April 7.30pm £42.50, £37.50, £28.50, £25

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Diversity Friday 29 April 7.45pm Saturday 30 April 7.45pm £125 (Meet & Greet VIP), £79 (VIP), £45, £38.50, £28.50

Over the past 10 years since Diversity took the nation by storm in Britain’s Got Talent, they have continued to wow audiences around the world with their innovative live tours and performances. Now they’re back with an even bigger show to continue their legacy and never let anyone tell them they cannot achieve something.

Richard Balcombe conductor Katie Birtill, Louise Dearman and Graham Bickley vocalists Papa can you hear me..? Barbra Streisand is the diva of all divas, Broadway legend, Hollywood icon; the singer who went out a girl and came back a star. On Ms Streisand’s 80th birthday (no, we can’t believe it either), three sensational vocalists sing ‘Evergreen’, ‘The Way We Were’, ‘People’, ‘Hello Dolly’ and many, many more, in a sumptuous, symphonic tribute to the songs Barbra made her own – and which became the soundtracks to all our lives. Nobody is gonna rain on this parade!

Get ready to celebrate Oscar-winning songs in this exhilarating new dance spectacular with Strictly’s favourite couple, Aljaz and Janette. Whether you are Wishing On A Star, Swinging On A Star or merely dancing in the City of Stars, this incredible production will take you from Disney family favourites, through to the Golden Ages of Hollywood and Bollywood.

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Raymond Gubbay

New Year’s Day Proms Saturday 1 January 2.30pm £48.50, £41.50, £34, £25.50, £22.50, £17.50

Puccini O soave fanciulla from Act I Finale of La Boheme Verdi Brindisi from La Traviata Ravel Boléro Rossini Galop from William Tell Overture Sousa Liberty Bell March Plus all your New Year’s Day favourites including ‘633 Sqaudron’, ‘Rule, Britannia!’, ‘Hornpipe’ and ‘Land of Hope and Glory’.

John Pryce-Jones conductor Sky Ingram soprano Christopher Turner tenor Manchester Concert Orchestra Celebrate New Year’s Day with an uplifting concert of favourite classics.

Image Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra On Demand Enjoy concerts online with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra On Demand series. Our critically-acclaimed series of On Demand concerts are a great way to enjoy extraordinary music from the comfort of your home!

Each concert will be followed by a live post-concert Zoom Q&A session with musicians, conductors and staff in a sort of ‘post-match analysis’, where you can ask questions and participate.

The series has received rave reviews: The Times praised - “a performance of dancing colours, crisp beauty and punch… played with heart, soul and all the other necessaries in a performance strong enough to overwhelm even a home listener alone with a laptop”.

The Guardian remarked on the concert’s “maximum impact for a bold start to virtual season”.

Find out more about our On Demand series at liverpoolphil.com/ondemand.

Domingo Hindoyan conducts Castellanos, Paquito D’Rivera, Piazzolla and Bartok

Marta Gardolińska conducts Shostakovich, Lili Boulanger, Poulenc and Lutoslawski

Rebecca Tong conducts John Adams, Vivian Fung and Schoenberg

Domingo Hindoyan conducts Nielsen, Sibelius and Prokofiev

See page 39

See page 43

See page 46

See page 50

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Chamber Music

Isata Kanneh-Mason, piano with musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Friday 7 January 7.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25

Ravel Introduction and Allegro for flute, clarinet, harp and string quartet Rachmaninov Études-Tableaux (solo piano) Françaix Quintet for flute, harp, and string trio Dohnányi Piano Quintet No.1 Isata Kanneh-Mason piano Thelma Handy violin Eva Thorarinsdottir violin Alexander Mitchell viola Sébastien van Kuijk cello Helen Wilson flute Ausiàs Garrigós Morant clarinet Elizabeth McNulty harp When Isata Kanneh-Mason made her debut recording with the Orchestra, one critic wrote that it was like “music-making between friends”. Expect the same chemistry as she joins a team of Orchestra players in a concert packed with fantasy and fun. There are French fancies from Françaix and Ravel, and high drama as Kanneh-Mason plays Rachmaninov’s tempestuous Études-Tableaux. To end, the magnificent Piano Quintet by Ernő Dohnányi – a contemporary of Mahler who’s difficult to pronounce, but easy to enjoy.

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Classical Music Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Messiah Saturday 8 January 7pm (Please note start time) £51, £44, £40, £37, £24

Handel (ed. Mozart) The Messiah Andrew Manze conductor Carolyn Sampson soprano Jess Dandy mezzo-soprano Andrew Staples tenor Darren Jeffery bass Members from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Imagine all the joy, all the inspiration and all the majesty of Handel’s Messiah, performed by Andrew Manze, members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir and four world class soloists. And now imagine if one of the greatest geniuses in musical history gave it a makeover. Mozart loved Messiah, and from Ev’ry Valley and The Trumpet Shall Sound to the legendary Hallelujah! chorus itself, it’s just as you remember it, but lightly dusted with Mozart’s own special magic. The best just got better.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Pipe Dreams Thursday 13 January 7.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19

Post Concert Question Time see page 52 for details

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Eugene Gigout Grand Choeur Dialogue for organ and orchestra Poulenc Organ Concerto Lili Boulanger D’un matin de printemps Lutosławski Little Suite Shostakovich Symphony No.9 Marta Gardolińska​ conductor Ian Tracey organ At the end of World War II, the Soviet authorities expected composers to write bombastic victory symphonies. What they didn’t expect was Shostakovich’s Ninth: 30 minutes of melody, irreverence and pitch-black satire. Still, with the dynamic young Polish conductor Marta Gardolińska on the podium, nothing is predictable. A haunting nocturne from neglected French genius Lili Boulanger? A flurry of (very Polish) fireworks from Witold Lutosławski? Or Ian Tracey, putting the newly refurbished Liverpool Philharmonic Hall organ through its paces in Poulenc’s glittering concerto for organ, strings and timpani? Warning: it gets loud.

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liverpool_philharmonic

On Demand

Domingo Hindoyan conducts Castellanos, Paquito D’Rivera, Piazzolla and Bartók Available for 30 days from Tuesday 18 January 7pm £32 (Superstar - what you would normally pay to attend a live concert) £15 (Supporter) £10 (Individual) Part of our Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra On Demand series

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

French Classics Thursday 20 January 7.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19 Sponsored by

Evencio Castellanos Santa Cruz de Pacairigua, Suite Sinfónica Paquito Rivera Concerto Venezolano for Trumpet and Orchestra Piazzolla Revirado for trumpet and orchestra Bartók Concerto for Orchestra Domingo Hindoyan conductor Pacho Flores trumpet Leónidas Rondón cuatro “Dazzling” was the reaction of one critic when Venezuelan trumpet sensation Pacho Flores made his Liverpool debut in January 2020; now Domingo Hindoyan has asked him back to play another sparkling new concerto from Latin America by Paquito D’Rivera, as well as a sultry little encore from the king of tango, Astor Piazzolla himself. How to follow that? Well, how about the whole Orchestra throwing caution to the winds in Bartók’s showstopping Concerto for Orchestra?

Messiaen Les Offrandes Oubliées Ravel Piano Concerto in G Debussy Jeux Roussel Suite, Bacchus and Ariadne Domingo Hindoyan conductor Jean-Efflam Bavouzet piano For 182 years, Liverpool Philharmonic has brought the world’s greatest artists to Liverpool, and now we welcome back Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, the French star who is one of the most engaging performers of his generation. Domingo’s put together a ravishing all-French programme to welcome our guest: expect pure sonic seduction with the beautiful and ethereal sounds of Messiaen’s “forgotten offerings” followed by the lively and energetic Ravel concerto. The pastel colours and rhythmic games of Debussy’s Jeux provide a prelude to Roussel’s dazzling ballet suite Bacchus et Ariadne.

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Classical Music Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Organ Symphony Saturday 5 February 7.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19 Sponsored by

Stravinsky Jeu de cartes Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Boléro Sunday 23 January 2.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19

Elena Schwarz conductor Noa Wildschut violin Lee Ward organ

Debussy Jeux Ravel Piano Concerto in G Roussel Suite, Bacchus and Ariadne Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte Ravel Boléro

The orchestra thunders, roars and pauses for breath – then with one knockout chord, the organ blasts the roof off. Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony is one of everyone’s favourite classics, but it never gets any less exciting: and with the freshly-refurbished Liverpool Philharmonic Hall organ, it’ll sound even more brilliant than ever. What could match that? How about the extraordinary virtuoso Noa Wildschut in Tchaikovsky’s flamboyant Violin Concerto – and Igor Stravinsky turning a game of poker into a kaleidoscope of sound?

Domingo Hindoyan conductor Jean-Efflam Bavouzet piano A drum, a rhythm, and a tune you’ll never forget. That’s all Maurice Ravel needed to create Boléro, and this afternoon, it’s the spectacular climax to a concert that glows with Mediterranean sunshine, from the pastel colours and rhythmic games of Debussy’s Jeux to the Spanish fragrances and jazz-inspired flair of Ravel’s Piano Concerto - played by a real Liverpool favourite, the sensational Jean-Efflam Bavouzet.

First, though, Domingo Hindoyan shares a personal discovery – Roussel’s dazzling Bacchus et Ariadne. Prepare to be astonished.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Bruckner’s Eighth Symphony Thursday 27 January 7.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19 The concert will last for approx. 90 minutes, and there is no interval.

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Bruckner Symphony No.8 (1890 Haas edition) Domingo Hindoyan conductor It’s a bit of a cliché to call Bruckner’s symphonies “cathedrals in sound”.

True, Bruckner’s Eighth Symphony is one of the grandest and greatest in all music; a mighty vision of the eternal, composed for an enormous orchestra.

But it’s much more than just one man’s spiritual odyssey. It’s one of Romantic music’s most overwhelming experiences, profoundly moving and breathtakingly beautiful. Domingo Hindoyan adores it, and this one-off performance looks set to be one of the emotional peaks of our season.

Make sure you’re there.

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Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

A Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun Thursday 10 February 7.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19

Debussy Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune Prokofiev Violin Concerto No.2 Beethoven Symphony No.7 Maxim Emelyanychev conductor Aylen Pritchin violin “I am the new Bacchus, pressing out wine for the human spirit” declared Ludwig van Beethoven, and this is a concert designed to go straight to the head. Debussy’s Prélude conjures a dreamworld of perfumes and colours, while Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto sings and dances in the Spanish sun – especially when played by the marvellous Aylen Pritchin. And then Russian dynamo Maxim Emelyanychev unleashes Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony: forty minutes of great tunes, driving rhythms and raw, heartpounding thrills. ‘...dynamic, energetic and exciting to watch, exhilarating for musicians and audience alike’ - The Guardian on conductor Maxim Emelyanychev

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Classical Music Rimsky-Korsakov Russian Easter Festival Overture Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto No.3 Beethoven Symphony No.7

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony

Maxim Emelyanychev conductor Aylen Pritchin violin

Sunday 13 February 2.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19

Ludwig van Beethoven never pulled his punches. “I am the new Bacchus, pressing out wine for the human spirit”, he declared, and until you’ve heard his Seventh Symphony in full, heartpounding flight, you’ve never known just how intoxicating music can be.

That’s merely the climax of a whole concert devoted to music at its most uninhibited, whether it’s RimskyKorsakov’s Russian revels, or conductor Maxim Emelyanychev and star violinist Aylen Pritchin coming together in Saint-Saëns’ sensuous and sultry Third Violin Concerto.

On Demand

Marta Gardolińska conducts Shostakovich, Lili Boulanger, Poulenc and Lutoslawski Available for 30 days from Tuesday 22 February 7pm

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Strings of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Thursday 17 February 7.30pm £25

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

The European Grand Tour Friday 18 February 7.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19

John Adams Shaker Loops Vivian Fung String Sinfonietta (UK premiere) Schoenberg Verklärte Nacht (1943 string orchestra version) Rebecca Tong conductor John Adams took inspiration from the Minimalist movement to find his own voice in a solid-gold modern classic. Canadian-born composer Vivian Fung’s String Sinfonietta is a lively, dramatic piece, with a first movement loosely based on Balinese Gamelan tradition. Verklärte Nacht, Schoenberg’s seminal late-Romantic masterpiece, concludes this tour de force programme by the strings of the Orchestra.

Corelli Concerto Grosso Bach Concerto for Oboe and Violin Rameau Music from Zoroastre, Les Boréades and Platée Purcell Suite from The Fairy Queen Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.3 Handel Suite from Water Music Benjamin Bayl conductor/ harpsichord Thelma Handy violin Jonathan Small oboe They called it the Grand Tour, when 18th century youngsters would travel Europe in search of culture, learning, and a bit of fun on the side!

Tonight, 18th-century music expert Benjamin Bayl takes the Orchestra on a musical Grand Tour: there’s timeless beauty from Bach, the latest Italian fashions from Corelli, spicy new flavours from Rameau in France and a bit of magical mischief from England’s very own Henry Purcell.

And to finish, Handel’s ever-popular Water Music. All aboard!

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£32 (Superstar - what you would normally pay to attend a live concert) £15 (Supporter) £10 (Individual) Part of our Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra On Demand series

Lili Boulanger D’un matin de printemps Eugene Gigout Grand Choeur Dialogue for organ (solo organ) Poulenc Organ Concerto Lutosławski Little Suite Shostakovich Symphony No.9 Marta Gardolińska conductor Ian Tracey organ At the end of World War II, the Soviet authorities expected composers to write bombastic victory symphonies. What they didn’t expect was Shostakovich’s Ninth: 30 minutes of melody, irreverence and pitch-black satire. Still, with the dynamic young Polish conductor Marta Gardolińska on the podium, nothing is predictable. A haunting nocturne from neglected French genius Lili Boulanger? A flurry of (very Polish) fireworks from Witold Lutosławski? Or Ian Tracey, putting the newly refurbished Liverpool Philharmonic Hall organ through its paces in Poulenc’s glittering concerto for organ, strings and timpani? Warning: it gets loud.

This performance features the newly refurbished Rushworth and Dreaper Organ.

Musical Landscapes

Grace-Evangeline Mason The Imagined Forest (joint commission with BBC Proms) Dukas La Péri: Fanfare and poème dansé Rachmaninov Symphony No.2

Thursday 24 February 7.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19

Domingo Hindoyan conductor

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Sponsored by

Imagine a symphony as vast as Russia itself – a musical journey on an epic scale, swept by storms, bursting with melody, and (of course) glowing with tenderness and beauty. It might sound very like Rachmaninov’s magnificent Second Symphony: one of those pieces that we just adore playing. Domingo Hindoyan conducts a real Liverpool favourite, conjures up Dukas’ fairytale world, and begins with an entirely new adventure: a journey deep into the woods with the brilliant young British composer Grace-Evangeline Mason.

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Classical Music Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

The Joy of Mozart Sunday 6 March 2.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19

The Romance of Rachmaninov

Rossini Overture, Semiramide Dukas La Péri: Fanfare and poème dansé Rachmaninov Symphony No.2

Sunday 27 February 2.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19

Domingo Hindoyan conductor Is Rachmaninov’s Second the most romantic symphony ever written?

Let’s just say that it’s got to be a contender: a true Russian epic, swept by storms, glowing with emotion and bursting with the kind of melody that you never forget. Domingo Hindoyan conducts a real Liverpool favourite, first though, he sets the mood in sumptuous style. Rossini’s overture sparkles with Italian sunshine. And then Paul Dukas whirls us away to an imaginary Orient, for a tale of mystery, magic and (of course) love.

Thursday 3 March 7.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19 Sponsored by

Edmund Finnis Acts of Waves (world premiere, co-commission with Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra) Mozart Piano Concerto No.20 Nielsen Symphony No.4 ‘Inextinguishable’ Domingo Hindoyan conductor Kit Armstrong piano For Carl Nielsen, music wasn’t just a matter of life and death – it was more important than that. “Music is life” he declared “and like it, inextinguishable”, and his explosive Fourth Symphony is one of those pieces that grabs you and doesn’t let go. Domingo Hindoyan won’t hold back – but there’ll be plenty of elegance (and eloquence) when pianist Kit Armstrong brings all his flair to Mozart’s 20th Concerto (think Amadeus), and in the fascinating new soundworld of British composer Edmund Finnis: another Liverpool ‘first’.

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Domingo Hindoyan conductor Kit Armstrong piano When Mozart played his own piano concertos, 18th-century listeners said that he filled every note with creativity and joy. Mozart can’t be with us today, so we’ve invited the next best thing: Kit Armstrong, a young pianist who’s been described as “phenomenal” by the great Alfred Brendel himself. Domingo Hindoyan adds the irresistible Figaro overture, and finishes with arguably the greatest symphony even Mozart ever wrote. Music doesn’t get any better than this.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Inextinguishable

Mozart Overture, Marriage of Figaro Mozart Piano Concerto No.20 Mozart Symphony No.41 ‘Jupiter’

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Chamber Music

Nobuyuki Tsujii, piano Monday 7 March 7.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

The Lark Ascending Thursday 10 March 7.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19

Post Concert Question Time see page 52 for details

Beethoven Sonata in C minor ‘Moonlight’ Liszt Concert Paraphrase on Rigoletto Liszt Consolation No.3 Liszt Mephisto Waltz No.1 Chopin Barcarolle in F Chopin Sonata No.3 in B minor, Op.58 Liverpool knows and loves Nobuyuki Tsujii – the Japanese pianist whose artistry and charisma leaves audiences cheering and critics lost for words. ‘Player and music seem one’ wrote The Observer. Tonight, he stretches his wings, as Liszt dances with the Devil, Beethoven dreams in the moonlight, and Frédéric Chopin, the doomed poet of the piano, pours out his heart and soul. Nobuyuki will make them all soar, in a programme drenched in fantasy, emotion and the kind of piano playing you thought they didn’t make any more.

Schubert Symphony No.2 Mahler Rückert Lieder Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending Sibelius Symphony No.7 Mihhail Gerts conductor Roderick Williams baritone “I live alone in my heaven / In my love, in my song”. Mahler’s Rückert Lieder sing of tenderness, of loneliness, and of the beauty of nature.

And when Roderick Williams performs them, they go straight to your heart. A moment like this needs to be experienced in the right company: so guest conductor Mihhail Gerts frames Mahler with the wit and warmth of the young Schubert, the elemental grandeur of Sibelius, and the rapturous serenity of The Lark Ascending. Detox for the soul.

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Classical Music Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

All American Thursday 24 March 7.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19 In memory of Richard & Diana Morris.

Available for 30 days from from Tuesday 15 March 7pm

Part of our Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra On Demand series

Youth Company

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Youth Choir Sunday 20 March 2.30pm £15

John Adams Shaker Loops Vivian Fung String Sinfonietta (UK premiere) Schoenberg Verklärte Nacht (1943 string orchestra version)

John Adams took inspiration from the Minimalist movement to find his own voice in a solid-gold modern classic. Canadian-born composer Vivian Fung’s String Sinfonietta is a lively, dramatic piece, with a first movement loosely based on Balinese Gamelan tradition. Verklärte Nacht, Schoenberg’s seminal late-Romantic masterpiece, concludes this tour de force programme by the strings of the Orchestra.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Sibelius’ Violin Concerto Thursday 31 March 7.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19

Programme to include: *Dani Howard Verticality *Bruch Romance for viola and orchestra Handel Organ Concerto ‘The Cuckoo and the Nightingale’ Handel Zadok the Priest Simon Emery conductor *Ellie Slorach conductor Gwendolyn Cawdron viola Lee Ward organ Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Choir join forces for an exciting programme conducted by Artistic Director Simon Emery and guest conductor Ellie Slorach, associate conductor of Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s Gwendolyn Cawdron will perform Bruch’s Romance for viola and orchestra, and we’ll hear Liverpool Philharmonic’s newly refurbished organ brought to life by past Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra member Lee Ward.

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This performance is made possible by a grant from the Association of British Orchestra’s Sirens programme, whose aim is to advance and promote the understanding of music by women.

Rebecca Tong conductor

£32 (Superstar - what you would normally pay to attend a live concert) £15 (Supporter) £10 (Individual)

Sarah Hicks conductor Ian Buckle piano America: the land of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Cracking tunes too – whether the toe-tapping rhythms of George Gershwin’s jazz-age Manhattan, the southern heat of Catfish Row, or the supercharged urban energy of Leonard Bernstein, footloose and on the town. But our American guest conductor Sarah Hicks knows that there’s another side to every story, and today she introduces the colourful Gaelic Symphony by the 19th-century Boston composer Amy Beach: stirring sounds, from a very uncommon woman indeed.

On Demand

Rebecca Tong conducts John Adams, Vivian Fung and Schoenberg

Joan Tower Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman Amy Beach Symphony No.2 ‘Gaelic’ Gershwin Variations on ‘I Got Rhythm’ for piano and orchestra Bernstein Three Episodes from ‘On The Town’ Gershwin Catfish Row from Porgy and Bess Suite

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Nielsen Overture, Pan and Syrinx Sibelius Violin Concerto Prokofiev Symphony No.5 Domingo Hindoyan conductor María Dueñas violin Forged in the crucible of war and premiered to the sound of gunfire, Prokofiev’s massive Fifth Symphony is dedicated to “the greatness of the human spirit”. Sounds ambitious? Domingo Hindoyan and the full Orchestra will make it catch fire – a thrilling contrast to the vast icy vistas and elemental power of Sibelius’s hugely popular violin concerto, played by the award-winning young virtuoso María Dueñas, winner of the 2021 Menuhin Competition. Hearing is believing, as Carl Nielsen’s atmospheric musical myth launches an evening of big emotions and serious thrills.

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Section Classical Music Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony

St John Passion Thursday 14 April 7pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19

Sunday 3 April 2.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19

Domingo Hindoyan conductor María Dueñas violin

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Bluebeard’s Castle Thursday 7 April 7.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19

Mahler Adagio from Symphony No.10 Bartók Bluebeard’s Castle Domingo Hindoyan conductor Jennifer Johnston Judith Károly Szemerédy Bluebeard “Darkness rules within your castle… can it be the stone is weeping?”

Duke Bluebeard’s castle has seven doors, and his new wife Judith is determined to unlock them all.

But some questions are best left unasked. Bartók’s opera is one of the all-time great psychological thrillers: eerie, atmospheric and blazing with colours like you’ve never imagined. Liverpool’s own Jennifer Johnston is the fearless heroine, as Domingo Hindoyan lowers the drawbridge. First, though, Mahler: the only possible way to launch an evening of dark emotions and truly wondrous sounds.

Jeannette Sorrell conductor Carine Tinney soprano Robin Blaze countertenor Ed Lyon Evangelist / tenor Roderick Williams Christus/bass Joshua Bloom Pilate / bass Members from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Bach’s St John Passion is more than one of the greatest of all sacred works. It’s a profound spiritual drama; a searching musical exploration of eternal hopes and sorrows. Jeannette Sorrell founded the dynamic American baroque ensemble Apollo’s Fire, and she understands the power of this music from the inside. With members from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir and soloists including our resident artist Roderick Williams, this unique, dramatised performance of Bach’s masterpiece should speak more powerfully than ever.

Beethoven Overture, Leonore No.3 Sibelius Violin Concerto Prokofiev Symphony No.5

In wartime Moscow, when Prokofiev conducted the premiere of his Fifth Symphony, he had to wait for the sound of gunfire to die away first. This “symphony of the greatness of the human spirit” is forged from iron and steel, but today Domingo Hindoyan will make it catch fire – a thrilling contrast to the icy vistas and elemental power of Sibelius’s hugely popular violin concerto, played by the astonishing young virtuoso María Dueñas. Add Beethoven at his most stirring and – well, hearing is believing!

Bach St John Passion

Please note that this performance will be sung in English.

Chamber Music

Ensemble 10/10 Thursday 21 April 7.30pm Tung Auditorium £20 Rushworth Composition Prize commission supported by

Carmel Smickersgill New work (consortium commission with BCMG, Die Neue Ensemble, Hannover, FontanaMIX (Bologna) funded

by Siemens Foundation, Liverpool premiere) Tansy Davies Bonne Clarinette (world premiere, co-commissioned with Helen and David Thomas and University of Liverpool) Athanasia Kontou Antigone: Pure in her crime (world premiere, Rushworth Composition prize winner) John Adams Chamber Symphony Clark Rundell conductor Laura Bowler vocalist Liverpool is a city built on stories, and sometimes the old ones are the newest of all. In ancient Greece, Athanasia Kontou’s Antigone (Rushworth Composition Prize winner 2019) appeals to an authority higher than human law. Way out West, John Adams’s Roadrunner dodges that wily coyote. And here in Liverpool, where the old world speaks with the new, we spin legends of our own. Carmel Smickersgill has worked with New Order; Tansy Davies wrestles modern myths out of neon and steel. We don’t yet know exactly what they’ll say tonight, just that it demands to be heard.

Enjoy this performance in Ensemble 10/10’s brand new home, The Tung Auditorium.

Concert performance, sung in Hungarian with English surtitles.

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Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

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On Demand

Domingo Hindoyan conducts Nielsen, Sibelius and Prokofiev Available for 30 days from Tuesday 26 April 7pm

Domingo Hindoyan conductor María Dueñas violin

£32 (Superstar - what you would normally pay to attend a live concert) £15 (Supporter) £10 (Individual) Part of our Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra On Demand series

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Scottish Symphony Thursday 28 April 7.30pm £48, £42, £36, £29, £19

Nielsen Overture, Pan and Syrinx Sibelius Violin Concerto Prokofiev Symphony No.5

Forged in the crucible of war and premiered to the sound of gunfire, Prokofiev’s massive Fifth Symphony is dedicated to “the greatness of the human spirit”. Sounds ambitious? Domingo Hindoyan and the full Orchestra will make it catch fire – a thrilling contrast to the vast icy vistas and elemental power of Sibelius’s hugely popular violin concerto, played by the award-winning young virtuoso María Dueñas, winner of the 2021 Menuhin Competition. Hearing is believing, as Carl Nielsen’s atmospheric musical myth launches an evening of big emotions and serious thrills.

Mozart Symphony No.36 ‘Linz’ Bruch Concerto for Violin and Viola Mendelssohn Symphony No.3 ‘Scottish’ Julian Rachlin conductor/viola Sarah McElravy violin On a summer evening in Edinburgh, amid the ruins of Holyrood Castle, Felix Mendelssohn imagined the first notes of his Scottish symphony. It’s all there in the music, and when conductor Julian Rachlin returns to the Orchestra, it’ll spring vividly to life. That goes double for Mozart’s sunny, celebratory Linz symphony – and since we’re talking doubles, how about a lovely, neglected concerto by former Liverpool Philharmonic music director Max Bruch? With Sarah McElravy on violin and Julian Rachlin on viola, it’s never sounded more natural.

Photo by Kevin Brown Photography

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Talks & Taking Part

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Talks & Taking Part

Selling Fast

Merseyside Viola Day Sunday 16 January 10am Liverpool Philharmonic at The Friary Free (tickets must be booked in advance)

Music Industry Careers Fest Sunday 20 February 12pm – 6pm Music Room £5 (free for Youth company members and LIMF Academy artists) Image Domingo Hindoyan, Chief Conductor

Post-concert Question Time Free to all ticket holders.

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 starting about 15 minutes after the concert ends in the Music Room.

Ticket package - £18, includes entry to Music Industry Careers Fest and LIMF Academy Orchestrated (see page 32 for details).

Beethoven String Quartet, Op.18 No.1 Saturday 12 March 11am £25

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Thursday 10 March

Conductor Marta Gardolińska and organist Ian Tracey see page 38 for concert details.

Conductor Mihhail Gerts and Artist in Residence Roderick Williams - see page 45 for concert details.

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Hosted by Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company & LIMF Academy Calling all young creatives, musicians and artists: join Liverpool Philharmonic for our annual Careers Fest, curated in partnership with LIMF Academy.

This event offers young people the chance to learn more about careers in music, network with leading industry professionals and meet other likeminded young creatives. The day will include interactive and informative sessions on the range of options available, including performance, composition, conducting, production, management, technology, education, business, and health and wellbeing.

Past presenters have included PRS for Music, Ticketmaster, Drake Music, Warner Chappell Music Publishers, Sentric Music, Samsung, Royal Northern College of Music, Adlib Audio, Facebook, Live Nation, University of Liverpool, and Liverpool Sound City.

Chamber Music

Thursday 13 January

Viola players of all ages and abilities are invited to take part in our second annual Viola Day, with activities to inspire violists and welcome new players on their journey. Also suitable for violinists considering transitioning from violin to viola, the session will be led by associate principal viola Gwendolyn Cawdron and other violists from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

The day will include a range of sessions including a masterclass, technique workshops and ensemble sessions.

Alexander Marks violin Elizabeth Lamberton violin Robert Shepley viola Gethyn Jones cello, host and lecturer This quartet, from Beethoven’s early period, represents Beethoven at a turning point. We hear Beethoven the student, absorbing and imitating Haydn’s wit and capacity for surprise; Beethoven the classicist, handling classical structures with elegance and showcasing his gift for melody; and Beethoven the self-determining artist, seeking to stamp his own voice ever more strongly on his compositions.

This event will feature a 45-minute lecture/demonstration followed by a performance of the string quartet, with a short break in between.

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Comedy & Spoken Word

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Comedy & Spoken Word

We Are Nature

Ray Mears Sunday 27 February 7.30pm £31, £25, (£17.50 - under 16s)

Last Few Tickets

Tim Peake: My Journey To Space Image Tim Peake

Last Few Tickets

Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny Friday 11 February 8pm £35.50, £29.50 Age restriction: 16+

Jimmy’s brand new show contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things. Terrible things that might have affected you or people you know and love. But they’re just jokes - they are not the terrible things. Having political correctness at a comedy show is like having health and safety at a rodeo - you’ve been warned.

Wednesday 9 March 7.30pm £35, £30, £25

Selling Fast

Julian Clary – Born To Mince Sunday 27 March 7.30pm £31, £25

European Space Agency astronaut Tim Peake will be your personal guide through life in space, with unprecedented access, breathtaking photographs, and never-before-seen incredible footage, in this fascinating insight into what it’s really like to be an astronaut. From training to launch, spacewalk to re-entry, Tim reveals the secrets, the science, and the everyday wonders of how and why humans journey into space.

In this outrageously camp show, the renowned Julian Clary will bare his soul as never before in the interests of light entertainment. He’ll murder some wellknown songs along the way, read you a sneak preview from his next memoir A Night At The Lubricant, and make withering remarks about punters foolish enough to sit in the front row.

How can it be you have spent a whole ten minutes staring at a banana? Why do you always do stuff like that? Why do you never do the other really great things where it’s much, much better - and afterwards you don’t want to saw off your own face and post it back to yourself with not quite enough stamps? These times have not been easy. It is natural to want to say the fault belongs to someone… let’s get them.

I Blame You is the brand new show from BAFTA and Perrier awardwinning comedian Dylan Moran. It promises to be a joyously furious romp through the frustration and folly of modern day life.

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Dare To Do It – So Much More To Say

Dick & Angel Strawbridge Tuesday 15 February 7.30pm £35.50, £29.50 Stars of the Channel 4 hit Escape to the Chateau, are on the road again on their Dare To Do It tour with so much more to say!

The charismatic pair will explain who they are, where they have come from, how they met and why they dared to do it. Dick & Angel Strawbridge have a love story to share and will reveal how they ended up in a beautiful castle, with a beautiful family, in a beautiful part of France.

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We need the wilderness as much as the wilderness needs us, and recently we have learnt to value our green spaces more than ever. In this fascinating, inspirational, and educational show, Ray will be demonstrating and explaining techniques that will help us improve our senses and highlight the problems nature faces today. It is time to cease being frustrated and act now to prevent crimes against nature and the environment come and celebrate the importance of the wilderness to us all.

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Electric

Ed Gamble Wednesday 20 April 8pm £26, £20

Ol’ Broken Pancreas is charged up and ready to flick the switch on another night of attention seeking! As seen and heard on Mock the Week, Live At the Apollo, The Russell Howard Hour, QI, Would I Lie To You, and Sunday mornings on Radio X alongside Matthew Crosby - Ed is also a co-host of the award-winning mega-hit podcast Off Menu with James Acaster, a Taskmaster champion, and has his own special Blood Sugar available worldwide on Amazon Prime.

Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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What to expect at Liverpool Philharmonic

How to Book: Online: liverpoolphil.com Telephone: 0151 709 3789

In line with government guidance, seating within Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and Music Room returned to normal with no social distancing in place.

Entry requirements For entry to all events, ticketholders aged 18 and over (unless medically exempt), will need to demonstrate on arrival at the venue proof of COVID-19 status by providing:

• Email or text confirmation of a negative NHS Rapid Lateral Flow Test (test to be taken up to 48 hours at home or at a test centre prior to attending the event at the venue); OR • Proof of full vaccination - both doses received (with the second dose at least 14 days prior to the arrival at the venue) by using the NHS App, an NHS COVID Pass letter (available by phoning 119 and selecting ‘NHS COVID Pass Service’), or by presenting your COVID Vaccination Card; OR • Proof of natural immunity based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of arrival at the venue (and after the 10-day self-isolation period following the result).

Those under the age of 18 should have verbal confirmation from a parent or guardian that they have not received a positive COVID -19 test.

The NHS COVID Pass is available through the NHS App, nhs.uk, or as a letter that can be requested by ringing NHS 119. You will also be able to show text or email confirmation of your vaccine status.

Additional measures at Liverpool Philharmonic We will continue to implement additional measures at our venues to ensure the safety and comfort of audiences including: • • • • •

An enhanced cleaning regime throughout the building Hand sanitiser provided throughout the building Increased ventilation of the venue All audience and staff members will be strongly encouraged to wear face coverings.

We ask all attenders to be considerate and give fellow audience members their space in our bars and public areas, as much as possible.

What if I’m ill or have been instructed to self-isolate?

If you are unable to attend an event due to illness or because you have been instructed to self-isolate, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance by calling Box Office on 0151 709 3789 and we’ll exchange your tickets for a credit voucher that can be used to book tickets for any Liverpool Philharmonic event.

We will continue to be alert to changing conditions and government guidance with respect to COVID-19 and will modify our policies as necessary going forward.

Post: Box Office, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BP In Person: Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BP For opening times, visit liverpoolphil.com/ get-tickets For directions, public transport and parking details, as well as information on refreshments, access and FAQs, visit liverpoolphil.com/planyour-visit.

Booking Fees: Online & Phone: 8% per ticket administrative fee, including postage. From 1 January 2022, a £1 postage fee will be applied on all orders if opting for postal delivery.

In person: No charge

£8 tickets For selected Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performances under 25s, students and those in receipt of Universal Credit or Jobseekers’ Allowance can purchase tickets for just £8. £8 tickets can be purchased from Box Office in person or by phone on 0151 709 3789.

Concessions are subject to availability and your tickets will need to be collected from the venues as proof of eligibility is required.

For more information and the latest updates, please visit liverpoolphil.com/FAQs

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Section

Section

Diary

XX XX XX

December 2021

Key Theto Friary A special anniversary concert, 60 ● years the day since Buddy Holly ● Music Room ● On Demand performed at Liverpool Philharmonic! ● St George’s Hall Concert Room ● Tung Auditorium March 2018 is the diamond anniversary of Buddy Holly’s only ever tour to the UK. In March 1958, he and The Crickets headlined a variety bill compered by DesSat O’Connor.

5 8pm Julian Taylor 15

Sat 5 7.30pm Organ Symphony 41 To celebrate, the UK’s first and best-loved Buddy Holly act, Buddy 30 Sun 6 7.30pm China Crisis 5 Holly and The Cricketers, revisits some of the same venues on the same 7 show 1pm backed A by Tango Paris Rock and Roll 15 dates with a very Mon special The in English Mon 7 7.30pm Queen Extravaganza 5 Orchestra.

Tue 8 8pm Tim Edey 16 January 2022 Wed 9 8pm Martha Tilston 16 Thu 10 7.30pm A Prelude to the Afternoon 41 Sat 1 2.30pm New Year’s Day Proms 37

of a Faun Fri 7 7.30pm Isata Kanneh-Mason, piano 37 Fri 11 8pm Charlie Dore Trio 16

with musicians from the Royal Fri 11 8pm Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny 54

Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Last Few Tickets Sat 8 7pm Messiah 38 Sat 12 8pm Jackie Oates & John Spiers 17 Sun 9 2.30pm Glenn Miller Orchestra 31 Sat 12 8pm Suzanne Vega 5 Thu 13 7.30pm Pipe Dreams 38 Sun 13 2.30pm Beethoven’s Seventh 42 Thu 13 Post-concert Question Time: 52

Symphony

Conductor Marta Gardolińska Sun 13 8pm Heal & Harrow 17

and organist Ian Tracey Mon 14 7.30pm Echo & the Bunnymen 6 Fri 14 8pm The Classic Rock Show 4 Sold Out Sat 15 8pm The Classic Rock Show 4 Mon 14 8pm Serenade for Valentine’s Night 18 Sat 15 8pm Martyn Joseph 13 Tue 15 7.30pm Dick & Angel Strawbridge 54 Sun 16 10am Merseyside Viola Day 53 Fri 31 7.30pm New Year at Liverpool

Philharmonic: Puttin’

on the Ritz

Selling Fast

Sun 16 2.30pm Relaxed Concert: Adventures 31

in the Magical Kingdom Mon 17 8pm Jonathan Aasgaard, cello 13 Tue 18 7pm Domingo Hindoyan conducts 39

Castellanos, Paquito D’Rivera,

Piazzolla and Bartók Thu 20 7.30pm French Classics 39 Fri 21 8pm Jacqui Dankworth & 13

Charlie Wood Sat 22 8pm Jacqui Dankworth & 13

Charlie Wood Sun 23 2.30pm Boléro 40 Mon 24 1pm Pixels Ensemble 14 Thu 27 7.30pm Bruckner’s Eighth Symphony 40 Sat 29 7.30pm Paul Carrack 4 Sun 30 7.30pm Paul Carrack 4 Mon 31 7.30pm Ronan Keating 5

February 2022 Wed 2 12.30pm Dementia-Friendly Concert 14

with musicians from the Royal

Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Thu 3 8pm Africa Oyé Hip Hop Showcase 14 Fri 4 8pm Sarah Jane Morris 15 LiverpoolPhilharmonic @liverpoolphil

Limited

Wed 16 8pm Thu 17 7.30pm

Thu 17 8pm Fri 18 7.30pm Fri 18 8pm Sat 19 7.30pm Sun 20 12pm Sun 20 7.30pm

Mon 21 7.30pm

Luke Wright 18 Strings of the Royal Liverpool 42 Philharmonic Orchestra Sharon Shannon Quartet 18 The European Grand Tour 42 Sharon Shannon Quartet 18 Anton & Erin - Showtime 32 Music Industry Careers Fest 53 Liverpool Philharmonic Youth 32 Company Session Orchestra and LIMF Academy Texas 6 Sold Out

Tue 22 7pm

Wed 23 8pm Thu 24 7.30pm Sat 26 8pm

Sun 27 2.30pm

Sun 27 7.30pm Sun 27 8pm

Marta Gardolińska conducts 43 Shostakovich, Lili Boulanger, Poulenc and Lutoslawski EXTC 19 Musical Landscapes 43 Elfin Bow, Little Sparrow 20 and Daria Kulesh The Romance of 44 Rachmaninov Ray Mears 55 Kathryn Tickell & 20 Amy Thatcher

liverpool_philharmonic

A special anniversary 60 years to the day- since Holly55 Sun concert, 27 7.30pm Julian Clary Born Buddy To Mince performed at Liverpool Philharmonic!Selling Fast

XX March 2022 XX Tue XX Thu Fri Sat

1 3 4 5

8pm 7.30pm 8pm 7.30pm

Jack Lukeman Inextinguishable Harriet Status Quo

20 Mon 28 1pm Old St Paul’s Trio 26 March 2018 is the diamond anniversary of Buddy Holly’s only ever tour 44 Tue 29 8pm Dylan Moran 55 to the UK. In March 1958, he and The Crickets headlined a variety bill 21 Thu 31 7.30pm Sibelius’ Violin Concerto 47 compered by Des O’Connor.

6

Limited To celebrate, the UK’s first and best-loved Buddy Holly act, Buddy April 2022 Holly and revisits some of the same venues on the same Sat 5 8pm Blazin’ Fiddles 21 The Cricketers, dates with Sun 6 2.30pm The Joy of Mozart 45 a very special show backed by The English Rock and Roll Fri 1 1.30pm In Harmony Liverpool 13th 34 Orchestra.

Mon 7 7.30pm Nobuyuki Tsujii, piano 45

Birthday Concert Limited

Mon 7 8pm Tue 8 7.30pm Tue 8 8pm Wed 9 7.30pm

The Best of Bowie Adam Ant Equilibrium Tim Peake: My Journey To Space

7 7 21 55

Last Few Tickets

Wed 9 8pm Thu 10 7.30pm Thu 10

Sat 12 11am

Sat 12 7.30pm Sat 12 8pm Sun 13 8pm Sun 13 2.30pm

Tue 15 7pm

Belinda O’Hooley 22 The Lark Ascending 45 Post-concert Question Time: 52 Conductor Mihhail Gerts and Artist in Residence Roderick Williams Beethoven String Quartet, 53 Op.18 No.1 Tony Hadley 8 Wille and the Bandits 22 Luke Daniels & Nancy Kerr 22 Symphonic Safari on 32 Hope Street Rebecca Tong conducts John 46 Adams, Vivian Fung and Schoenberg Tue 15 8pm Harley Kimbro Lewis 23 Wed 16 8pm Blue Rose Code 23 Thu 17 8pm Breabach 23 Sat 19 8pm Peggy Seeger with 24

Calum MacColl Sun 20 2.30pm Liverpool Philharmonic 46

Youth Orchestra and

Youth Choir Mon 21 8pm Beethoven Septet 24 Wed 23 8pm Twelth Day 25 Thu 24 7.30pm All American 47 Fri 25 1pm Mad Professor 33 Fri 25 2.45pm Mad Professor 33 Fri 25 7.30pm 10cc 8 Last Few Tickets

Fri 25 8pm Cara Dillon Sat 26 7.30pm James Morrison

25 8

Last Few Tickets

Sat 26 8pm

Juan Martin

25

Booking fees may apply - See page 58 for details

Sat 2 8pm Sat 2 8pm Sun 3 2.30pm

Wed 6 7.30pm Thu 7 8pm

Police Dog Hogan 26 Midge Ure 9 Prokofiev’s Fifth 48 Symphony Gretchen Peters 9 An Evening with Ni Maxine: 26 An Ode to Billie Holiday

Thu 7 7.30pm Bluebeard’s Castle Thu 14 7pm St John Passion

48 49

Fri 15 7.30pm Sat 16 7.30pm Mon 18 7.30pm

Barbara Dickson The Unthanks Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets

10 10 10

Tue 19 7.30pm Tue 19 8pm Wed 20 8pm Thu 21 7.30pm Fri 22 8pm Thu 21 8pm Sat 23 7.30pm

Sat 23 8.30pm

Marti Pellow Ímar Ed Gamble Ensemble 10/10 Port Sunlight Sea Dogs The Rheingans Sisters The Way We Were: A Tribute to Barbra Streisand for her 80th Birthday Merry Hell

Sold Out

11 27 55 49 27 27 34

28

Sold Out

Sun 24 8pm

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

11

Limited

Sun 24 8pm India Electric Co. 28 Mon 25 7.30pm Remembering The Oscars 34 Mon 25 8pm Liverpool String Quartet 28 Tue 26 7pm Domingo Hindoyan 50

conducts Nielsen, Sibelius

and Prokofiev Tue 26 8pm Flook 29 Thu 28 7.30pm Scottish Symphony 50 Fri 29 7.30pm Alistair McGowan 29 Fri 29 7.45pm Diversity 35 Sat 30 7.45pm Diversity 35 Sat 30 8pm Elephant Sessions 29

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Book your tickets now! liverpoolphil.com Box Office 0151 709 3789 LiverpoolPhilharmonic liverpoolphil liverpool_philharmonic

For full listings, and new announcements, see liverpoolphil.com Information correct at time of publication, however may be subject to change.

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