Whats on Guide January - April 2019

What’s On

Featuring King of Ghosts / John Grant / Art Garfunkel / Best of Petrenko / Paul Carrack / Music from Star Wars Saga

Box Office 0151 709 3789 liverpoolphil.com

Image John Grant / Page 5

January – April 2019

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Contents Feature – Page 3 Contemporary Music – Page 4 Music Room – Page 11 Family & Variety – Page 23 Talks, Tours & Taking Part – Page 27 Classical Music – Page 32 Film – Page 44 Comedy & Spoken Word – Page 47 Diary – Page 49

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is grateful to the following supporters: Principal Funders

Principal Partners

Thanks to the City of Liverpool for its financial support Premier Sponsor

Media Partner

Sponsors

Corporate Members

AFL Insurance Brokers | Andrew Collinge | Bermans | MgMaStudio/architecture | R S Clare & Co. Ltd | Sutcliffe | Tilney In-Kind Sponsors

Travel Partner

Penny Lane Flower Shop Higher Education Partners

Hotel Partner

Restaurant Partner

Other Public Funders

In Harmony Liverpool THE STEEL CHARITABLE TRUST

The Grodner Family | The Eric and Margaret Kinder Charitable Trust | The Oglesby Charitable Trust In Harmony Fund | The Rushworth Foundation | The Ernest Cook Trust | Robin Bloxsidge & Nick Riddle | Lord Leverhulme’s Charitable Trust | The Hemby Trust | Peter Moore Foundation | Liverpooljazz | Anonymous donors

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Feature

In Harmony Liverpool 10th Birthday Weekend Saturday 9 – Monday 11 March 2019 Get your party hats ready – in 2019, In Harmony Liverpool turns 10! We will be celebrating this milestone all year, with an extra special celebration weekend starting on 9 March – ten years to the day since the programme officially launched.

In Harmony Liverpool uses orchestral music making to improve the life chances of over 1500 children every week in North Liverpool by increasing confidence, wellbeing, skills and resilience, enhanced by opportunities to travel, learn, perform and collaborate with professional musicians, international artists and other young people.

We hope you’ll join us to enjoy the festivities and celebrate the amazing children, families and communities at the heart of this programme.

See page 38 for more details.

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Contemporary Music

Image Paul Carrack

Paul Carrack Friday 18 January 7.30pm Saturday 19 January 7.30pm £34.50, £39.50, £44.50

Legendary Sheffield-born singer, songwriter and former front man of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics returns to the road with his band in early 2019. Dubbed by the BBC as ‘The Man with the Golden Voice’, Paul is undoubtedly a key figure in British pop history, an allrounded musical talent. And as his devoted fans know all too well - a Paul Carrack show is truly something very special.

Born for the Road Tour

Irish Country-Pop crossover star Nathan Carter returns to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, as part of his Born For The Road 2019 tour. As one of Ireland’s biggest live music acts, Nathan has previously beaten the likes of Drake and Beyonce to the top of the charts in Ireland, and his last album Livin’ The Dream was no different, going straight to No. 1.

Nathan Carter and his Band Plus support

Friday 25 January 7.30pm £25, £29, £35

The Classic Rock Show Saturday 26 January 7.30pm £24.50, £30.50, £34.50

As testimony to the ever increasing popularity of classic rock music, the critically acclaimed live show The Classic Rock Show, returns to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

From AC/DC to ZZ Top and everything in between, including Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits, Queen, The Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Meatloaf plus much more, all performed with note-for-note precision, bringing the original iconic and era defining recordings back to life on stage, with a sound and light show to match.

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Contemporary Music

Creedence Clearwater Reimagined Sunday 3 February 7.30pm £25, £31

In the 50th anniversary year of the legendary Woodstock Festival, Creedence Clearwater Reimagined is a celebration of the music of the hugely influential band, Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Using original gear and authentic costumes, and with well-known classics such as ‘Fortunate Son’, ‘Bad Moon Rising’, and ‘Proud Mary’, this high energy show recreates the true sound and feel of Creedence Clearwater Revival in the height of their fame and will transport you back to the birth of roots rock!

John Grant Monday 4 February 7.30pm £25, £31 Exactly three years since the release of his last solo LP, John Grant returns with his new album Love Is Magic.

Grant has laced sumptuous soft-rock ballads with an array of spacey, wistful synthesizer sounds, increasingly adding taut, fizzing sequencers, nu-synth-disco settings and icy soundscapes since his debut solo album in 2010. Now, with his fourth solo album Love Is Magic, Grant continues to evolve, creating his most electronic record yet.

Anyone familiar with Grant’s story will recognise his battles - with addiction and health, with trusting love and relationships. From this turbulence he’s forged another riveting collection of often brutal diatribes and confessionals, where humour, fear, anxiety and anger overlap as Grant, with trademark candour, figuratively exposes the machinations of his saturated brain.

‘Each record I make is more of an amalgamation of who I am…the more I do this, the more I trust myself, and the closer I get to making what I imagine in my head.’ – John Grant

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Contemporary Music Woody Woodmansey and Tony Visconti’s

Holy Holy

Featuring Heaven 17’s Glen Gregory Plus support John Bramwell (I Am Kloot) Saturday 9 February 7.30pm £32.50, £38, £45, £51

Barbara Dickson Sunday 17 February 7.30pm £30, £35

Selling Fast

Mike and The Mechanics Saturday 23 February 7.30pm £35, £40, £46

Ready or Not Here I Come

A Soulful Night to Remember Sunday 3 March 7.30pm £33, £44, £54, £64, £70, £95 (VIP)

10cc Saturday 16 March 7.30pm £33.50, £37.50, £43.50

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Holy Holy are Bowie’s drummer and Spider Man from Mars, Woody Woodmansey, and producer Tony Visconti, accompanied by an all-star band that includes glorious Bowieesque vocals from Heaven 17’s Glenn Gregory. The group perform Bowie’s material from the early years of 1969–73 making these exceptionally accomplished musicians and writers a long way from a tribute band.

Multi-million selling recording artist Barbara Dickson returns with her accomplished band to perform a wonderful range of material drawing on her folk roots, as well as performing globally known hits such as, ‘The Caravan Song’, ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’ plus many more. An evening packed with songs from one of the finest voices you will ever hear!

Mike and The Mechanics - Mike Rutherford, Andrew Roachford and Tim Howar - have sold over 10 million records worldwide. The Looking Back Over My Shoulder Tour in 2019, will include tracks from their highly acclaimed latest album Let Me Fly, and their other classic hits such as ‘The Living Years’, ‘Silent Running’, ‘Word Of Mouth’, ‘Another Cup of Coffee’, and the unforgettable ‘Over My Shoulder’.

Ready or Not Here I Come A Soulful Night to Remember stars the original soul hitmakers Shalamar, The Delfonics, two-time Grammy Award winner Peabo Bryson, The Stylistics featuring Russell Tompkins Jnr, Regina Belle, Shanice, Fern Kinney and introducing Daisy Dance.

Ready or Not Here I Come is the soul show of all soul shows and guarantees to be a night to remember!

Legendary 10cc return to perform the hits that have singled them out as one of the most inventive and influential bands in the history of popular music. The Art-Pop band are heralded in equal measure for their ability to craft ingenious songs, with eleven Top 10 Hits, over 15 million albums sold in the UK alone and three No.1 singles – ‘Rubber Bullets’, ‘Dreadlock Holiday’, and ‘I’m Not In Love’.

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Contemporary Music

Limited

Roy Harper Monday 18 March 7.30pm £25, £35, £45, £50

Renowned folk singer-songwriter Roy Harper celebrates 50 years of classic tracks in this special anniversary concert, which will include his famed epic ‘McGoohan’s Blues’ from his 1968 album Folkjokeopus.

Roy Harper is one of the very few surviving singer-songwriters from the counterculture of the 60’s who is still creatively engaged in new composition and in progressing a body of work that has come to stand for a particularly single minded form of integrity.

‘Deep emotions and devastating performances of musical brilliance’ – Telegraph

The Sensational 60s Experience Sunday 24 March 7.30pm £28.50, £34.50

Stairway to Heaven: Led Zeppelin Masters Tuesday 2 April 7.30pm £25, £30, £35, £45, £50

The Sensational 60s Experience brings you a three hour extravaganza of pure 1960’s nostalgia. Six legendary names take to the stage and deliver to you a night never to be forgotten.

Starring Mike Pender (original voice of The Searchers) Chris Farlowe, Herman’s Hermits, The Swinging Blue Jeans, New Amen Corner and The Fourmost - step back in time to when pop music was at its very best.

Marking fifty years since the release of Led Zeppelin’s self-titled debut album and Led Zeppelin II, Stairway To Heaven: Led Zeppelin Masters celebrates the timeless musical legacy of Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Bonham and John Paul Jones.

Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Vince Contarino and the breathtaking might of the thirty-five-piece The Black Dog Orchestra, Stairway To Heaven: Led Zeppelin Masters is a noholds-barred concert performing the masterpieces of Led Zeppelin.

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Contemporary Music

King of Ghosts Tuesday 9 April 7.30pm £19, £25

King of Ghosts & Around India with a Movie Camera Music by Soumik Datta, Cormac Byrne and Johannes Berauer Soumik Datta sarod Cormac Byrne percussion Bill Barclay piano & conductor City of London Sinfonia Immerse yourself in an atmospheric Indian soundscape as sarod star Soumik Datta and City of London Sinfonia perform a double bill of music for Indian film.

Oscar-winning director Satyajit Ray’s cult and off-beat film Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, will be projected on a large screen with a reimagined live cinematic score (King of Ghosts) that features the haunting sounds of Soumik’s sarod, Cormac Byrne’s Irish folk rhythms and City of London Sinfonia.

The film, which follows the magical journey of Goopy and Bagha who are granted three wishes by the benevolent yet terrifying King of Ghosts, will take you on a breathtaking and magical journey across rural India - a vintage superhero film at its best.

Around India with a Movie Camera presents some of the earliest surviving film from India, as well as enchanting travelogues, intimate home movies and newsreels from British, French and Indian filmmakers, drawn exclusively from the BFI National Archive’s early film collection.

Taking in maharajas and viceroys, fakirs and farmhands, as well as personalities such as Sabu and Gandhi, this compilation by awardwinning filmmaker Sandhya Suri explores not only the people and places of over 70 years ago but asks us to engage with broader themes of a shared history, shifting perspectives in the lead up to Indian independence and the ghosts of the past.

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Contemporary Music An Evening of Songs and Stories

Art Garfunkel Monday 15 April 7.45pm £37.50, £45, £57.50, £63.50

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Art Garfunkel returns to perform a career retrospective, featuring Simon & Garfunkel songs and solo hits, plus pieces from his new autobiography. Art Garfunkel has made an indelible mark on the music world as both a solo artist and half of the unrivalled Simon & Garfunkel.

Collabro Thursday 18 April 7.30pm £19.50, £32.50, £42.50, £50

Collabro, the world’s most successful musical theatre group won Britain’s Got Talent, with one of the biggest majorities ever, and subsequently joined Simon Cowell’s label Syco, along with the likes of One Direction, Little Mix, Susan Boyle and Il Divo.

In the three years since the competition, Collabro have released a number one debut album Stars, followed by Act Two, which peaked at number two in the charts. March 2017 saw the release of their highly anticipated third studio album Home, a collection of stage classics, fan favourites and also their first original song ‘Lighthouse’, and the record is still receiving exceptional critical reviews.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Saturday 20 April 8pm Monday 22 April 8pm £24.50, £30.50, £34.50

Sold Out Extra Date

The Solid Silver 60s Show Wednesday 24 April 7.30pm £28.50, £33, £39

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, the world’s finest tribute to Fleetwood Mac, returns with a brand new show celebrating 50 years of the very best of Fleetwood Mac. Channelling the spirit of Fleetwood Mac at their very best, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac offers a unique opportunity for fans, both old and new, to rediscover the songs and performances that have ensured Fleetwood Mac’s place as one of the most loved groups of all time.

For over 30 years, The Solid Silver 60s Show has entertained the nation, celebrating the world’s most loved music. This year, 60s favourites Peter Noone, Brian Poole and Dave Berry with Vanity Fare unite, bringing together the decade’s biggest artists, singing their greatest hits.

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Contemporary Music A Celebration of the Songs and Music of George Michael

George Featuring Rob Lamberti and The National Philharmonic Concert Orchestra Thursday 25 April 7.30pm £45.50, £47.50, £53.50

Michael English

Plus special guest Brendan Shine Sunday 28 April 7.30pm £25, £31

Celebrating the vocalist of a generation, re-living a pantheon of hits like no other, George honours the music of George Michael, from Wham! to his iconic solo career. This huge, electrifying and authentic live show features original members of George’s own globe-trotting live band alongside the National Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, with vocals from the sensational Rob Lamberti.

Michael and his talented band are renowned for their energetic performances, going from strength to strength in the last four years, packing out venues all over Ireland and the UK. He is dedicated to giving his fans an unforgettable show, and with accolades like ‘Best Country Dance Band’ at The Irish Country Music Awards and ‘Performer of the Year’ at The Sunday World Country Music Awards - there is no stopping the Kildare man.

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Gift Cards Give the gift of live music A perfect Christmas 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

Get closer to the acts you love, experience new artists, and enjoy high quality music in a relaxed and friendly venue.

Secure seats closest to the stage, by booking into our premium seating area. Premium tickets are limited, and seats within the space are unallocated.

Please note there may be some concerts where premium tickets are not available.

Image Kaz Hawkins – see page 21

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Music Room Ian Tracey conductor

Close Up Concert

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Chamber Choir Selling Fast Monday 7 January 8pm Wednesday 9 January 8pm Extra Date £17, £20

British choral music has a long tradition which is the envy of many countries and tonight we hear rounds, madrigals and motets from the early composers Dowland, Tallis, Byrd and Purcell. After the interval, this will be followed by Elgar, Stanford and Sullivan songs, through to Vaughan Williams, Tippett, MacMillan and Rutter – all introduced by conductor and compère, Ian Tracey.

Simon Cowen & Christopher Morley conductors

Sold Out

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company

Youth Company Brass Band

Youth Company Brass Band presents a range of brass band and symphonic music performed by members of Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company.

Thursday 17 January 6pm Free (tickets must be booked in advance)

Paul Jones & Dave Kelly Friday 18 January 8pm £23, £26

Founder members of The Blues Band, Paul Jones and Dave Kelly’s tangled and colourful roots go way back into the true undergrowth of the blues tradition. As well as their own original material, they not only know and perform the work of the greats, ranging from ‘Howlin’ Wolf’ by John Lee Hooker through to Sonny Boy Williamson - they actually played alongside them, and enjoyed their friendship.

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Martyn Joseph Saturday 19 January 8pm £17, £20

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Martyn Joseph has had a successful career spanning 30 years, 32 albums, over half a million record sales and thousands of live performances.

A unique talent driven by passion, social awareness and love for his trade, he’s a jaw dropping guitar player who has developed a unique percussive style, teamed up with a powerful show stopping voice, and has been called ‘The Welsh Springsteen’.

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Lunchtime Concert

Liubov Ulybysheva cello Martin Fogel guitar Monday 21 January 1pm £8, £10

Steve Forbet Wednesday 23 January 8pm £17, £20

Genesis Visible Touch Friday 25 January 8pm Saturday 26 January 7.30pm £18

The Fruit of Broken Lands

Granados Andaluza (Spanish Dance No.5) Ravel Pièce en forme de Habanera Villa-Lobos Etude No. 7 & No. 10 Villa-Lobos Aria from Bachianas Brasileiras de Falla Spanish Dance Radamés Gnattali Sonata for Cello Delius Serenade

More than four decades have passed since folk singer Steve Forbert made his way to New York City from his Meridian, Mississippi birthplace in quest of a career in music. Now, those life-changing experiences have been chronicled by Forbert in his memoir Big City Cat: My Life In Folk Rock, and his evocative new album The Magic Tree.

Genesis Visible Touch are the ultimate Collins-era Genesis show.

After selling out the Music Room in 2018, Genesis Visible Touch are returning for two nights in January 2019.

Performing all the hits and fan-favourites on Friday 25 January, the band will then be recreating Genesis’ iconic 1980 Duke Tour set in full on Saturday 26 January.

This is a standing event.

Close Up Concert

Julian Bliss clarinet Robert Bottriell piano Sunday 27 January 6pm £17, £20

Poulenc Clarinet Sonata Debussy Première Rhapsodie for clarinet André Messager Solo De Concours Gershwin Somebody to watch over me (arr. Joseph Turrin) Gershwin Three Preludes Bernstein Clarinet Sonata Gershwin Embraceable You Joseph Horovitz Sonatina for clarinet and piano

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Music Room

Jah Wobble & The Invaders of the Heart Friday 1 February 8pm £18, £21

Over the past three decades, Jah Wobble has ploughed his own furrow as a prolific solo artist, as well as becoming a well-respected session musician, with a genuine passion for Eastern and Global music. He has worked with a diverse range of musicians, including Baaba Maal, Bjork, Primal Scream, Brian Eno, Sinead O’Connor, Julianne Regan, Dolores O’Riordan, Holgat Czukay, The Edge and Chaka Demus & Pliers.

The man born John Wardle began his musical journey when he met John Lydon and Sid Vicious in 1973. It was Vicious who not only nicknamed John ‘Jah Wobble’ but also loaned him his first bass guitar.

Lydon asked John to join Public Image Limited in spring 1978 and Wardle’s distinctive ‘low end’ bass became the backbone of Public Image Ltd’s pioneering sound.

After its follow-up, the exploratory yet sinister soundscapes of Metal Box, Wardle became disillusioned by politics within the band and their reluctance to play live. He eventually split from the band in mid-1980 and embarked on a prolific solo career.

Jah Wobble’s Invaders of the Heart released their debut album in 1990 and received a Mercury Music Prize nomination for the Rising above Bedlam album. After the acclaimed Take Me to God album in 1994, Jah Wobble launched his own record label, which has subsequently released around 40 albums.

Vishtèn Saturday 2 February 8pm £14, £17

A powerhouse multi-instrumental trio, Vishtèn are flagbearers for their unique Acadian musical tradition throughout the world.

Tight harmonies, layered foot percussion and a compelling trademark blend of fiddle, guitar, accordion, whistles, piano, bodhrán and jaw harp create an expansive sound that triumphantly defies the parameters of a trio in a live show that combines song-writing elegance with the dynamism of three experienced and truly passionate performers.

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Music Room

Beth Rowley Friday 8 February 8pm £12, £15

Ten years ago, Beth Rowley’s debut Little Dreamer went top 10, garnered a Brit nomination and sales in excess of 100,000. Now, with track ‘Forest Fire’ - co-written with Ron Sexsmith - putting her back on the radar and picking up daytime play at 6music, she’s ready to step back into the spotlight.

Breabach Saturday 9 February 8pm £16, £19

Limited

Close Up Concert

Jonathan Aasgaard cello Kristian Lindberg piano

Voted BBC Scotland’s ‘Folk Band of the Year’ at the 2016 Scot’s Trad Music Awards, Scottish five-piece Breabach return with a new album, and to once again deliver a thrilling, unique brand of contemporary folk music.

Weinberg Sonata for solo cello No.1, Op. 72 Myaskovsky Sonata No.2 in A minor, Op.81 Shostakovich Adagio and Waltz Weinberg Preludes for solo cello: selection Weinberg Sonata for cello and piano No.2, Op.63

Monday 11 February 8pm £17, £20

Weinberg loved the cello – it was clearly a vehicle with which he could express his innermost feelings and thoughts. Jonathan Aasgaard and Kristian Lindberg celebrate his centenary with a selection of solo works and music for cello and piano. The programme will also include great works by Weinberg’s peers and friends, Myaskovsky and Shostakovich.

Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra

Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra are known for their unique brand of Western Swing, Blues, Gypsy Jazz and Country, or ‘North Eastern Swing’ as they’ve coined it. A truly incredible live act whose songs, full of character, satire, and good old fashion hollerin’ will stick with you even weeks after!

Wednesday 13 February 8pm £12.50, £15.50

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Music Room Lunchtime Concert

Nina Ashton bassoon Rebekah Abramski bassoon Gareth Twigg contrabassoon Monday 18 February 1pm £8, £10

Tony McManus and Julia Toasepern Monday 18 February 8pm £15, £18

Album Launch

Only Child

Plus very special guests White Little Lies Friday 22 February 8pm £9, £12

Liverpool Acoustic

Merry Hell Saturday 23 February 8pm £14

Daniel Dorff In a Deep Funk for Solo Contrabassoon Sofia Gubaidulina Duo Sonata Kim Ashton Triangulation Kate Whitley New commission Rossini (arr. Gebauer) Barber of Seville duets

Tony McManus, one of the leading guitarists in Celtic Music, joins forces with multi-talented Berlin musician Julia Toaspern, for powerful interwoven guitar duets, and traditional, classical and self-penned songs.

Eclectic folk ensemble Only Child make emotional music featuring strings, guitars, keyboards and harmony vocals. Emotional Geography is the group’s third album and has been described as ‘filled with the aura of truth and the slow burn of beauty’.

After the last two years’ sold out shows, Liverpool Acoustic’s favourite folk-rock band return for another hell-raising show. Merry Hell have made a name for themselves in recent years as one of the most energetic and entertaining bands on the UK folk festival circuit, with four critically acclaimed albums under their belts.

This is a standing event.

Climax Blues Band Sunday 24 February 8pm £18, £21

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Carrying the same standard of quality as it did in the late 60s, with huge selling albums like FM / Live, and Gold Plated, The Climax Blues Band of today continues creating the fine blues blend that the band has been associated with since its formation.

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Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar Tuesday 26 February 8pm £12, £15

Two time BBC Folk Award winners Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar met in 2011. Since meeting, two albums and numerous tours have followed as the duo developed and honed their stage craft, becoming one of the most sought after young acts on the English folk scene.

‘The press coverage and folk club reports have been glowing and rightly so’ – Radio 2 Magazine

McGoldrick, McCusker & Doyle Wednesday 27 February 8pm £18.50, £21.50

Ezio Saturday 2 March 8pm £14.50, £17.50

Close Up Concert

Alexandra Dariescu piano Monday 4 March 8pm £17, £20

Folk music’s legendary triumvirate of Mike McGoldrick, John Doyle and John McCusker, masters of flute, fiddle, song and guitar, bring you their own blend of top class folk songs, tunes and charming bonhomie.

With their recently released album The Wishing Tree, this will be an evening to remember.

Recorded in the company of house-trained rabbits on an industrial estate in Cambridge, Daylight Moon is Ezio’s most personal album yet.

From the crunching blues-rock guitars of ‘Crushed’ to the jazz rhythms of ‘The Gypsy Song’, there’s plenty of genre hopping on show here.

Fauré 5 Preludes, Op.103 Chopin Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise Brillante Boulanger Prelude in D flat Trois morceaux pour piano Tailleferre Romance Pastorale Impromptu Larghetto Valse triste Debussy Estampes L’isle joyeuse This evening’s concert with Romanian pianist Alexandra Dariescu, will give you the opportunity to enjoy works by Boulanger and Tailleferre in the intimate setting of Music Room.

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Music Room Liverpool Acoustic

Stand and Deliver by Pilgrims’ Way Friday 8 March 8pm £14, £17

Meet the highwaymen, robbers, and brigands of England in this energetic and entertaining new show from Pilgrims’ Way. Formed in a Stockport pub in early 2010, Pilgrims’ Way has grown to incorporate a dazzling array of instrumentation and millinery. Off the back of three acclaimed albums, the band are out on the road again. Prime the mild pump, waterproof the revolving mirror ball, and strap on your dancing trousers!

The Poozies Tuesday 12 March 8pm £15, £18

Ross Ainslie & Ali Hutton’s Symbiosis Wednesday 13 March 8pm £14, £17

The ever adventurous Poozies are back, showing off their fantastic new line-up and all-new material. Sarah McFadyen and Tia Files join the band, and together they continue their joyful eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional tunes, from Gaelic waulking songs to old-time American, country and pop.

Ross and Ali, two of Scotland’s most prominent musicians, bring together original compositions from their highly acclaimed albums, Symbiosis I and II, ranging from high octane jigs and reels to beautifully melodic slow airs.

Ross and Ali will be joined by two of Scotland’s finest musicians, Paul Jennings (Croft No. 5), and Jenn Butterworth (Kinnaris Quintet).

This is modern Scottish folk music at its mightiest - you’ll be sure to be set alight!

Karen Matheson Thursday 14 March 8pm £18, £21

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Karen Matheson’s engagingly contemporary and traditional sound is truly unique and mesmerizing.

After over 30 years of recording and performing worldwide, Karen stole the show at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth games in Glasgow last summer, when her stunning rendition of ‘Ae fond kiss’ was televised to over a billion people.

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Music Room

Kristin Hersh Saturday 16 March 8pm £20, £23

Lunchtime Concert

St. Luke’s Quartet

Throwing Muses’ lynchpin, Kristin Hersh’s prolific career has seen her heralded queen of the alternative release. Her tenth studio album, Possible Dust Clouds is a highly personalised sociopathic gem, delivered as a futuristic rewriting of how music works - a melodious breeze with a tail wind of venomous din.

Shostakovich String Quartet No.8 Weinberg String Quartet No.5

Monday 18 March 1pm £8, £10

Alexander Marks violin Elizabeth Lamberton violin Robert Shepley viola Gethyn Jones cello

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company

The Rushworth Young Composers scheme offers young composers the chance to develop their skills, work with mentors to develop their creative and musical voice, and write music for players and singers from Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Choir.

Rushworth Young Composers Thursday 21 March 6pm Free (tickets must be booked in advance)

Rushworth Young Composers have their new compositions performed by members of Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company.

Rachael McShane & The Cartographers Friday 22 March 8pm £12, £15

Rachael McShane is a singer, cellist, fiddle and viola player based in the North East of England. Having toured internationally with folk big band Bellowhead for 12 years, Rachael is now working on a new solo project of traditional songs, playing with a brand new band, The Cartographers.

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Music Room

Galina Vale Sunday 24 March 8pm £12, £15

Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman Tuesday 26 March 8pm £15, £18

58 Fordwych Road Tour

Nick Harper Saturday 30 March 8pm £12.50, £15.50

Ukrainian-born classical and Spanish guitarist, Galina Vale brings her charismatic stage presence, and wide ranging and technically demanding repertoire, including her own arrangements of classical works, Flamenco pieces, and Latin American and East European folk music.

With their landmark 5th album Personae, husband and wife duo Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman introduce us to a host of new characters and stories from their energetic musical imaginations.

Twice winners of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for ‘Best Duo’, an evening in the company of this much-loved couple is intimate, inclusive, warm and inspiring.

58 Fordwych Road is an all new show that centres around a living room of up-and-coming singer-songwriter Roy Harper, his wife Mocy and his young son Nick in a small flat in Kilburn, London, in the mid-1960s. The flat was an after-hours hang out for the legends, who played at Les Cousins in Soho at the height of the acoustic explosion in swingin’ sixties London.

In this unique, one-off show, Nick plays tribute to the time, the place and to the music that became the centre of everything for him and the rest of this ‘family’.

Blue Rose Code Sunday 31 March 8pm £12, £15

Ross Wilson writes from the heart, and has an eclecticism that has become a hallmark of Blue Rose Code, and has seen him compared to John Martyn, Van Morrison and Tom Waits.

Having featured on Loose Ends (BBC Radio 4), and the esteemed Quay Sessions (BBC Radio Scotland), they were also nominated for ‘Scots Singer of the Year’ in the Scots Trad Music Awards 2017.

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Music Room Close Up Concert

Bells, Drums and Whistles Monday 1 April 8pm Tuesday 2 April 8pm £17, £20

Limited Extra Date

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Percussionists: Graham Johns Neil Hitt Jo Frieze Scott Lumsdaine An informative evening of fun and frolics with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Timpani and Percussion sections. The programme will feature close-up views of the players and instruments of the ‘kitchen department’.

The concert is dedicated to the memory of John Ward, former Principal Percussion of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Kaz Hawkins Band Friday 5 April 8pm £12, £15

Le Vent Du Nord Saturday 6 April 8pm £19, £21

Using her music around the world to educate and inform, mental health ambassador/activist Kaz Hawkins shows audiences how she used music to overcome addiction, domestic violence, depression and more. Making her name on the UK Blues scene, the Belfast-born artist successfully launched her solo career in 2018 with Irish, UK and European theatre sell outs.

Combining a great stage presence with an energetic, dynamic flair, Le Vent du Nord are one of the leading names in Québecois folk music performing original songs inspired from their tradition - a truly fabulous sound!

Following their knockout success at festivals and events throughout the UK in 2017 the Québec-based quartet have been invited to return in 2018 with a new line – now making them a Quintet.

Lunchtime Concert

Zelkova Quartet Monday 8 April 1pm £8, £10

Mozart String Quartet No.17, ‘The Hunt’ Dvořák String Quartet No.13 Caroline Pether violin Ed Pether violin Alex Mitchell viola Jonathan Pether cello

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

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Music Room

What Happens?

A Tribute to Langston Hughes Wednesday 10 April 8pm £17, £20

Langston Hughes was an African-American poet, journalist, playwright, novelist and librettist, and a significant figure in the Harlem Renaissance. His writings dealt with social issues of the time which have an uncanny resonance with today, both in America and around the world.

Inspired by his famous poem Harlem, Nigerian-born actor and singer Tayo Aluko who will be accompanied by a three-piece jazz band in dramatic performances of selections of Hughes’s poetry and prose, as well as instrumental music and songs and from the era.

Blue Drag Music Presents

Django’s Legacy IX: Antoine Boyer Saturday 20 April 8pm £20, £23

Blue Drag Music returns with the opening concert of the 2019 concert series dedicated to the music of the legendary gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt - bringing you the 22 year old French superstar Antoine Boyer for the first time!

Antoine Boyer drank from the most authentic sources of gypsy jazz, being a disciple of such masters as Mandino Reinhardt and FrancisAlfred Moerman, and has been billed by most major gypsy jazz festivals in Europe and the United States.

The Furrow Collective Tuesday 23 April 8pm £12, £15

Described by MOJO as ‘a mouthwatering collaboration’, Alasdair Roberts, Emily Portman, Lucy Farrell and Rachel Newton share a mutual love of traditional songs, from both sides of the English and Scottish borders, with playful, boundary-defying musicianship.

Winners of ‘Best Group’ at BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017, The Furrow Collective has been in demand as a touring band, gigging throughout Europe and performing BBC live sessions.

Liverpool Acoustic

Reg Meuross Saturday 27 April 8pm £14, £17

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Described as ‘a brilliant singer-songwriter with a social conscience’ by Mark Radcliffe on BBC Radio 2 Folk Show, singer-songwriter and storyteller Reg Meuross uses words and music to paint pictures that remain with the listener long after the song has been sung.

In this stunning solo show, he presents two powerful song cycles, each centred around a prominent political activist. The first centred around Woody Guthrie’s song ‘Deportees’, whilst the second, entitled ‘12 Silk Handkerchiefs’, celebrates the strength and selfless perseverance of Big Lil’ Bilocca and her fight for greater safety on Hull’s fishing trawlers.

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Family & Variety

Illustration Teddy Bears’ Picnic – see page 25

Raymond Gubbay presents

New Year’s Day Prom Tuesday 1 January 2.30pm £17.50, £22.50, £24.50, £32.50, £39.50, £46

Humperdinck Hansel and Gretel Overture Grieg Morning Mood Grieg In the Hall of the Mountain King Puccini O soave fanciulla from La boheme Verdi Brindisi from La traviata Tchaikovsky The Nutcracker Suite Debussy Clair de Lune Strauss Champagne Polka John Pryce-Jones conductor Sky Ingram soprano Alexander James Edwards tenor Manchester Concert Orchestra A thrilling concert of rousing classics with a grand flag-waving British finale, plus all your Proms favourites including ‘633 Squadron’, ‘Rule, Britannia!’, ‘Hornpipe’, and ‘Land of Hope and Glory’.

Raymond Gubbay presents

Johann Strauss Gala Sunday 6 January 2.30pm £22.50, £29.50, £34.50, £39.50

John Rigby conductor Corinne Cowling soprano Nico Darmanin tenor Alexandra Worrall director and choreographer Johann Strauss Orchestra Johann Strauss Dancers

An enchanting afternoon of all your favourite waltzes and polkas. Snow falls gently on the gilded ballrooms of old Vienna and young couples skate on the frozen Danube - romance is in the air. The elegant dancers in their billowing gowns flamboyantly whirl to the music of Johann Strauss and friends.

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

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Family & Variety Raymond Gubbay presents

Glenn Miller Orchestra With special guests The Polka Dot Dolls performing a tribute to The Andrews Sisters, and guest vocalists Mark Porter and Catherine Sykes.

The UK’s most renowned big band swings you back in time playing Glenn Miller’s own arrangements of favourite wartime chart toppers and hits from the forties, directed by legendary band leader Ray McVay, including ‘Strike up the Band’, ‘Moonlight Serenade’, ‘American Patrol’, ‘Tuxedo Junction’, ‘Little Brown Jug’, ‘Pennsylvania 6-5000’, ‘The Nearness of You’, ‘You’ll Never Know’, ‘In The Mood’, ‘Don’t Fence Me In’ and ‘Begin The Beguine’.

Sunday 13 January 2.30pm £17.50, £19.50, £24.50, £28.50, £32.50

The League of Welldoers

League of Welldoers New Year Benefit Concert featuring your host, Tony Ravel plus eight local artists.

Monday 21 January 2pm £12, £15

Family Concert

Science Fiction Classics Sunday 10 February 2.30pm £11, £15, £22 (adults) £8, £10, £13 (children)

Gavin Sutherland conductor Alasdair Malloy presenter Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra A fantastic adventure through ‘Time And Relative Dimensions In Space’ as our very own Time Lord has close encounters with out-ofthis-world favourites from large and small screens. Including music from Star Wars, Thunderbirds, Knight Rider and Futurama, you can travel Back to the Future in a DeLorean, trek through the stars in The Enterprise – and watch out for despicable villains like Gru and Darth Vader along the way.

Join in the fun and come dressed up as your favourite sci-fi character!

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Family & Variety

Raymond Gubbay presents

Anton & Erin - Dance Those Magical Musicals Tuesday 19 March 7.30pm £27.50, £37.50, £47.50, £49.50

St Mary’s at the Movies Saturday 23 March 7.30pm £12.50, £15

Family Concert

Teddy Bears’ Picnic Sunday 14 April 2.30pm £11, £15, £22 (adults) £8, £10, £13 (children)

The world of ballroom meets musical theatre with stunning costumes and breath-taking choreography set to iconic theatrical favourites, including The Phantom of the Opera, Mary Poppins, 42nd Street, Hairspray, Cabaret, Wicked, Top Hat, Jersey Boys and many more.

Join the nation’s favourite ballroom couple, plus the vocal talent of TV favourite Lance Ellington and the magnificent Manchester Concert Orchestra with conductor Richard Balcombe and a sensational West End dance ensemble.

St. Mary’s College, Crosby is celebrating its centenary year and 21st year of performing at the Liverpool Philharmonic by presenting St. Mary’s at the Movies. This special concert, playing a mashup soundtrack from some of the best-known and well-loved movies, will transport you to ‘a galaxy far, far away.’

Gavin Sutherland conductor Alasdair Malloy presenter Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra The bears are back – another chance to see Liverpool Philharmonic’s We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, with music composed by Ian Stephens, and other teddy bear favourites including ‘Spot the Bear’, ‘The Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ and ‘Lullaby for a Bear’. If you go down to the woods today… Alasdair and Bear will make sure that ‘we’re not scared’!

Bring your favourite teddy to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall for this one-hour concert for all ages!

Remembering the Movies Tuesday 23 April 7.30pm £25, £28.50, £37.50, £42.50, £48.50, £100 (VIP)

From the Golden Age of Hollywood through to the modern mega musical. Enjoy tributes to Audrey Hepburn, Saturday Night Fever, Gene Kelly, The Greatest Showman, Marilyn Monroe, La La Land, James Bond, Cabaret and more. Fall in love all over again with the classic movie songs and dance routines, as Strictly Come Dancing’s Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara celebrate the history of the movies with dazzling choreography, imaginative sets, spectacular backdrops, all supported by an incredible cast of live singers and dancers.

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Family & Variety

Music from the Star Wars Saga Saturday 27 April 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45 Sponsored by

James Shearman conductor Marc Silk presenter Tim Burden presenter Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra A long time ago in galaxy far, far away…. John Williams created one of the greatest scores in movie history. Tonight the full Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is joined by Marc Silk – better known as Aks Moe from The Phantom Menace – to present John Williams’ music from the entire Star Wars saga, from The Phantom Menace right through to The Force Awakens. The Force is strong with this one.

Children’s Workshops £7 (including accompanying adult) £7 additional adults Music Room Our music workshops are a great way to introduce children aged 0-5 years old to music. The whole family can get involved – parents and grandparents are encouraged to join in!

Led by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians, the workshops involve singing, creative music-making and the opportunity to have a go on a range of musical instruments.

Due to space limitations, the number of additional adults is limited for each workshop.

Doors open 15 minutes before the workshop starts, and sessions last 45 minutes.

Baby Voices Wednesday 20 February 11.45am

The perfect introduction to making music with your baby, these workshops include songs, movement and active listening.

Suggested age: 0-18 months

Little Notes Tuesday 19 February 11.45am

Your child will explore pitch and rhythm, using songs and activities to help them develop their creativity. They will also explore percussion and learn about other instruments of the Orchestra.

Suggested age: 3-5 years

Toddler Tunes Tuesday 19 February 10am Wednesday 20 February 10am

In this session, you’ll use songs and games to help your child develop their musicianship and creativity. Children will lead the music making, with you responding and ‘tuning in’ to the sounds.

Suggested age: 18-36 months

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Talks, Tours & Taking Part

Music Room

Discover the Classics £15 per session (£10 claimants & students) Music Room Hosted by Classic FM Creative Director and Breakfast Show host, Tim Lihoreau and Orchestra cellist Gethyn Jones, discover the musical, social and historical stories behind some of the music, composers and artists in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2018-2019 season.

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Gethyn Jones with Jonathan Aasgaard

Gethyn Jones is joined by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic principal cellist, Jonathan Aasgaard to discuss The Gadfly concert - see page 34 for concert details.

Saturday 12 January 11am

Tim Lihoreau with Mahan Esfahani

Tim Lihoreau is joined by Artist in Residence harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani to discuss his residency concerts - see page 41 for concert details.

Saturday 23 March 11am

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Talks, Tours & Taking Part

Liverpool Philharmonic Experience Tours Have you ever wondered what happens backstage, wanted to see the dressing rooms, been curious about the workings of the UK’s oldest continuing professional symphony orchestra or wanted to learn more about the heritage of our glorious Art Deco building? The ‘Liverpool Philharmonic Experience’ is just the ticket…

Our tours are accessible. If you have access requirements, please call us to make your booking, so we can accommodate your requirements.

Image Dear Esther

Sold Out

Discover Thursday 21 February 11am £15

Delve Deep Thursday 11 April 11am £15

Play (For Families) Saturday 27 April 11am £12 (adults), £8 (children)

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Learn about Liverpool Philharmonic’s rich heritage, explore some of the ‘secret spaces’, and enjoy a musical surprise by a Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musician. Tours last about 2 hours.

With historical material from the archives, delve into the Orchestra’s history and workings, hear some of the intriguing stories, gain a better understanding of a musician’s life, and experience a live performance by a Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musician. Tours last about 2 hours.

A super-engaging experience for the whole family, you’ll experience what it’s like to play an instrument centre-stage, hold the conductor’s baton and enjoy a live demonstration by a Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musician. Tours last about 90 minutes and are suitable for children aged 5+.

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Classic Intros Our pre-concert talks and interviews with visiting artists are a great way to get more out of the performance. Free to all ticket holders, they take place in the Music Room.

Stephen Johnson

Mahler 5 Thursday 24 January 6.15pm

Háry János Thursday 7 February 6.15pm

Boléro Thursday 28 February 6.15pm

Norman Lebrecht, one of the most widely-read commentators on music, culture and politics, regular presenter on BBC Radio 3 and author of Why Mahler? discusses Mahler’s Symphony No.5 – see page 34 for concert details.

Thursday 7 February is ‘Time to Talk Day 2019’ and for this Classic Introduction, BBC music broadcaster and author, Stephen Johnson, will discuss his new book How Shostakovich Changed My Mind looking at the extraordinary healing effect of music on sufferers of mental illness – see page 35 for concert details.

Dr Laura Hamer from The Open University with BBC Radio Merseyside’s Angela Heslop in conversation around the works by women composers in this concert, including Lili Boulanger, Germaine Tailleferre and Cécile Chaminade – see page 37 for concert details.

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Talks, Tours & Taking Part

Post-concert Question Time

Elim Chan © Lau Kwok Kei

Free to ticket holders, our post-concert Q&As start 15 minutes after the end of the concert in Music Room, and last around 30 minutes.

Vasily Petrenko © Mark McNulty

Thursday 17 January 9.30pm (approx.)

Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko and cellist Jonathan Aasgaard will answer your questions about the The Gadfly concert – see page 34 for concert details.

Thursday 4 April 9.30pm (approx.)

Elim Chan and Mahan Esfahani will answer your questions about the Enchanting Tales concert – see page 42 for concert details.

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Mahan-Esfahani © Kaja Smith

Enchanting Tales

Vasily Petrenko © Jonathan Aasgaard

The Gadfly

Elim Chan © Willeke Machiels

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Talks, Tours & Taking Part

Get Involved

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company

Music Industry Careers Day Saturday 2 February 10.30am Music Room Free (tickets must be booked in advance)

Come & Sing 2019 Monday 25 February 7pm Free (pre-registration is required)

For young people interested in learning more about careers in music, our careers day offers interactive and informative sessions on the range of options available, including performance, composition, conducting, production, management, technology, education and business.

Doors open at 10am.

Join Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir for an evening of excellent music making. Come & Sing is for young people aged 12-19 and is open for all voices: soprano, alto, tenor and bass!

Get the chance to sing with people your age who also love singing. It’s also a great way to learn more about the Youth Choir.

Come & Play 2019 Sunday 31 March 1.30pm Free (pre-registration is required)

Perfect for anyone interested in finding out more about Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, this Come & Play is for young people aged 12-22 of Grade 6 standard or above on all orchestral instruments.

Working with Simon Emery, Youth Ensembles Artistic Director, and members of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, you’ll get the chance to sit next to other talented young people from across the North West and work on exhilarating orchestral repertoire.

It’s also a great way to learn more about the Youth Orchestra.

NYO Teen Hangout Saturday 13 April 6pm Free (tickets must be booked in advance)

Discover the stories behind the music at this free and friendly preconcert event for teenagers.

Hosted by the NYO’s Young Promoters, the reception includes a lively and interactive presentation and is a fantastic opportunity for teens, students, and young musicians alike to find out more about the music in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain’s evening concert, and meet NYO Musicians.

Please note this event will take place in the Green Room at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, which can be accessed via the Stage Door entrance.

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Classical Music

Do you want to be inspired, relaxed, moved or simply entertained? Classical music is varied and can cater for every occasion. Stretching back over 500 years, there’s something for every taste, and once you find the pieces you enjoy – there is simply nothing quite like it.

Nathalie Stutzmann – see page 42

We’re very proud to present such an exciting and varied season of concerts, but we know the sheer volume can be overwhelming! So if you’re new to classical music and not sure where to start, then here are a few suggestions.

Happy Birthday, Mozart!

Sunday 27 January 2.30pm See page 34

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Valentine’s Classics Thursday 14 February 7.30pm See page 35

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Classical Music

Handel’s Messiah Saturday 5 January 7pm £21, £27, £35, £40, £48 Sponsored by

Stephen Layton conductor Katherine Watson soprano Helen Charlston mezzo-soprano Gwilym Bowen tenor Neal Davies bass-baritone Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Hallelujah! Handel’s Messiah performed live is one of the most uplifting experiences in all music. A New Year tradition in Liverpool, conductor Stephen Layton and a team of first class singers will bring out all the energy, inspiration and sheer joy of this true classic.

Mozart’s Jupiter Thursday 10 January 7.30pm Friday 11 January 1.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45 (£25 Friday)

Sponsored by

Chamber Music

Van Kuijk Quartet Sunday 13 January 2.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25 Sponsored by

Brahms Piano Concerto No.2 Mozart Symphony No.41, ‘Jupiter’ Andrew Manze conductor Francesco Piemontesi piano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra A horn calls softly in the twilight, the piano whispers in reply… who knew Brahms could be quite so dreamy? And then, since there’s not really any other way to follow that, Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze brings out the best with Mozart’s magnificent final symphony.

Haydn String Quartet in D, Op.76 No.5 György Ligeti String Quartet No.1, ‘Métamorphoses Nocturnes’ Schubert String Quartet, ‘Death and the Maiden’ When the Van Kuijk Quartet swept the board at the 2015 Wigmore Hall String Quartet Competition, critics praised their ‘style, energy and sense of risk’ – exactly the qualities you’d want in a performance of these great works!

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Classical Music Shostakovich Suite, The Gadfly Weinberg Cello Concerto Sibelius Symphony No.4

The Gadfly Thursday 17 January 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45

Vasily Petrenko conductor Jonathan Aasgaard cello Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Post Concert Question Time See page 30 for details.

The Gadfly is a favourite on Classic FM, but today, it’s the starting point for a journey of musical discovery, with Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestra’s principal cello, Jonathan Aasgaard.

Grieg Peer Gynt, Suite No.1 Beethoven Piano Concerto No.3 Sibelius Symphony No.4

Peer Gynt Sunday 20 January 2.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45

Vasily Petrenko conductor Beatrice Rana piano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Sibelius was a man of extremes, but then, so was Ludwig van Beethoven and there’s no better showcase for both the brilliance and the wit of the outstanding young Italian pianist Beatrice Rana as she makes her Liverpool debut.

Berg Violin Concerto Mahler Symphony No.5

Mahler 5 Thursday 24 January 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45

Robert Trevino conductor Michael Barenboim violin Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Classic Intro See page 29 for details.

From the heady world of fin-de-siècle Vienna, guest conductor Robert Trevino shares two mighty musical stories of anguish, redemption and (of course) love.

Sponsored by

Happy Birthday, Mozart!

Sunday 27 January 2.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45

Mozart Clarinet Concerto Mahler Symphony No.5 Robert Trevino conductor Julian Bliss clarinet Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Gustav Mahler’s last word was ‘Mozart’, but Mozart’s own last word (well, almost) was his Clarinet Concerto – so what better way to celebrate Mozart’s birthday than with this loveliest of masterpieces, performed by the inimitable Julian Bliss?

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Classical Music

Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique

Beethoven Violin Concerto Tchaikovsky Symphony No.6, Pathétique

Thursday 31 January 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45

Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider conductor/violin Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Sponsored by

‘Pathétique’ means ‘full of feeling’, and Tchaikovsky poured everything he had into one final, overwhelming Symphony: his Sixth.

This is music in the raw, pounding with emotion and packed with melody after glorious melody.

Háry János Thursday 7 February 7.30pm Friday 8 February 1.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45 (£25 Friday) Classic Intro (Thursday concert only) See page 29 for details

Valentine’s Classics Thursday 14 February 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45

Haydn Symphony No.49, ‘La Passione’ Mozart Violin Concerto No.5, ‘Turkish’ Wagner Faust Overture Kodály Suite, Háry János Gilbert Varga conductor Kristóf Baráti violin Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Ever heard a whole orchestra sneeze? Kodály’s Háry János opens with a musical one, and continues to serve up the fun throughout!

Hungarian violinist Kristóf Baráti gives the evening a dash of paprika, before guest conductor Gilbert Varga dances with the Devil in the fabulously moody Faust overture.

Gone with the Wind Tara’s Theme Superman Love Theme, Can You Read My Mind Out of Africa Main Title La La Land The Planetarium Titanic Suite West Side Story Overture Romeo and Juliet Balcony Scene Star Wars Across the Stars Crazy Girl Overture Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (Everything I Do) I Do It for You James Bond From Russia with Love Calamity Jane Secret Love Swing Time The Way You Look Tonight West Side Story Something’s Coming Sleepless in Seattle When I Fall in Love Casablanca As Time Goes By Stephen Bell conductor Matthew Ford singer Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra A kiss is just a kiss… so on Valentine’s night, treat your special someone to a night of movie music at its most gloriously romantic. From Casablanca to Titanic, Star Wars to James Bond, these are the tunes that captured our hearts: love stories that live forever, told in some of the most beautiful music of all time, performed with passion by vocalist Matthew Ford and sprinkled with stardust by the full Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Classical Music

John Lill at 75 Saturday 16 February 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45

Sponsored by

Korngold Schauspiel Overture Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1 Gary Carpenter Ghost Songs (co-commission with Royal Scottish National Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Orquesta Sinfónica de Euskadi) Britten The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra Michael Seal conductor John Lill CBE piano Liverpool Philharmonic Children’s Choir Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra The great British pianist John Lill is 75 in March this year, but when Tchaikovsky hurls a grand piano against a full symphony orchestra in his tempestuous First Piano Concerto, you won’t find a more captivating soloist. And when the singers of our superb youth choirs sing composer Gary Carpenter’s new work written for them and colleagues around the country, we think you’ll be just as impressed.

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Chamber Music

John Lill CBE piano Sunday 17 February 2.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25 Sponsored by

Beethoven 7 Thursday 21 February 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45

Beethoven Sonata in C sharp minor, Op.27 No.2, ‘Moonlight’ Prokofiev Sonata No.6 in A, Op.82 Schumann Scenes from Childhood, Op.15 Chopin Polonaise in F sharp minor, Op.44 Chopin Nocturne in C minor, Op.48 No.1 Chopin Ballade No.4 in F minor, Op.52 Combining jaw-dropping dexterity, limitless imagination and a lifetime of selfless artistry, John Lill is the kind of pianist for whom only the music matters, and this celebration concert displays his full masterly range.

Mark-Anthony Turnage Symphonic Movements (UK premiere/ Liverpool Philharmonic commission with Oregon Symphony and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra) Mahler Rückert Lieder Schubert (arr. Peter Gülke) Andante from Symphony No.10 Beethoven Symphony No.7 Carlos Kalmar conductor Jennifer Johnston mezzo-soprano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Beethoven once said that he wanted his music to intoxicate all humanity – and when you hear the whole Orchestra going for broke at the end of his Seventh Symphony, the excitement can go straight to your head! Add a major UK premiere by Mark-Anthony Turnage, and mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnston, and this is truly a concert to thrill the senses.

Classical Music

Haydn Variations Sunday 24 February 2.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45

Brahms Variations on a theme of Haydn Wagner Wesendonck Lieder Schubert Andante from Symphony No.10 (arr. Peter Gülke) Beethoven Symphony No.7 Carlos Kalmar conductor Jennifer Johnston mezzo-soprano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Violins whirl, drums pound, and as Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony hurtles towards its finish, the horns of the Orchestra practically jump with joy. The evening opens with some real romantic gems: Brahms’s playful homage to his own favourite composer, a piece that Schubert never quite finished, Wagner’s Wesendonck Songs – the intimate confessions of a genius in love.

Boléro Thursday 28 February 7.30pm Friday 1 March 1.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45 (£25 Friday) Classic Intro (Thursday concert only) See page 29 for details.

Sponsored by

Lili Boulanger D’un matin de printemps Germaine Tailleferre Ballade for piano and orchestra Satie (orch. Debussy) Two Gymnopédies No.1 & No.3 Milhaud Suite, Le boeuf sur le toit Bizet Suite, L’Arlésienne Cécile Chaminade Concertino for flute and orchestra Ravel Boléro Jessica Cottis conductor Alexandra Dariescu piano Cormac Henry flute Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Boléro is just the climax of this colourful concert, which features evocative lost masterpieces by not one but three brilliant Frenchwomen, as well as Milhaud’s uproarious cakewalk through 1920s Paris. Jessica Cottis leads the revels, joined by the charismatic Alexandra Dariescu and the Orchestra’s own principal flautist, Cormac Henry.

The ABO Trust received a generous gift from Diana Ambache to run a new fund, Sirens, which aims to raise awareness and appreciation of the music written by historical women from around the world.

Liverpool Philharmonic is one of the first recipients.

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Classical Music

In Harmony Liverpool 10th Birthday Weekend Come along to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall to join in the celebrations – we’ll have a photography exhibition in our Grand Foyer, and you can enjoy fantastic concerts from Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and the Orchestra of In Harmony North of England.

We’ll also welcome special guest artists including cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason who will perform alongside the Orchestra of In Harmony North of England, and award-winning trumpeter, Pacho Flores, who will be our Artist in Residence for the Birthday Weekend.

Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending Tchaikovsky Fantasy Overture, Romeo and Juliet Dvořák Slavonic Dance in G minor Grieg In the Hall of the Mountain King Stravinsky Infernal Dance, Berceuse and Finale from The Firebird Music by Villa Lobos, Piazzolla and Paquito D’Rivera

The Lark Ascending Saturday 9 March 7.30pm £21, £26, £35, £45, £55

Holly Mathieson conductor Pacho Flores trumpet Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra From the tranquillity of The Lark Ascending to the white-knuckle thrills of In the Hall of the Mountain King, great music is all about emotion – and that’s how In Harmony Liverpool has transformed the lives of over 1,000 Liverpool school children. So what better way to celebrate the programme’s 10th birthday than with a whole evening of your favourite classical melodies? From the drama of Stravinsky’s The Firebird to the romance of Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, tonight’s programme is simply glorious.

A portion of the funds from this concert will go to support In Harmony, Liverpool Philharmonic’s groundbreaking music education programme which uses orchestral music-making to improve the health, education and aspirations of children in Everton.

Orchestra of In Harmony North of England Sunday 10 March 1.30pm Free (tickets must be booked in advance)

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The culmination of a Northern England three-city tour, this performance features an orchestra of young musicians from In Harmony programmes in Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle performing alongside BBC Young Musician of the Year 2016 and Liverpool Philharmonic Young Artist in Residence Sheku Kanneh-Mason. The orchestra will perform the World Premiere of The Wonder Files, a new commission from composer Stephen Deazley.

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Classical Music

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Sunday 10 March 6pm £10, £7 (under 25s)

Rossini Overture, The Thieving Magpie Beethoven Allegretto from Symphony No.7 Johann Strauss II Roses from the South Cimarosa Siciliana and Finale (from Concerto in C) Arturo Márquez Danzon No.2 Hans Zimmer Corynorhinus from Batman Begins John Williams Star Wars Suite Simon Emery conductor Pacho Flores trumpet Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra perform music from the movies! Enjoy Hollywood hits from Batman Begins, Star Wars and more, performed by young people, for young people. To celebrate In Harmony Liverpool’s 10th Birthday, we also welcome Artist in Residence, Pacho Flores to perform.

In Harmony Liverpool 10th Birthday Concert Monday 11 March 1.30pm Free (tickets must be booked in advance)

Join us to celebrate 10 years of In Harmony Liverpool - life changing orchestral music-making with the children and families of North Liverpool. Hear 250 young musicians perform their favourite pieces from In Harmony Liverpool’s 10 years, alongside musicians from Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Bring your party hats, and join in the celebration!

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Classical Music Louis Gottschalk Symphony No.1, A Night in the Tropics Claudia Montero Vientos del Sur (Winds of the South): Concerto for Piano Accordion and Orchestra (World Premiere) Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade

A Night in the Tropics Thursday 14 March 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45

Vasily Petrenko conductor Ksenija Sidorova accordion Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra When Louis Gottschalk wrote his First Symphony, he gave its finale an unmistakably Latin shimmy and the first ever orchestral samba. Meanwhile, Rimsky-Korsakov’s sumptuous musical fairytale Scheherazade never gets any less thrilling. In between, enjoy the dance rhythms of this brand new concerto by Argentinean composer Claudia Montero – unmissable!

Falla Suite, The Three Cornered Hat Rodrigo Concierto de Aranjuez for guitar and orchestra Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade

Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez Sunday 17 March 2.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45

Vasily Petrenko conductor Sean Shibe guitar Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra A cruel sultan, a beautiful princess and a thousand and one nights of pleasure: Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade is one of classical music’s wickedest treats. So let Vasily Petrenko sweep you away to a world of sensuous excess, from the Spanish perfumes of Manuel de Falla’s Three Cornered Hat to the Spanish rhythms of the famous Rodrigo Guitar concerto.

Rachmaninov Isle of the Dead Elgar Sea Pictures Beethoven Symphony No.3 Eroica

Best of Petrenko Thursday 21 March 7.30pm Selling Fast Friday 22 March 1.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45 (£25 Friday) Sponsored by

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Vasily Petrenko conductor Kathryn Rudge mezzo-soprano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra As a Russian, Vasily Petrenko has Rachmaninov in his blood. As an adopted Scouser, he’s learned to get under the skin of Elgar. And when he conducts Beethoven – well, in the words of one critic, it’s ‘explosive’. We’re also delighted to welcome back the award-winning mezzo-soprano Kathryn Rudge, bringing all her sense of theatre to Elgar’s startlingly passionate songs.

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Classical Music

Mahan Esfahani – Artist in Residence Award-winning Iranian-American harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani is changing the face of harpsichord playing. His virtuosic performances engage audiences across the world, and we know his Liverpool Philharmonic residency in 2019 will be no exception.

This season, we are also delighted to be working with British composer, arranger and orchestrator, Gary Carpenter, presenting a series of his new and existing works.

Chamber Music

Mahan Esfahani harpsichord Sunday 24 March 2.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25

JS Bach Four Duettos, BWV 802-805 Partita No.4 in D, BWV 828 Fantasia in G, BWV 917 Partita No.5 in G, BWV 829 Hearing Esfahani play Bach live, is an energising experience and this solo recital of Bach’s keyboard Partitas and Duettos will be like a revitalising massage for both mind and spirit.

Sponsored by

Chamber Music

Ensemble 10/10: Mahan Esfahani harpsichord & Jonathan Small oboe Wednesday 27 March 7.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £20

Sponsored by

Gary Carpenter Mondrian, concerto for harpsichord (World Premiere) Falla Concerto for harpsichord and ensemble Henri Dutilleux Les citations Hindemith Octet There’s only one Mahan Esfahani – an artist with attitude, who’s determined to bring the harpsichord kicking and biting into the 21st century, so imagine how he’ll sound when he joins forces with Ensemble 10/10, up close in St George’s Hall to explore 20th century classics as well as something brand new from the imagination of our Composer in Association, Gary Carpenter.

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Classical Music

Enchanting Tales Thursday 4 April 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45 Post Concert Question Time See page 30 for details.

Stravinsky Pulcinella, Suite Elena Kats-Chernin Ancient Letters, concerto for amplified harpsichord and orchestra Ravel Mother Goose, Suite Stravinsky Symphony in Three Movements Elim Chan conductor Mahan Esfahani harpsichord Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Elena Kats- Chernin takes tales from the Silk Road, and creates a typically quirky showpiece for our Artist in Residence, Mahan Esfahani. Maurice Ravel, meanwhile, looks back on childhood in his ravishing Mother Goose. Guest conductor Elim Chan’s concerts are nothing if not entertaining – and she finishes this one with more Stravinsky: the high-kicking, high-voltage Symphony in Three Movements, written in 1940s Hollywood.

Mahan Esfahani: Harpsichord Concerto Sunday 7 April 2.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45

Stravinsky Symphony in Three Movements JC Bach Harpsichord Concerto in E flat Poulenc Concert Champêtre for harpsichord and orchestra Ravel Mother Goose, Suite Elim Chan conductor Mahan Esfahani harpsichord Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Mahan Esfahani loves JC Bach’s music, and today he pairs it with Poulenc’s delicious Concert Champêtre to form a delightfully unexpected centre to this concert with Elim Chan – a conductor who says she ‘wants to create magic’.

Bach Mass in B minor

Bach Mass in B minor

Saturday 30 March 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45

Nathalie Stutzmann conductor Siobhan Stagg soprano Kristina Hammarström mezzo-soprano Bror Magnus Tødenes tenor Ante Jerkunica bass Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Sponsored by

Whether you’re a listener or a performer, a believer or non-believer, music offers few mightier spiritual or artistic challenges than Bach’s masterpiece for choir. But then, few conductors are better equipped to tackle it than Nathalie Stutzmann.

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Classical Music

Virtuoso Violin Thursday 11 April 7.30pm Friday 12 April 1.30pm £15, £21, £27, £35, £45 (£25 Friday) Sponsored by

National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain Saturday 13 April 7.30pm £10, £16, £22, £27 (£5 under 25s)

Rossini Overture, Semiramide Paganini Violin Concerto No.1 Dvořák Symphony No.8 Michele Mariotti conductor Ray Chen violin Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra A quiet hymn, a flurry of birdsong, a dancing rhythm, and Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony bursts into sunny, irrepressible life, perfect for the lively young Italian conductor Michele Mariotti who’ll bring out all the drama of Rossini’s Semiramide overture too. In between, prepare to be dazzled by the music of Niccolò Paganini, played by the brilliant Ray Chen!

Silvestre Revueltas Sensemayá Carlos Chávez Symphony No.2 (Sinfonía India) Gershwin Piano Concerto in F Copland Symphony No.3 Carlos Miguel Prieto conductor Xiayin Wang piano ‘What binds us together is greater than what drives us apart’ – Barack Obama This summer, experience a united force of brilliantly talented and fiercely passionate young musicians – the world’s greatest orchestra of teenagers, in fact – come together under the baton of Mexican conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto to extend the hand of friendship across the Mexican-US border, celebrating the power of music to build bridges.

Love Music: In Harmony Liverpool Booking fees may apply - See page 52 for details

To support this life-changing music project please visit liverpoolphil.com/ love-music

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Film The antidote to the multiplex, watching a film at Liverpool Philharmonic is a unique experience. Enjoy fantastic films on the world’s last remaining working Walturdaw cinema screen, with organ accompaniment from resident organist Dave Nicholas.

Image Puccini’s Madama Butterfly

Glyndebourne Film Screening

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly (cert PG) Saturday 12 January 2pm £16, £25

When an innocent young Geisha meets an American naval officer she falls instantly and deeply in love. Giving up her family and her faith, she risks all in marriage to the dashing Lieutenant Pinkerton. But her fragile happiness cannot last. Soon love turns to abandonment and betrayal, and Butterfly is forced to make one final, agonising sacrifice.

Compressing ‘great grief into small souls’, as the composer himself described it, Madama Butterfly is a classic love story that never fails to move, a tragic romance that sweeps you along in the intensity of its action. Blending authentic Japanese music with luscious European harmonies and orchestration, the opera is an irresistible fusion of East and West.

Captured live in 2018. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.

Running time 140 mins, plus 60 min interval.

All our screenings will include a glass of fizz on arrival and a one hour interval, where you can enjoy a picnic, for the full Glyndebourne experience.

Picnics (£20 per person) can be purchased online when booking your tickets. Picnics must be purchased in advance, and will be available for collection on the day. Vegetarian picnic bags are also available.

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Film

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (cert TBC)

Director David Yates Screenplay J.K.Rowling Starring Eddie Redmayne. Kathering Waterson, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Jude Law, Johnny Depp

Tuesday 15 January 7.30pm £8, £10, £12

The second instalment of the Fantastic Beasts adventures delves back into J. K. Rowling’s enchanting Wizarding World™, swapping the hustle and bustle of 1920s New York for the moody streets of Paris a year on, where a slew of new characters and wonderful beasts await discovery.

The powerful dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) has escaped custody and has set about gathering followers – out to purge the world of all non-magical beings. In an effort to thwart his plans and restore harmony, a young Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) enlists the help of his former student, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), who agrees to help, unaware of the dark magic that lies ahead.

© 2016 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved ‘Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Publishing Rights © J.K.Rowling’ ‘J.K.Rowling’s Wizarding World TM J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.’

Mary Poppins Returns (cert TBC) Tuesday 5 February 7.30pm £8, £10, £12

Director Rob Marshall Starring Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Meryl Streep, Dick Van Dyke, Angela Lansbury, Colin Firth After her original visit 25 years earlier, Mary Poppins comes back to visit Jane Banks and her brother Michael, now a father of three, to help them rediscover the joy they knew as children. Starring Emily Blunt as the ‘practically-perfect’ nanny with unique magical skills, this adventure introduces a host of colourful new characters, including optimistic street lamplighter, Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda).

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Film Director Jon S. Baird Starring Steve Coogan, John C. Reilly, Shirley Henderson, Nina Arianda, Danny Huston, Rufus Jones

Stan and Ollie (cert TBC) Wednesday 13 March 7.30pm £8, £10, £12

The true story of Hollywood’s greatest comedy double act, Laurel and Hardy, is brought to the big screen for the first time. Starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly as the legendary movie icons, Stan and Ollie is the heart-warming story of what would become the pair’s triumphant farewell tour.

With their golden era long behind them, the pair embark on a variety hall tour of Britain and Ireland. Despite the pressures of a hectic schedule, and with the support of their wives Lucille (Shirley Henderson) and Ida (Nina Arianda) – a formidable double act in their own right - the pair’s love of performing, as well as for each other, endures as they secure their place in the hearts of their adoring public.

Glyndebourne Film Screening

David has vanquished the giant Goliath, but not everyone rejoices in his victory. Jealous of the young warrior, King Saul turns against him, descending into violent, destructive madness that forces his children to choose between loyalty and love, tearing both a family and a nation apart.

Handel’s Saul (cert 12A) Friday 12 April 6.30pm £16, £25

Handel’s vision of a Lear-like king is astonishing in its psychological complexity, offering a musical portrait of mental collapse few have since matched. Combined with thrilling choruses that exploit the virtuosic potential of their singers, exquisite arias and bold orchestration filled with unusual instruments, it creates a Biblical drama of truly Shakespearean scope.

All our screenings will include a glass of fizz on arrival and a one hour interval, where you can enjoy a picnic, for the full Glyndebourne experience.

Captured live in 2015. Sung in English with English supertitles. Running time 175 mins, plus 60 min interval.

Picnics (£20 per person) can be purchased online when booking your tickets. Picnics must be purchased in advance, and will be available for collection on the day. Vegetarian picnic bags are also available.

Mary Queen of Scots

Director Josie Rourke Starring Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie

(cert TBC) Tuesday 16 April 7.30pm £8, £10, £12

Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan) defies pressure to remarry, instead returning to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. But Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie).

Determined to rule as much more than a figurehead, Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, threatening Elizabeth’s sovereignty.

Betrayal, rebellion, and conspiracies within court imperil both thrones – and change the course of history.

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Comedy & Spoken Word Image Sandi Toksvig

National Trevor Tour

Sandi Toksvig Live!

Friday 8 February 8pm £20, £26, £32

Sandi Toksvig is bringing her brand new, one-woman comedy show to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Expect tall stories, fascinatingly funny facts, really silly jokes and some terrible baking from the host of Great British Bake Off, QI and Fifteen to One. In the quick fire Q&A you can ask Sandi whatever you want!

‘Laden with laughs’ – Guardian

Luckiest Man Alive Tour

Dr John Cooper Clarke

With very special guest Simon Day as Geoffrey Allerton Friday 22 February 7.30pm £19.50, £25, £29.50, £35, £40

Britain’s best loved poet Dr John Cooper Clarke has announced a live show at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, and will be joined by very special guest acclaimed comedian Simon Day, who will be performing as Yorkshire poet Geoffrey Allerton.

The show is a sensational showcase of spoken word – a chance to see John perform material both classic and brand new as he delves into his vast back catalogue, as well as his prolific collection of new work, all read from his trademark battered notebooks, delivered in John’s legendary, rapid fire style and iconic Salford drawl.

Booking fees may apply - See page 51 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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Comedy & Spoken Word

Dr Michael Mosley Sunday 24 February 8pm £23.50, £29.50

In this informative and entertaining live show, Dr Michael Mosley - the man behind the iconic 5:2 Diet - will explore common health myths and offer fascinating insights into the workings of the human body. He will take you on the unconventional journey that he himself has travelled, from swallowing tape worm to uncovering revolutionary new ways to lose weight, get fit and reduce stress.

Bill Burr Tuesday 26 February 8pm Wednesday 27 February 8pm £25, £30, £35, £41

Stand-up comedian Bill Burr performs in Liverpool for the very first time in association with Laughterhouse Comedy in February 2019!

The ‘wicked wizardry’ (Rolling Stone) of Bill Burr earned him the 17th spot in the Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time list in 2017.

Age Guidance: 16+

Paddy Crazy Horse Tour

Tommy Tiernan Wednesday 10 April 8pm £20, £26

The star of Channel 4’s Derry Girls has a new show, Paddy Crazy Horse. He rants and raves, he dances and acts. He tries to be very silly and very serious at the same time. This is a fast paced and exuberant celebration of everything that’s wild, wrong and wonderful about being alive right now.

Age Guidance: 15+

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Diary January 2019 Tue 1 2.30pm Sat 5 7pm Sun 6 2.30pm Mon 7 8pm

Wed 9 8pm

Thu 10 7.30pm Fri 11 1.30pm Sat 12 11am

Sat 12 2pm Sun 13 2.30pm Sun 13 2.30pm Tue 15 7.30pm

Thu 17 6pm

Thu 17 7.30pm Fri 18 7.30pm Fri 18 8pm Sat 19 7.30pm Sat 19 8pm Sun 20 2.30pm Mon 21 1pm

Mon 21 2pm Wed 23 8pm Thu 24 7.30pm Fri 25 7.30pm Fri 25 8pm Sat 26 7.30pm Sat 26 7.30pm Sun 27 2.30pm Sun 27 6pm

Thu 31 7.30pm

New Year’s Day Prom P23 Handel’s Messiah P33 Johann Strauss Gala P23 Royal Liverpool Philharmonic P12 Chamber Choir

Key ● Music Room ● St George’s Hall Concert Room

February 2019

Fri 1 8pm Jah Wobble & The Invaders P14

of the Heart Sat 2 10.30am Music Industry Careers Day P31 Sat 2 8pm Vishtèn P14 Sun 3 7.30pm Creedence Clearwater P5

Reimagined Selling Fast Mon 4 7.30pm John Grant P5 Royal Liverpool Philharmonic P12 Tue 5 7.30pm Mary Poppins Returns P45 Chamber Choir Thu

7 7.30pm Háry János P35 Extra Date Fri 8 1.30pm Háry János P35 Mozart’s Jupiter P33 Fri 8 8pm Sandi Toksvig Live!

P47 Mozart’s Jupiter P33 Fri 8 8pm Beth Rowley P15 Gethyn Jones with P27 Sat 9 7.30pm Holy Holy P6 Jonathan Aasgaard Sat 9 8pm Breabach P15 Selling Fast Sun 10 2.30pm Science Fiction Classics P24 Puccini’s Madama Butterfly P44 Mon 11 8pm Jonathan Aasgaard cello, P15 Glenn Miller Orchestra P24

Kristian Lindberg piano Van Kuijk Quartet P33 Limited

Fantastic Beasts: P45 Wed 13 8pm Rob Heron & P15 The Crimes of Grindelwald

The Tea Pad Orchestra Youth Company Brass Band P12 Thu 14 7.30pm Valentine’s Classics P35 Sold Out Sat

16 7.30pm John Lill at 75 P36 The Gadfly P34 Sun 17 2.30pm John Lill CBE piano P36 Paul Carrack P4 Limited

Paul Jones & Dave Kelly P12 Sun 17 7.30pm Barbara Dickson P6 Paul Carrack P4 Mon 18 1pm Nina Ashton bassoon, P16 Martyn Joseph P12

Rebekah Abramski bassoon, Peer Gynt P34

Gareth Twigg contrabassoon Liubov Ulybysheva cello P13 Mon 18 8pm Tony McManus and P16 Martin Fogel guitar

Julia Toasepern The League of Welldoers P24 Tue 19 10am Toddler Tunes P26 Steve Forbet P13 Tue 19 11.45am Little Notes P26 Mahler 5 P34 Wed 20 10am Toddler Tunes P26 Nathan Carter and his Band P4 Wed 20 11.45am Baby Voices P26 Genesis Visible Touch P13 Thu 21 11am Liverpool Philharmonic P28 The Classic Rock Show P4

Experience Tour: Discover Genesis Visible Touch P13 Sold Out

Happy Birthday, Mozart!

P34 Thu 21 7.30pm Beethoven 7 P36 Julian Bliss clarinet, P13 Fri 22 7.30pm Dr John Cooper Clarke P47 Robert Bottriell piano Fri 22 8pm Only Child P16 Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique P35

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February 2019 cont.

Sat 23 7.30pm

Sat 23 8pm Sun 24 2.30pm Sun 24 8pm Sun 24 8pm

Mon 25 7pm Tue 26 8pm Tue 26 8pm Wed 27 8pm Wed 27 8pm Thu 28 7.30pm

Mike and The Mechanics Selling Fast

P6

Merry Hell P16 Haydn Variations P37 Dr Michael Mosley P48 50 Years of the P16 Climax Blues Band Come & Sing 2019 P31 Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar P17 Bill Burr P48 Bill Burr P48 McGoldrick, McCusker & Doyle P17 Boléro P37

April 2019

March 2019

Fri 1 1.30pm Sat 2 8pm Sun 3 7.30pm Mon 4 8pm Fri 8 8pm

Sat 9 7.30pm Sun 10 1.30pm

Sun 10 6pm

Mon 11 1.30pm

Tue 12 8pm Wed 13 7.30pm Wed 13 8pm

Thu 14 7.30pm Thu 14 8pm Sat 16 7.30pm Sat 16 8pm Sun 17 2.30pm Mon 18 1pm Mon 18 7.30pm

Tue 19 7.30pm

Thu 21 6pm Thu 21 7.30pm

Fri 22 1.30pm Fri 22 8pm

Sat 23 11am Tim Lihoreau with P27

Mahan Esfahani Sat 23 7.30pm St Mary’s at the Movies P25 Sun 24 2.30pm Mahan Esfahani harpsichord P41 Sun 24 7.30pm The Sensational 60s Experience P7 Sun 24 8pm Galina Vale P20 Tue 26 8pm Kathryn Roberts and P20

Sean Lakeman Wed 27 7.30pm Ensemble 10/10: P41

Mahan Esfahani harpsichord &

Jonathan Small oboe Sat 30 7.30pm Bach Mass in B minor P42 Sat 30 8pm Nick Harper P20 Sun 31 1.30pm Come & Play 2019 P31 Sun 31 8pm Blue Rose Code P20

Boléro P37 Ezio P17 A Soulful Night to Remember P6 Alexandra Dariescu piano P17 Stand & Deliver by P18 Pilgrim’s Way The Lark Ascending P38 Orchestra of In Harmony P38 North of England Liverpool Philharmonic P39 Youth Orchestra In Harmony Liverpool 10th P39 Birthday Concert The Poozies P18 Stan and Ollie P46 Ross Ainslie & Ali Hutton’s P18 Symbiosis A Night in the Tropics P40 Karen Matheson P18 10cc P6 Kristin Hersh P19 Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez P40 St. Luke’s Quartet P19 Roy Harper P7 Limited

Anton & Erin - Dance Those P25 Magical Musicals Rushworth Young Composers P19 Best of Petrenko P40 Selling Fast

Best of Petrenko Rachael McShane & The Cartographers

P40 P19

Mon 1 8pm Bells, Drums and Whistles Limited

Tue 2 7.30pm Stairway to Heaven:

Led Zeppelin Masters Tue 2 8pm Bells, Drums and Whistles Extra Date

Thu 4 7.30pm Enchanting Tales Fri 5 8pm Kaz Hawkins Band Sat 6 8pm Le Vent Du Nord Sun 7 2.30pm Mahan Esfahani:

Harpsichord Concerto Mon 8 1pm Zelkova Quartet Tue 9 7.30pm King of Ghosts Wed 10 8pm Tommy Tiernan Wed 10 8pm What Happens? A Tribute

to Langston Hughes Thu 11 11am Liverpool Philharmonic

Experience Tour: Delve Deep Thu 11 7.30pm Virtuoso Violin Fri 12 1.30pm Virtuoso Violin Fri 12 6.30pm Handel’s Saul Sat 13 6pm NYO Teen Hangout Sat 13 7.30pm National Youth Orchestra

of Great Britain Sun 14 2.30pm Teddy Bears’ Picnic Mon 15 7.45pm Art Garfunkel Tue 16 7.30pm Mary Queen of Scots Thu 18 7.30pm Collabro Sat 20 8pm Django’s Legacy IX:

Antoine Boyer Sat 20 8pm Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Sold Out

Mon 22 8pm Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Extra Date

P21 P7 P21 P42 P21 P21 P42 P21 P8 P48 P22 P28 P43 P43 P46 P31 P43 P25 P9 P46 P9 P22 P9 P9

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April 2019 cont.

Tue 23 7.30pm Remembering the Movies P25 Tue 23 8pm The Furrow Collective P22 Wed 24 7.30pm The Solid Silver 60s Show P9 Thu 25 7.30pm George P10 Sat 27 11am Liverpool Philharmonic P28

Experience Tour: Play

(For Families) Sat 27 7.30pm Music from the Star Wars Saga P26 Sat 27 8pm Reg Meuross P22 Sun 28 7.30pm Michael English P10

For full listings, and new announcements, see liverpoolphil.com.

This publication is correct at the time of going to print and may be subject to change.

How to Book Online liverpoolphil.com Telephone 0151 709 3789 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

Booking Fees

Plan Your Visit

Accessibility

Online & Phone 7.5% per order, includes all costs and standard postage is free

For directions, public transport and parking details, as well as information on refreshments, access and FAQs, visit liverpoolphil. com/plan-your-visit.

Joining our free Access Scheme is the best way to help us provide you with the support you need, and to access a variety of information and benefits, including complimentary tickets for carers, access to wheelchair and transfer seating, etc.

In person No charges.

For more information, and to join the scheme, visit liverpoolphil.com/access

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Become one of a limited number of Priority Premium members and receive priority notifications and booking to gigs at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, plus additional rewards, such as use of our Private Members’ Bar - the 1840 Room - at selected events, option to pre-book a car parking space at selected events, special discounts on selected shows, and invitations to exclusive events.

Sign up for as little £10 a month – liverpoolphil.com/priority Join now and get two free tickets to an upcoming film of your choice!

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Dedicated to performance At Investec Wealth & Investment, we are in tune with your financial future. We have a significant presence in Liverpool, and our team of experts are focused on providing a secure financial future for you and your family. We remain committed to the city’s cultural identity and are proud to be the Principal Partner of the Liverpool Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

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With investment, your capital is at risk.

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Call Peter Allen on 0151 227 2030 email peter.allen@investecwin.co.uk investecwin.co.uk/liverpool Private Clients

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Member firm of the London Stock Exchange. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Investec Wealth & Investment Limited is registered in England. Registered No. 2122340. Registered Office: 30 Gresham Street, EC2V 7QN. Offices at Bath Belfast Birmingham Bournemouth Cheltenham Edinburgh Exeter Glasgow Guildford Leeds Liverpool London Manchester Reigate Sheffield