Whats on Guide January - April 2018

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Featuring Sheridan Smith Erasure Buddy Holly and The Cricketers Jaws in Concert Lisa Stansfield Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra with Stephen Hough piano Box Office liverpoolphil.com 0151 709 3789

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Image Sheridan Smith / Page 9

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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

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In Harmony Liverpool THE STEEL CHARITABLE TRUST

Austin & Hope Pilkington Trust | The Eric and Margaret Kinder Charitable Trust | The Ernest Cook Trust | Everton Nursery School and Family Centre | The Grodner Family | The Hemby Trust | Liverpooljazz | Lord Leverhulme’s Charitable Trust | The Oglesby Charitable Trust In Harmony Fund | The Rushworth Foundation | Anonymous donors

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WELCOME

Celebrating Sgt Pepper: Live

January – April 2018 at Liverpool Philharmonic

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bootleg Beatles

Contents Contemporary Music Page 6 – Music Room Page 11 – Family & Variety Page 18 – Talks, Tours & Taking Page 21 – Classical Music Page 24 – Film Page 32 – Comedy & Spoken Word Page 33

Saturday 13 January 7.30pm Echo Arena Liverpool £39, £54, £61.50, £71.50 Roger McGough presenter

1840 Room Enjoy a pre-concert or interval drink in our Private Members’ Bar, the 1840 Room, for just £7 per person including a free drink.

Avoid the crowds in the Grand Foyer Bar and relax and enjoy views across the city from our third-floor 1840 Room. Spaces are limited so book early.* The 1840 room will be open from 90 minutes prior to the concert start time, and during the interval (closed during the performance). * Available for selected events – look for this symbol Spaces must be pre-booked and are limited.

1840 Room

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Access to the 1840 Room, when available, is also included in Priority Premium membership – visit liverpoolphil.com/priority

Celebrating Sgt Pepper: Live | 5

As Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band reaches its half century, and Echo Arena Liverpool celebrates its 10th birthday, the awardwinning Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the nation’s premier Beatle group The Bootleg Beatles team up to perform this iconic album live in its entirety. After a sold-out UK tour in Summer 2017, the show is back…bigger and better than ever, with new visuals!

Orchestrated by Nigel Osborne and hosted by the legendary Liverpool poet Roger McGough, this special concert is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience what Rolling Stone magazine proclaimed ‘the number one greatest album of all time’ complete with full-blown symphonic backing.

Incorporating many other hits from the heady days of 1967, including ‘Strawberry Fields’, ‘Penny Lane’ and ‘All You Need Is Love’, don’t miss this highlight of 2018, which marks 10 years since Liverpool was European Capital of Culture and the Orchestra performed the first ever concert at Echo Arena Liverpool to start that memorable year.

★★★★★ ‘Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sgt Pepper, the real band would have struggled to fake it as well as this…. it was as exhilarating as that remarkable album itself.’

The Times Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.

To book for this event, visit echoarena.com or call the Echo Arena Liverpool Box Office 0844 8000 400

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6 | Contemporary Music

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC Nathan Carter and his band Saturday 27 January 7.30pm £25, £28, £34 – An exciting feature on the UK Country scene, Nathan Carter returns to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall with his unique blend of Celtic, country and pop.

Image Dear Esther Live

Dear Esther Live Friday 26 January 8pm £18.50, £24.50 (£14.50 under 26s) – A deserted Hebridean landscape, memories of a fatal crash, a book written by a dying man – explore a

haunting, deserted, island shrouded in mystery in a live performance of the videogame Dear Esther.

With the play-through of the game on-screen accompanied by live narration and performance of BAFTAwinning composer Jessica

Curry’s powerful score, the story of the acclaimed videogame is brought to life in a performative work as never seen before.

Carter is a household name in Ireland, topping the charts and with fans flocking to see him and his superb six piece band at dances and concerts. His shows are big. With a superb live sound, stage set and light show, he has brought a whole new generation of fans of all ages to country music in Ireland.

Legendary Frontmen of Rock

Joe Brown

Guitar Greats - World Tour 2018

Sunday 28 January 7.30pm £26.50, £28.50, £34.50 – A mega musical talent, Joe Brown has seen it all and his tales of life on the road are, quite simply, hilarious. So now, something really special and for the first time ever – Just Joe. An audience with the man himself uncut, uncensored, solo.

Friday 2 February 7.30pm £23.50, £29.50, £33.50 – Critically acclaimed The Classic Rock Show returns to Liverpool Philharmonic with an amazing new live production.

With special guest Henry Gross

Stories and anecdotes, and plenty of songs and music, aided and abetted by Joe’s old friend, US-born guitarist, Henry Gross.

The Classic Rock Show

by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), Walter Becker (Steely Dan), Eric Clapton, Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac) and Pete Townsend (The Who) plus many more!

Monday 5 February 7.30pm £25, £30, £36 – The Legendary Frontmen of Rock is a line-up that rock fans will not want to miss. Raiding the rock vault, the show brings you two legends of rock and non-stop classic rock hits, album tracks and rock anthems delivered the way they should be in their original format.

Fran Cosmo (former lead singer of Boston) and his band perform the music of Boston, and Bobby Kimball (original lead singer of Toto) and his band perform the music of Toto.

Paying tribute to many of the world’s all time guitar greats, The Classic Rock Show’s world class musicians power through classic rock’s finest moments, celebrating legendary performances

Booking fees may apply - See page 34 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Contemporary Music | 7 SO T OU

Plus support Bright Light Bright Light

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Erasure

Tuesday 6 February 7.30pm £40, £43.50, £60 1840 Room

Paul Carrack Saturday 10 February 7.30pm Sunday 11 February 7.30pm £32.50, £39.50, £44.50 – Legendary Sheffield-born singer, songwriter and former frontman of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics is back on the road with his band and a back-catalogue of hits to his

Icons of the 80s Featuring Go West, Nik Kershaw & Cutting Crew

Friday 16 February 7.30pm £24.50, £29.50, £34.50, £42.50 – The 80s are back as these three legendary stars join forces for a truly incredible concert experience.

name including ‘How Long’, ‘Tempted’ and ‘The Living Years’.

Dubbed by the BBC as ‘The Man with the Golden Voice’, Paul is undoubtedly a key figure in British pop history, and an all-round musical talent.

1840 Room

With millions of albums sales and iconic hits such as ‘We Close Our Eyes’, ‘Call Me’, ‘King Of Wishful Thinking’, ‘Wouldn’t It Be Good’, ‘The Riddle’, ‘I Won’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’, ‘I’ve Been In Love Before’ and the classic ‘(I Just) Died In Your Arms’, this authentic 80s triple header is unmissable!

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Rebecca Ferguson

Saturday 24 February 7.30pm £28.50, £35, £60 (VIP) – Liverpool-born Rebecca Ferguson has come a long way from the shy twenty-something audiences first saw on UK’s The X Factor seven years ago.

She has proven herself to be a recording artist with a passion for her craft and is continuing to flourish as a songwriter and stunning live performer, touring across the UK, Europe and US. 1840 Room

The Sensational 60s Experience Saturday 17 March 7.30pm £28.50, £34.50 – Returning by popular demand for one night only - without doubt the most explosive 60s show touring the UK.

Elkie Brooks Wednesday 28 February 7.30pm £29.50, £32.50, £38.50 – Elkie will be performing her biggest hits including ‘Pearl’s A Singer’, ‘Lilac Wine’, ‘Don’t Cry Out Loud’, and ‘No More The Fool’, as well as many more featured on her recent hit album Pearls – The Very Best Of.

You Walk In The Room’, ‘Out Of Time’, ‘Handbags And Gladrags’, ‘I’m Into Something Good’ and ‘Bend Me Shape Me’, and many more.

Starring Mike Pender (original voice of The Searchers) Chris Farlowe, Herman’s Hermits, The Fortunes and New Amen Corner.

Five legendary names deliver a night with definite feel good factor, including hits such as ‘Needles and Pins’, ‘When

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8 | Contemporary Music

Levellers

Plus support Ginger Wildheart Sunday 18 March 7.30pm £25, £31 – Celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2018, Brighton folkpunk band Levellers are touring in the Spring around the release of an acoustic album We The Collective recorded at Abbey Road Studios with legendary producer John Leckie.

Emerging victorious through the ups and downs of label deals, spats with the music press and the wear and tear of touring, the Levellers are still going strong after 30 years in the game. They have long been and still are, one of the best live bands around but, often overlooked is their impressive back catalogue of recorded music.

1840 Room

Belle and Sebastian

Osheaga Festivals, appearances at the legendary Hollywood Bowl and Merriweather Post Pavilion.

Monday 19 March 7.30pm £27.50, £37.50, £42.50 – Glaswegian indie-folk act, Belle and Sebastian are coming to Liverpool as part of their headline UK and European tour, having recently wrapped up a North American tour that included Panorama and

The concert will feature new music, including their new single, ‘We Were Beautiful’, recorded and produced in the band’s native Glasgow.

Plus special guests

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 Des O’Connor. On a 25 back-to-back date tour, they performed two, and sometimes three, shows a night in venues all across the country.

Buddy Holly & The Cricketers with The English Rock and Roll Orchestra Tuesday 20 March 7.30pm £23, £29

A special anniversary concert, 60 years to the day since Buddy Holly performed at Liverpool Philharmonic!

Booking fees may apply - See page 34 for details

To celebrate, the UK’s first and best-loved Buddy Holly act, Buddy Holly and The Cricketers, revisits some of the same venues on the same dates with a very special show backed by The English Rock and Roll Orchestra.

1840 Room

YES Friday 23 March 7.30pm £42.50, £55, £60 – 2018 marks half a century since the formation of the legendary group YES, one of the biggest bands in progressive rock history and true pioneers of the genre.

YES (Steve Howe, Alan White, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison and Billy Sherwood) will perform many of the band’s classic hits as well as performances of sides 1 and 4 and an excerpt from Side 3 of their 1973 album Tales from Topographic Oceans, which was the first YES album to top the UK album charts.

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Contemporary Music | 9

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Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Friday 6 April 8pm £23.50, £28.50, £34.50 – Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, the world’s finest tribute to Fleetwood Mac, present a brand new show celebrating 40 years of the iconic Rumours album, performing the legendary album note-for-note in its entirety, plus many more fan favourites!

Sheridan Smith Friday 13 April 2018 7.30pm £37.50, £47.50 £57.50, £63.50 – BAFTA and Olivier Award winning performer Sheridan Smith embarks on her debut UK tour, following the release of her brand new self-titled album Sheridan, featuring a collection of classic songs including several from family favourite musicals; such as ‘City

Personally endorsed by Fleetwood Mac founding member, Mick Fleetwood, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac is the ultimate tribute to one of rock and roll’s most remarkable groups.

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Wednesday 11 April 7.30pm £35, £45, £55, £75, £125 (VIP) – British musical icon Bryan Ferry is one of the most innovative singers and lyricists in popular music, with an original vocal brilliance of breath-taking elegance.

Lisa Stansfield 40 Years of Rumours

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Bryan Ferry

Tuesday 10 April 7.30pm £27.50, £37.50, £45, £99 (VIP) – Grammy nominated Lisa Stansfield’s new album Deeper will be released in spring 2018, and she will be ‘swapping the studio for a tour bus’ to embark on a European tour.

Following the success of his London Palladium shows in 2016, Bryan embarks on a major UK headline tour featuring a fantastic set list that combines both Roxy Music and solo hits, and songs from Ferry’s critically acclaimed release Avonmore, described as ‘his best album in 30 years’.

1840 Room

Lisa’s contribution to British soul is undeniable with a string of hit singles including ‘All Around The World’, ‘All Woman’, ‘The Real Thing’ and many award winning albums.

Her unmistakable voice has been a constant presence on the dance floor and airwaves since 1989.

1840 Room

of Stars’ from La La Land, ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going’ from Dreamgirls, and ‘For Forever’ from the Broadway smash Dear Evan Hansen.

The Whitney Houston Show Saturday 14 April 7.30pm £25, £45, £50 – The Whitney Houston Show is a critically acclaimed live concert honouring the talent, music and memory of Whitney Houston.

30-piece National Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, this is a beautifully crafted homage to one of the world’s most revered singers.

Featuring the breath-taking vocals of Belinda Davids, accompanied by the sensational

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Contemporary Music | 11 10 | Contemporary Music

LD SO T OU

The Human League Liza Pulman

Sings Streisand with the Wednesday 14 December 8pm £36, £42.50, £50 Brighouse & Rastrick Band –Sunday 29 April 7.30pm The new wave darlings are back £17, £21, £27, £33 with – A Very British Synthesizer Group: Anthologybetween Tour.

A uniqueThe collaboration

country celebrating the songs of the great Barbra Streisand – ‘The Way We Were’, ‘You Don’t Bring Me Flowers’, ‘People’, ‘Second Hand Rose’ and many mores golden classic.

one of the finest voices and one of the finest brass bands in the

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Marillion

ED IT

Friday 20 April 7.30pm £30, £35, £41 – Marillion’s music is, by its nature, tough to sum-up but perhaps can be approximately described as musicallyexperimental-yet-emotional rock, married to thought provoking, soulful lyrics - a powerful12 and moving cocktail Monday December 7.30pm which elicits extraordinary £29.50, £45, £60, £65 devotion.

Katherine Jenkins: Celebration

After over thirty years in the industry, the band shows no signs of slowing down and has evolved into a vibrant and international musical force. To those who already love Marillion, the band is Join Katherine Jenkins, something special.

To the conductor Anthony Inglis and uninitiated, it’s a potential love the Manchester Concert affair waiting to happen.

Orchestra as she performs a magnificent concert of her favourite music and songs accompanied by a live orchestra.

GIFT CARDS GIVE THE GIFT OF LIVE MUSIC

Christmas with The Overtones Wednesday 21 December 7.30pm £22.50, £29.50, £38.50, £45.50 – The Overtones are torchbearers for flat-out fantastic singing, as much as a throwback to the timeless appeal of doo-wop and Motown as they are to modern

day R&B and pop. Celebrating the most wonderful time of the year, with a stocking rammed full of Christmas crackers, in the shape of good ol’ classics such as ‘White Christmas’, ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’ and ‘Let It Snow’, this will end a vintage year for the Darren, Mark, Mike, Lachie and Timmy.

CHOOSE FROM 3 DIFFERENT DESIGNS

A perfect Christmas present for the music lover who has everything!

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

Booking fees may apply - See page 34 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Music Room | 11

MUSIC ROOM

Image Lil Jimmy Reed & The ‘A’ Team

If you want to get closer to the acts you love, experience new artists, and enjoy high quality music in a relaxed and friendly venue, then come and join us at Music Room - Liverpool Philharmonic’s specially designed space for more intimate live gigs.

We’ve got a range of events, spanning the best of folk, roots, blues, world and classical music, as well as lunchtime and family performances.

You’ll find the entrance on Sugnall Street, at the rear of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and you can make the most of your event by visiting the onsite bar for refreshments before you settle in to enjoy the show.

Please note, the space is flexible and seating/standing layouts may change depending on the artist. All tickets are general admission.

Genesis Visible Touch

Olly Chalk Trio ft.

John O’Gallagher

Saturday 13 January 8pm £17 – Performing all the hits and fanfavourites, the band follows up on their hugely successful first year of shows, with the ultimate Collins-era Genesis show.

Friday 19 January 8pm £15 – Jazz pianist and composer, Olly Chalk and his Trio are joined by New York musician, John O’Gallagher, to perform works exploring themes such as science fiction, hope, anxiety and dystopia. Audiences can expect explosive improvising and intricate, daring and emotive compositions.

Featuring songs from ‘We Can’t Dance’, ‘Invisible Touch’, ‘Genesis’, ‘A Trick of the Tail’, ‘The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway’ and more!

This is a standing show

Liverpool Philharmonic, by arrangement with ABM presents

Chris Wood

Wednesday 24 January 8pm £15 – Chris Wood is an uncompromising writer, whose music weaves tradition and his own contemporary parables with gentle intelligence.

A self-taught musician, composer and song writer, Chris’s independent streak shines through everything he does. Always direct and unafraid to speak his mind, his song writing has been praised for its clarity. He cites his major influence as ‘Anon’.

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12 | Music Room Coffee Concert

Troika Klezmer Kabaret

Close-up Concerts

Nathalie Forget ondes martenot Friday 26 January 8pm £17 – A varied evening of music, including works written specifically for the ondes martenot – an early electronic instrument that composer Olivier Messiaen famously used in his Turangalîla Symphony (see page 26) – by composers of the second half of the 20th century.

Sunday 28 January 12pm £12 – Famous for their virtuosic riproaring, helter-skelter style, the band, led by witty ad-libbing band leader Wally Fields, return to Liverpool where they originated, to perform an exciting odyssey of music – perfect for a Sunday afternoon!

Please note, this show will be theatre style seating Lunchtime Concerts

Andrew Harvey violin Alexander Holladay cello Ian Buckle piano Monday 29 January 1pm £8 – Schubert Piano Trio No. 2 Sponsored by

Martin Hayes Quartet Tuesday 30 January 8pm £20 – The Quartet bring their signature style to Music Room, with the melody taking centre stage, and a natural free flow of music.

Booking fees may apply - See page 34 for details

Keith James in Concert

The Songs of Leonard Cohen Wednesday 31 January 8pm £15 – Keith James presents a concert of Cohen’s amazing material, in an intimate and sensitive style.

Keith has also set a selection of poems by Federico Garcia Lorca – who was said to be Cohen’s greatest influence – to music. These will be performed alongside songs including ‘Famous Blue Raincoat’, ‘Sisters of Mercy’, ‘Suzanne’, and ‘Hallelujah’.

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Music Room | 13 Bido Lito! and Liverpool Philharmonic present

Ad Marginem by Mugstar (live) Wednesday 7 February 8pm £8 – A rare opportunity to see a screening of Ad Marginem with a live performance of the film score by Liverpool’s own MUGSTAR, who, in collaboration with film-maker Liam Yates, wrote, directed and acted in the film.

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company

Thursday 8 February 6pm Free, booking required – Members of Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir and Youth Orchestra perform new music written by our Rushworth Young Composers.

This is a pre-concert event and lasts one hour.

Cara Dillon with Sam Lakeman Thursday 15 February 8pm £21 – Alongside a selection of favourites from previous releases, Cara Dillon will be performing a collection

of beautiful and moving songs from her new album, Wanderer, with her husband and musical partner, Sam Lakeman.

Lunchtime Concerts

Ross Trio

Monday 19 February 1pm £8 – Beethoven Variations on ‘Là ci darem la mano’ Tansman Suite pour trio d’anches Horne Phantoms for solo clarinet Schulhoff Divertissement – Emily Ross oboe Anna Hashimoto clarinet Nina Ashton bassoon Sponsored by

critically acclaimed albums under their belts, and a new one on the way.

Liverpool Acoustic

Merry Hell

Plus support Fine Lines Saturday 17 February 8pm £13 (£11 concessions) – After last year’s sold out show Liverpool Acoustic’s favourite folk-rock band are returning to the Music Room 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 three

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Support is from Knutsfordbased folk and alt-country band Fine Lines.

This is a standing event

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14 | Music Room

Breabach Friday 23 February 8pm £15 – Voted ‘Folk Band of the Year’ and ‘Album of the Year’ at the 2016 ‘Scots Trad Music

Awards’, Scottish five-piece Breabach deliver a thrilling and unique brand of contemporary folk music.

Blue Drag Music presents

Django’s Legacy V: Romane with Daniel John Martin Saturday 24 February 8pm £20 – Romane is a French jazz guitarist in the tradition of Django Reinhardt. He is one of a group of contemporary guitarists who have made Gypsy Jazz known worldwide.

With support from the fantastic local Gypsy Jazz ensemble The Manouchetones.

Martin Harley and Daniel Kimbro Thursday 22 February 8pm £15 – Seeking to push the boundaries of blues, folk and American roots music, this dynamic transatlantic duo takes to the road again for their Feet don’t fail me tour.

Always engaging and far from predictable, between them they are very much on the world stage and have performed at festivals and venues across the globe.

Stick in the Wheel Sunday 4 March 8pm £12 – East London five-piece folk band Stick In The Wheel are headed by singer Nicola Kearey, and guitarist/producer Ian Carter. Their debut album From Here (2015) was fRoots Magazine ‘Album of the Year’ and a MOJO ‘Folk Album of the Year’, with four BBC Folk Award nominations since their inception in 2013.

Known for Kearey’s fierce, working-class delivery, this is culturally and politically switched on music, with the group being widely commended for their timely appraisal of English folk, and their skill in telling stories through song that reconnect modern audiences to the past - drawing unexpected parallels between then and now.

Liverpool Acoustic

Woody Guthrie: The Long Road to Peekskill with Will Kaufman

transformation from a youthful Oklahoma racist to the ardent anti-racist champion who, along with many others, risked his life holding the line against American fascism during the notorious Peekskill riots of 1949.

Saturday 10 March 8pm £11 (£9 concessions) – Will Kaufman is a consummate performer, with a passion for Guthrie’s music and his message. The Long Road to Peekskill presents the story of Woody Guthrie’s personal

Booking fees may apply - See page 34 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Music Room | 15

Simon Day

Close-up Concerts

Klezmer-ish: Voices from the Road Monday 12 March 8pm (sold out) Tuesday 13 March 8pm £17 – Thomas Verity clarinet Concettina Del Vecchio accordion Marcel Becker double bass Robert Shepley guitar/violin

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians Connie, Marcel, Rob and Tom make a welcome return to Music Room with their special brand of klezmer, tango and gypsy jazz tunes. Featuring a special guest vocalist, Voices from the Road tells stories of travellers and their bohemian lives.

Wednesday 14 March 8pm £20 (£17 concessions) – Comedian Simon Day, famous for his roles in the sketch show The Fast Show and the sitcom Grass, will perform four of his best loved characters Brian Pern, a prog rocker and humanitarian from Life of Rock on BBC 2 & 4; Billy Bleach, a Fast Show pub bore and star of 2003 ‘Grass’ witness protection comedy; Geoffrey Allerton, an unpublished Yorkshire poet; and Tony Beckton, one of Britain’s most dangerous men an habitual criminal who has served over 27 years in various prisons.

Sunday 25 March 8pm £14 – In an English folk scene currently bursting with bold and innovative folk music, vocal trio Lady Maisery shine brightly. With their unique approach to harmony singing, intelligent and thoughtful arrangements of both traditional repertoire and original compositions, Hazel Askew, Hannah James and Rowan Rheingans harness and celebrate their united voice.

Pixels Ensemble Monday 19 March 1pm £8 – Debussy Cello Sonata Debussy Syrinx Richard Rodney Bennett After Syrinx I Richard Rodney Bennett Commedia II Weber Trio in G minor –

Saturday 17 March 7.30pm £15 – In the summer of 2016, the organisers of FolkEast Festival had the grand idea of pairing legendary fiddle player Peter Knight (ex-Steeleye Span) and melodeon player extraordinaire, John Spiers (ex-Bellowhead) for a special ‘one off’ concert.

The sold out event was a highlight of the festival, with a standing ovation and roars for more. They now embark on their debut tour, two of the finest musicians in their respective fields.

Lady Maisery

Lunchtime Concerts

Knight & Spiers

Whether unearthing a feminist twist hidden in a traditional tale, delivering a poignant antiwar ballad, or showcasing their immense multi-instrumental talents in original compositions that draw on a myriad of musical influences, Lady Maisery are skilful explorers of the power, beauty and vitality of song.

Fiona Fulton flute Jonathan Aasgaard cello Ian Buckle piano Sponsored by

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16 | Music Room

Lil Jimmy Reed & The ‘A’ Team Tuesday 27 March 8pm £14 – From shot-gun shack and cotton-field to festival main stage, the prodigious talents of Lil’ Jimmy Reed have taken him a long way from the Mississippi river. One of the last surviving performers of classic Louisiana down-home blues, Lil’ Jimmy’s

Close-up Concerts

Piano Circus Monday 9 April 8pm £17 – Max Richter Mazuzu Dream Steve Reich Six Pianos David Lang Face So Pale Marc-André Hamelin Circus Galop (arr. J. Young) Graham Fitkin Long - Line - Loud

Little Sparrow and Elfin Bow Sunday 15 April 8pm £12 (£10 concessions) – Little Sparrow’s beautifully emotive use of expression mirrors the sincerity of her delivery, making her someone not to be missed. Her delicately crafted folk songs are created with a combination

Francesco Tristano piano Friday 20 April 8pm £17 – Francesco Tristano Hello Frescobaldi Toccatas IV, XI and VIII, from the Second Book Cento Partite Sopra Passacagli Bach Partita No.1 John Cage In a landscape Berio Sequenza IV

He is accompanied by the ‘A’ Team, with Bob Hall, widely regarded as the UK’s finest blues and boogie player, on piano, and the diminutive dynamo Hilary Blythe on rock steady bass.

As they head towards their 30th anniversary celebrations, Piano Circus present an unmissable performance - from the mesmeric minimalism of Steve Reich to Graham Fitkin’s euphoric and driving jazz-rock fusion via the undulating polyphony of David Lang.

Liverpool Acoustic

Close-up Concerts

stinging guitar work, gritty vocals and haunting harmonica have been taking Europe by storm.

of flawless vocals, strings, guitars, percussion and tender harmonies.

Elfin Bow’s music has been described as a fairy tale experience; pastoral psychfolk with an undercurrent of electronic ambience. With imagery that blends her twin passions of music and art, her songs and stage presence exude colour, charisma and a gentle charm.

The Luxembourger composer/ pianist has amazing energy and a unique sense of freedom in his playing. Tristano organises his programmes as if they were playlists, which is how he likes to define them.

Tristano Circle Songs (selection) Tristano Ground Bass (selection)

Booking fees may apply - See page 34 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Music Room | 17

Mary Coughlan Sunday 22 April 8pm £19.50 – Mary Coughlan is arguably one of Ireland’s greatest female jazz and blues singers, a true artist who has carved out a timeless and highly regarded career and a legion of devoted fans worldwide.

survivor who “was born with the gift of a golden voice”.

Resonant with the grief of Billie Holiday, the soul of Van Morrison and the defiance of Edith Piaf, to hear Mary sing is to be at the core of the human heart.

Mary live is in a league of her own, her glorious husky voice pulling every ounce of emotion from the music. This is the real thing, sung from the depths of a woman’s heart and soul, a

Kris Drever Tuesday 24 April 8pm £16 – Scottish songwriter Kris Drever (Lau) celebrated a decade of critical and commercial success by winning both BBC Radio 2 ‘Folk Singer of The Year’ 2017 and ‘Best Original Track’ 2017 for his song ‘If Wishes Were Horses’ at the ‘BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’.

Lunchtime Concerts

Trio D’anches Monday 30 April 1pm £8 – Ibert Cinq Pieces en Trio Lutosławski Trio Richard Walthew Triolet Françaix Divertissement – Thomas Verity clarinet Ruth Davies oboe Rebekah Abramski bassoon

Django’s Legacy VI: Lollo Meier Quartet Saturday 28 April 8pm £20 – Legendary Dutch Gypsy swing guitar master Lollo Meier comes from an elite family of Gypsy musicians. His goal is to carry on the music of Django Reinhardt, with a style and technique that’s traditional, melodious, lyrical, sensitive, and joyful.

His mellifluous compositions have a refreshing authentic Django flavour and are played with unique style and amazing dexterity, and he and his Quartet are sought after around the globe. Together they make Django’s music as fresh today as it was 80 years ago.

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18 | Family & Variety

FAMILY & VARIETY

Image The Mad Professor

League of Welldoers

Raymond Gubbay Presents

Glenn Miller Orchestra

Monday 15 January 2pm £12, £15 – The League of Welldoers present a family variety benefit concert featuring your compere Tony Ravel plus 8 well-known Liverpool entertainers.

You’ll be treated to a whole afternoon of pure entertainment whilst at the same time helping one of Liverpool’s oldest independent charities.

Guest vocalists Mark Porter and Catherine Sykes With special guests The Polka Dot Dolls performing a tribute to The Andrews Sisters

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.

Saturday 20 January 2.30pm £17.50, £19.50, £24.50, £28, £32 Broadway to Hollywood

Anton & Erin

Friday 23 February 7.30pm £27.50, £37.50, £47.50, £49.50 – Anton du Beke & Erin Boag Richard Balcombe conductor Lance Ellington star vocalist 6 world-class ensemble dancers Manchester Concert Orchestra

A Family Concert especially for the Under 5’s

The Mad Professor

Music Room Saturday 24 February 1pm & 2.45pm £11 (adults) £7 (children) – Claire Henry presenter Musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Booking fees may apply - See page 34 for details

The nation’s favourite ballroom couple return with an exciting new show for 2018 celebrating the golden age of Hollywood.

Featuring dazzling new choreography, sparkling costumes and a sensational show band performing timeless music, such as ‘Cry Me a River’, ‘Downtown’, and ‘New York, New York’.

It’s never too early to introduce your children to the sights and sounds of an orchestra and these concerts are designed specifically for our very youngest audiences!

Wriggling, dancing and exploring are all part of the experience! These concerts introduce young children to the different sounds of the orchestra through storytelling in the informal setting of our smaller Music Room venue.

Come along to learn all about the different families of instruments, as the Mad Professor attempts to create her own!

Each orchestra section will demonstrate their instruments and the Mad Professor will attempt to play her own madcap musical creations. With help from the audience (and the Prof’s trusty friend, Freddie the Frog) your little ones will learn all about music-making.

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Family & Variety | 19

St Mary’s College Crosby – Festival of Music

The concert will feature over 250 musicians from a range of different musical ensembles from the College and its Preparatory School, The Mount.

Friday 9 March 7.30pm £7.50, £12.50, £15 – For the 20th consecutive year, St. Mary’s College Crosby is mounting another showcase of the musical talents of its pupils.

The concert will take the audience on a musical journey from Vivaldi to Vaughan Williams as the talented young musicians perform pieces from a wide range of styles and genres.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Family Concert

From Hamelin to Hogwarts

Sunday 11 March 2.30pm £11, £15, £22 (adults) £8, £10, £13 (children) – Alasdair Malloy presenter Kevin Field conductor – Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Highlights will include Vivaldi’s Gloria, Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, Vaughan Williams’ English Folk Song Suite and music from the big screen by Vangelis and John Williams.

Compered by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Roger Phillips, the evening will be conducted by Director of Music Andrew Byers and assisted by Colin Johnston.

all without using a single word!

(Well, there might be a few words).

So, if you’re sitting comfortably…

Children and families are invited to have a go on a variety of instruments, from 30 minutes prior to each concert at our Instrument Petting Zoo, in the Grand Foyer.

Once upon a time…

Everybody loves a story, and today our friend Alasdair proves that you don’t even need words to tell one! Don’t believe us? Come and hear for yourself – and bring the whole family!

With a bit of help from the amazing musicians of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, we’ll hear tales of Hamelin and Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, The Cat in the Hat, Alice in Wonderland and the King’s New Clothes –

Remembering Fred

In Harmony Liverpool’s 9th Birthday Concert

Featuring Everton Children’s Orchestra and Everton String Orchestra Monday 12 March 1.30pm Tickets are free but must be booked – Join over 200 young musicians from Everton to celebrate nine

James & Ola

Friday 30 March 7.30pm £25, £37.50, £42.50, £48.50, £75 – Strictly Come Dancing stars Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara’s theatre show Remembering Fred is back by popular demand, bringing you an evening of song and dance celebrating the legacy of Hollywood icon Fred Astaire.

Monday 2 April 7.30pm £29.50, £37.50, £42.50, £48.50, £75 (VIP) – They are known as two of the biggest stars ever to emerge from the hit show Strictly Come Dancing, becoming household names with audiences captivated by the couple’s relationship. Now James and Ola Jordan will embark on a nationwide tour telling their own love story.

Backed by a supporting cast of dancers, live band and singers, the 2018 Remembering Fred tour will feature new songs, new dances and a new look.

18 years after they became dance partners, the couple will tour the UK for the first time together, telling their story in their own unique way in a show

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years of In Harmony Liverpool at their annual Birthday Concert.

In Harmony Liverpool uses orchestral music-making to improve the health, education and aspirations of children and young people in Everton.

Reaching 1144 children and their families since 2009, this concert will celebrate the young musicians’ achievements so far.

that’s fun for all the family.

Featuring a full cast of dancers and all styles of dance, the autobiographical production is full of passion, intensity and high-octane routines.

1840 Room

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20 | Family & Variety

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Beauty and the Beast

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Disney in Concert

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Monday 9 April 7.30pm £39.50, £52.50, £65 – Beauty and the Beast, starring Dan Stevens and Emma Watson, captures the hearts and minds of generations old and new with its classic tale of love and enchantment.

Jaws in Concert

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Saturday 7 April 2018 8.30pm £27.50, £37.50, £45, £55, £60 – John Williams’ iconic score for Steven Spielberg’s Jaws will be played live in its entirety by The Czech National Symphony Orchestra, following four sold out performances at the Royal Albert Hall.

Now, audiences across the UK will have the chance to watch the spellbinding story unfold live in concert with The Novello Orchestra.

Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts ©. All rights reserved.

masterpiece of suspense tells the tale of a small New England seaside community terrorised by a predatory great white shark. Upon its release, Jaws became the most successful movie of all time, and Spielberg has often credited Williams’ iconic score with much of the film’s success.

Based on the best-selling novel by Peter Benchley, this

Toddler Tunes Monday 12 February 10am Wednesday 14 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

Little Notes

Children’s Workshops

£7 (including accompanying adult), additional adults £7 – We have a variety of music workshop options available for children aged 0-5 years. The whole family can get involved parents and grandparents are encouraged to join in!

Baby Voices Wednesday 14 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

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

Booking fees may apply - See page 34 for details

Monday 12 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 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.

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Talks, Tours & Taking Part | 21

Lunchtime Learning

TALKS, TOURS & TAKING PART

£15 per session £10 (under 25s & claimants) Music Room – Come along to meet fellow music fans, learn something new and enjoy inspiring music!

Join composer and lecturer Ian Stephens in our Lunchtime Learning series in the Music Room. Informal and friendly, these three hour (approx.) sessions are open to everyone, whether you are new to classical music or a regular concert-goer.

All Lunchtime Learning sessions are in the format of a workshop, followed by the opportunity to listen to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in rehearsal.

Image Lunchtime Learning with Ian Stephens

Discover the Classics £15 per session Saturdays 11am-1pm (see listings for specific dates) Music Room – The perfect way to start your weekend – all you need is a passion for music, and we’ll provide the rest!

Hosted by Classic FM Creative Director and Breakfast Show host, Tim Lihoreau, Orchestra cellist Gethyn Jones, and Classic FM Full Works presenter Jane Jones, join us to discover the musical, social and historical stories behind some of the music, composers and artists in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s 20172018 season. Our hosts will also be joined

by Orchestra musicians, conductors and guest artists, to give added insight.

Music of Messiaen Wednesday 24 January 12.45pm – Vasily Petrenko Chief Conductor Linked to the Turangalîla concert on 25 January – see page 26.

Gethyn Jones with Julian Rachlin Saturday 20 January 11am – Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra cellist Gethyn Jones is joined by violinist Julian Rachlin to discuss Elgar’s Serenade and Eroica concerts – see page 25 and 26 for concert details.

Music of Turina, Bartók, Ravel and Strauss Wednesday 21 February 12.45pm – Ion Marin conductor Linked to the Fantastic Dances concert on 22 February – see page 27.

Each session will discuss parts of the repertoire and will be linked to one of our amazing concerts – a great opportunity to delve deeper into the season, discover new details and join in the fun, lively debate with other music enthusiasts!

Music of Mozart, Beethoven and Debussy Jane Jones with Stephen Hough

Wednesday 21 March 12.45pm – Vasily Petrenko Chief Conductor ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Saturday 24 March 11am – Classic FM’s Jane Jones is joined by Stephen Hough pianist to discuss the Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto and Beethoven’s Second Piano Concerto concerts – see page 29 for concert details.

Linked to the Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto concert on 22 March – see page 29.

Music of Hindemith, Tristano, Ravel and Debussy Wednesday 18 April 12.45pm – Maxime Tortelier conductor Linked to the Spanish Rhapsody concert on 19 April – see page 31.

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22 | Talks, Tours & Taking Part

Tours

Play (For Families)

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…

Saturday 17 February 11am £12 (adults), £8 (children)

Delve Deep Thursday 1 February 11am Thursday 12 April 11am £15 – 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 approx. 2 hours.

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.

Mahler One Thursday 15 March 6.15pm – Norman Lebrecht, one of the most widely read commentators on music, culture and politics, regular presenter BBC Radio 3 and author of Why Mahler?, returns to Liverpool to discuss Mahler’s First Symphony.

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 approx. 90 minutes and are suitable for children aged 5+.

Our tours are accessible, but if you are a wheel-chair user or have access needs, please call us to make your booking, so we can accommodate your needs.

Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto Thursday 22 March 6.15pm – Stephen Johnson introduces us to Beethoven’s Piano Concertos 1 and 2.

Stephen broadcasts regularly for BBC Radio 3, 4 and the World Service, and presents Radio 3’s Discovering Music.

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

Turangalîla Thursday 25 January 9.30pm (approx.)

– Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko, pianist Steven Osborne and Nathalie Forget (ondes martenot) will answer your questions about the Turangalîla concert – see page 26 for concert details.

Winter Landscapes Thursday 11 January 9.30pm (approx.)

– Conductor Andrew Manze and pianist Marc-André Hamelin will answer your questions about the Winter Landscapes concert – see page 25 for concert details.

Booking fees may apply - See page 34 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Talks, Tours & Taking Part | 23

Get Involved Liverpool Philharmonic offers young musicians from across the region opportunities to get involved in live music and music-making.

Resonate Youth Philharmonic Tuesdays 4.15pm-6.30pm Bellerive FCJ Catholic College, Windermere Terrace, L8 3SB or Thursdays 4.15pm-6.30pm Notre Dame Catholic College, Great Homer Street, Liverpool L5 5AF ÂŁ5 per week Weekly rehearsals for young people to develop their technical skill and ensemble playing, working with musicians from Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Suitable for Grade 2+ resonatehub.co.uk

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Academy Orchestra Wednesday 5-Saturday 7 April Resonate Music Studios, Bellerive FCJ Catholic College ÂŁ80 (includes access to a wide range of activities and events in Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company) A four-day non-residential for young musicians aged 11-18. Players enjoy working together as a symphony orchestra, coaching from Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians, rehearsals, sectionals and performances.

Suitable for Grades 4-7 liverpoolphil.com/lpyao

Come and Play Sunday 15 April 1pm Free, booking required Experience playing with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra!

This open rehearsal is for young musicians aged between 12-22, who want to experience what it is like to play in a symphony orchestra with amazingly talented young people from across the region.

Suitable for Grade 6+ liverpoolphil.com/whats-on/come-and-play

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24 | Classical Music

CLASSICAL XXXXX MUSIC XXXXX

Image Stephen Hough

Friday Afternoons with the Orchestra xxxxxxxxxxxx New this season, Friday afternoon concerts offer xxxxxxxxxxxx

...plus all your New Years’ favourites, Rule Britannia!, Dam Busters March, Nessun Dorma, Land Of Hope And Glory. A thrilling concert of rousing classics with a grand flag-waving British finale!

Messiah

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Look out for listings with the FRIDAY PM banner.

Monday 1 January 2.30pm £17.50, £22.50, £24.50, £32.50, £38.50, £44.50 – James Cleverton baritone Samuel Sakker tenor Joo Yeon Sir violin John Pryce-Jones conductor Manchester Concert Orchestra – Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending Tchaikovsky Waltz from Swan Lake Bizet The Pearl Fishers Duet Dukas Sorcerer’s Apprentice Elgar Nimrod Monti Csardas Vivaldi Summer from The Four Seasons Goodwin Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines Mascagni Intermezzo from Cavelleria rusticana

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Concerts start at 1.30pm and as all tickets are just £25, book early and you could get the best seats in the house for a fantastic price!

New Year’s Day Prom

Liverpool John Moores University Series

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a drink in the Grand Foyer xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and enjoy introductions to xxxxxxx the music from conductors Sponsored by and soloists on stage.

Raymond Gubbay presents

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you the opportunity to get xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 7.30pm £xxa little more from your – concert experience. Join xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx staff and members of the xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Orchestra pre-concert for xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Saturday 6 January 7pm £20, £26, £35, £40, £47 – Handel Messiah – Nicholas Kraemer conductor Sarah Tynan soprano Robin Blaze countertenor Nicholas Mulroy tenor Christopher Purves baritone Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Hallelujah! Two centuries before The Beatles, Handel’s Messiah was already the biggest hit in the history of British music, and with tunes like ‘Ev’ry Valley’, ‘For Unto Us A Child is Born’ and ‘The Trumpet Shall Sound’, it’s easy to hear why!

Messiah is less a classical masterpiece than a national institution, and our annual performance of it is always a highlight.

But even so, this performance should be something special – because baroque music expert Nicholas Kraemer has assembled four of the very finest singers working in Britain today.

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Booking fees may apply - See page 34 for details

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Classical Music | 25

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Winter Landscapes

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Series

Thursday 11 January 7.30pm Friday 12 January 1.30pm £15, £21, £27, £34, £44 (£25 Friday) – Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 Wilhelm Stenhammar ‘Nocturne’ from Serenade Sibelius Symphony No. 2 – Andrew Manze conductor Marc-André Hamelin piano

Andrew Manze’s concerts with the Orchestra are always keenly awaited, and today he’s bringing with him a true giant of 21st-century piano playing – the Liverpool debut of Marc-André Hamelin.

Brahms’s tempestuous First Piano Concerto is a colossal challenge for any player, but Hamelin has fingers of steel!

Raymond Gubbay presents

Johann Strauss Gala Saturday 13 January 2.30pm £21.50, £29.50, £35, £40 – John Rigby conductor Corinne Cowling soprano Johann Strauss Dancers & Orchestra Audition Aria from Die Fledermaus Vienna, City of my Dreams Wine, Women and Song Blue Danube Waltz Radetzky March …plus many more of your favourite waltzes and polkas from the Strauss family and friends.

Some hear it as a mighty river of music; for others, it’s the sound of a great nation awakening to freedom. What’s for sure, though, is that from pastoral opening to majestic finish, Sibelius’s Second Symphony is a magnificent musical journey, one crowned with a tune you’ll never forget.

The giddy romance and gilded ballrooms of old Vienna are brought to life by the music of the King of the Waltz and friends and glorious costumes of the period.

Chamber Music

Marc-André Hamelin piano Sunday 14 January 2.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25 – Samuil Feinburg Piano Sonatas No.1 and 4 Beethoven Piano Sonata No.23, Appassionata Schumann Fantasie in C major, Op.17 Marc-André Hamelin isn’t like other pianists: his towering virtuosity and questing intellect have made him one of the foremost musical explorers of our day. But he’s still peerless in the classics, and 19thcentury masterpieces by Beethoven and Schumann frame this typically imaginative programme, in which Hamelin shares his latest rediscovery: the deeply poetic music of Samuil Feinberg, a forgotten disciple of Rachmaninov and Scriabin.

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Henry E Rensburg Series

Sunday Afternoon Classics

Thursday 18 January 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £34, £44 – Weber Overture, Euryanthe Brahms Violin Concerto Stephen Pratt Symphonies of Time and Tide (World Premiere) Elgar Enigma Variations – Vasily Petrenko conductor Julian Rachlin violin

Sunday 21 January 2.30pm £15, £21, £27, £34, £44 – Weber Overture, Euryanthe Brahms Violin Concerto Elgar Serenade for Strings Elgar Enigma Variations – Vasily Petrenko conductor Julian Rachlin violin

Elgar’s Enigma

Music can transport you, and today, Vasily Petrenko takes us on four fantastic journeys.

In a flurry of sound, Weber sweeps us off to an age of chivalry. Brahms takes a holiday to the Alps, and writes a Violin Concerto drenched in sunshine and song: the one and only Julian Rachlin is the soloist tonight.

Liverpool’s own Stephen Pratt has a 70th birthday surprise. And Edward Elgar cycles the lanes of Worcestershire, introducing us to Nimrod, Dorabella and all the other ‘friends pictured within’ his gloriously tuneful and hugely popular Enigma Variations.

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Elgar’s Serenade

Vasily Petrenko’s passion for music has taken him around the globe and it is his intention that you share in these experiences without the drudgery of baggage reclaim. From the comfort of your own seat, the world is at your fingertips: Brahms provides us with some alpine sunshine by way his violin concerto played this afternoon by the virtuosic Julian Rachlin. In a flurry of sound, Weber sweeps us off to an age of chivalry. And Edward Elgar cycles the lanes of Worcestershire, savouring the spring freshness of his lovely Serenade and introducing us to Nimrod, Dorabella and all the other ‘friends pictured within’ his gloriously tuneful and hugely popular Enigma Variations.

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26 | Classical Music Henry E Rensburg Series

Turangalîla

Thursday 25 January 8pm £25 – Messiaen Turangalîla – Vasily Petrenko conductor Steven Osborne piano Nathalie Forget ondes martenot Imagine a 1940s film score, an explosive rhythmic workout, a spectacular piano concerto and a blissed-out hymn to love on a cosmic scale. Now add a super-size orchestra, virtuoso pianist Steven Osborne and a vintage electronic instrument straight out of science fiction. Got all that? Then you’re not even half-way to imagining Messiaen’s mind-boggling Turangalîla Symphony: 80 minutes of music from beyond your wildest dreams, performed by the Orchestra for the first time this millennium. Vasily Petrenko loves it – and he will introduce the concert to tell you why!

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Sunday Afternoon Classics

Thursday 1 February 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £34, £44 – Walton Partita Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Nobuyuki Tsujii piano

Sunday 4 February 2.30pm £15, £21, £27, £34, £44 – Walton Partita Grieg Piano Concerto Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Nobuyuki Tsujii piano

Rhapsody

Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestra have recorded all of Tchaikovsky’s symphonies, in two volumes, to great critical acclaim ‘that show the band to be in the finest possible fettle’ according to one reviewer.

Hear for yourself, as they launch themselves into the emotional whirlpool of Tchaikovsky’s volcanic Fourth Symphony.

It’s passionate stuff. And believe us, after the high-octane humour of Walton’s Partita, pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii isn’t one to hold back on the emotion either – especially not in Rachmaninov’s dazzlingly difficult, unashamedly romantic Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.

Grieg’s Piano Concerto

It is a reminder of Vasily Petrenko’s consummate skills that he constantly brings something brand new to classical warhorses. Hear the fireworks for yourself, live and direct, surrounded by art deco splendour. It’s passionate stuff. After the high-octane humour of Walton’s Partita, Grieg’s much-loved Piano Concerto will be like an oasis of poetry and calm – especially in the wonderfully expressive hands of Nobuyuki Tsujii. All the right notes, in rather more than just the right order!

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Eroica

Series

Thursday 8 February 7.30pm Friday 9 February 1.30pm £15, £21, £27, £34, £44 (Friday £25) – Rossini Overture, The Thieving Magpie Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme Tchaikovsky Andante cantabile for cello and orchestra Beethoven Symphony No. 3, Eroica – Julian Rachlin conductor Jian Wang cello

Beethoven changes music forever.

Beethoven’s Eroica symphony is the music of revolution: two centuries on, classical music is still feeling the aftershock! So imagine the energy when conductor Julian Rachlin – an artist who, says the Liverpool Echo, is ‘capable of turning an interesting programme into an astonishing one’ – tackles this most radical of all symphonies.

But it’s not all about making history: the great Chinese-born cellist Jian Wang brings his special brand of poetry to bear on two of Tchaikovsky’s mini-masterpieces.

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Two chords slam out, and Ludwig van

Booking fees may apply - See page 34 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Classical Music | 27

Cocktail Classics

with a sparkle and a swing by the full Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Saturday 17 February 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £34, £44 – Featuring classic songs, including: Moon River New York New York Born Free The Girl from Ipanema – Roderick Dunk conductor Gary Williams singer

Valentine’s Classics Wednesday 14 February 7.30pm £20, £26, £35, £40, £47 – Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet: Fantasy Overture Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2 Prokofiev Suite from Romeo and Juliet Ravel Boléro – Martin Yates conductor Zhang Zuo piano If music be the food of love, let Martin Yates and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra serve you up a candlelit dinner for two. Take the smouldering Latin passion of Ravel’s Boléro, then add some of the greatest love music ever composed: Tchaikovsky’s and Prokofiev’s impassioned re-tellings of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Most romantic of all, though, the stunning Chinese pianist Zhang Zuo sprinkles her very special kind of stardust all over Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto. This will definitely be more than just a brief encounter! Bring someone special – and let the music do the talking…

Henry E Rensburg Series

Fantastic Dances Thursday 22 February 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £34, £44 – Turina Danzas fantásticas Bartók Concerto for Two Pianos, Percussion and Orchestra Ravel La Valse Strauss Der Rosenkavalier: Suite – Ion Marin conductor Khatia Buniatishvili piano Gvantsa Buniatishvili piano Graham Johns percussion Neil Hitt percussion

Enjoy a selection of period cocktails from our bars this evening, to complete the experience!

Slip into something elegant, pour yourself a martini and relax. It’s cocktail hour, and vocalist Gary Williams is your host for an evening of popular song at its most stylish and sophisticated. Welcome to a world where we can all be Audrey Hepburn or Don Draper for a night. The songs of the jet age, draped in silken strings and served up

She’s the pianist that everyone’s talking about, but the young Georgian virtuoso Khatia Buniatishvili is much more than just a stunning player with charisma in spades.

True, there are some dazzling things in this afternoon recital programme – and no one plays these showpieces by Liszt, Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky more thrillingly – but Brahms’s mighty Third Sonata is another matter, and its powerful musical argument will show the full range of this astonishing, multiple award-winning young artist.

Chamber Music

Khatia Buniatishvili piano

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Sunday 18 February 2.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25 – Brahms Piano Sonata, No. 3 Liszt Rhapsodie espagnole Tchaikovsky (arr. Pletnev) Suite, Nutcracker Stravinsky (arr. Agosti) Three Dances from The Firebird

Everybody dance! A flash of the eyes, a stamp of the feet and Turina’s sultry Danzas fantásticas whirl us into an evening of intoxicating rhythm and lingering glances.

Lorenzo Viotti, one of Europe’s hottest new conducting talents, is our partner tonight, and he’ll sweep you from those warm Spanish nights to Ravel’s haunted ballroom, and finally, the city of everyone’s dreams: the sumptuous, sensuous fairy-tale Vienna of Richard Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier. And at the heart of it all, pure dynamite: as the sensational Buniatishvili sisters unleash the no-holds-barred folkdance frenzy of Bartók’s explosive Concerto.

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28 | Classical Music Chamber Music

Ensemble 10/10 Wednesday 28 February 7.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £20 – Stravinsky Dumbarton Oaks Elena Kats-Chernin Zoom and Zip Anna Clyne Within Her Arms Georges Lentz Birrung Mihkel Kerem Lamento for Cello and Strings Oliver Knussen Scriabin Settings Grace-Evangeline Mason New Work (World Premiere) – Jessica Cottis conductor Jonathan Aasgaard cello

music remembered and remade; emotions half-forgotten and heartbreakingly real.

Oliver Knussen reaches out to the ghost of Scriabin, and Elena Kats-Chernin plays typically quirky musical games. Anna Clyne, Mihkel Kerem and Georges Lentz explore the greatest mystery of all: the human heart and intimate emotions.

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Mozart’s Requiem

Saturday 3 March 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £34, £44 – Haydn Symphony No. 104 London Mozart Requiem – Maxim Emelyanychev conductor Ruby Hughes soprano Claudia Huckle contralto Thomas Walker tenor Darren Jeffery bass-baritone Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir

‘Cool, contained, super-articulate and engaging’ – that’s how one critic described conductor Jessica Cottis, and it wouldn’t be a bad description of her programme with Ensemble 10/10 either.

Stravinsky’s playful salute to the 18th century opens the door on an evening of

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Sunday 4 March 2.30pm £9 (adults) £6 (under 25s) – Prokofiev “The Montagues and the Capulets” from Romeo and Juliet Suite No. 2 Gershwin Piano Concerto in F Gershwin Lullaby Delius The Walk to the Paradise Garden Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story – Simon Emery conductor Ian Buckle piano

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Mahler One

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Series

Thursday 15 March 7.30pm Friday 16 March 1.30pm £15, £21, £27, £34, £44 (£25 Friday) – J S Bach Canon and Fugue (from The Art of Fugue) (arr. George Benjamin) Schumann Piano Concerto Mahler Symphony No. 1 – Joshua Weilerstein conductor Anna Tsybuleva piano

Liverpool John Moores University Series

The masked stranger, the mysterious commission, the dying Mozart frantically composing as his life ebbed away…if you’ve seen Amadeus, you’ll know the legend behind Mozart’s Requiem. But the reality is even more incredible – as music’s greatest genius comes to terms with the ultimate mystery of human existence, and pours out his feelings in music of haunting beauty and compassion.

New Russian star Maxim Emelyanychev has a growing reputation for finding surprises in the music of the 18th century; along with Haydn’s exuberant final symphony, get ready to hear the Requiem with fresh ears.

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It’s an epic journey, and no recording can ever do it justice. Performed live, under the inspirational Joshua Weilerstein, it’ll positively soar. Anna Tsybuleva, meanwhile – winner of the 2015 Leeds International Piano Competition – is a real poet of the piano. Schumann’s dreamy, deliriously romantic Piano Concerto could have been made for her.

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‘The symphony must be like the world’ said Gustav Mahler. ‘It must embrace everything!’ And in his First Symphony, he was as good as his word: it begins with the dawn of life itself, and ends by bringing the house down.

Booking fees may apply - See page 34 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Classical Music | 29 Henry E Rensburg Series

Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Thursday 22 March 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £34, £44 – Mozart Overture, The Abduction from the Seraglio Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 Debussy Ibéria Debussy La Mer – Vasily Petrenko conductor Stephen Hough piano

Stephen Hough As part of our focus on the piano, we are honoured to present Stephen Hough as Artist-in-Residence this season, performing all five Beethoven piano concertos, a solo piano recital, a Chamber Music concert, and a post-concert discussion. He’ll also feature in a Discover the Classics on 24 March – see page 21.

There’s only one Stephen Hough – the Heswall-born lad who’s been hailed as a ‘genius’ in the USA and who is one of the most brilliant pianists in the world today. Here in Liverpool, we’re always delighted to welcome him home: and over five unmissable concerts he’ll be playing all five of Beethoven’s Piano Concertos.

Today, he begins with the youthful energy of the First Concerto, and Vasily Petrenko surrounds it with wonders: a sparkling overture by Beethoven’s hero, Mozart, and Debussy’s gorgeous impressionist oil-painting of the sea in all its many moods, La Mer.

Stephen’s residency continues until June 2018 – see liverpoolphil.com for full event listings.

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Sunday Afternoon Classics

Beethoven’s Second Piano Concerto Sunday 25 March 2.30pm £15, £21, £27, £34, £44 – Mozart Overture, The Magic Flute Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 2 Debussy Ibéria Debussy La Mer – Vasily Petrenko conductor Stephen Hough piano Stephen Hough’s unparalleled skills on the piano have conquered old and new worlds alike. Joining the crème de la crème of global inteligentsia, Stephen was the only classical musician to be awarded the MacArthur Fellowship ‘Genius Grant’ award – and, boy, has he done it justice. Here in Liverpool, we’re always delighted to welcome him home, and over five unmissable concerts he’ll be playing all five of Beethoven’s Piano Concertos.

Today, it’s the turn of the Second: 30 minutes of youthful energy and rapid-fire wit. Vasily Petrenko surrounds it with beauty, including – 100 years to the day since the composer’s death – Debussy’s gorgeous La Mer.

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30 | Classical Music

Eastertide Wednesday 28 March 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £34, £44 – Brahms Tragic Overture Bernstein Symphony No. 1, Jeremiah Brahms Alto Rhapsody Bernstein Chichester Psalms – Christian Lindberg conductor Anna Larsson mezzo-soprano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Composer, conductor, superstar and party animal: Leonard Bernstein lit up

Henry E Rensburg Series

Henry E Rensburg Series

Thursday 5 April 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £34, £44 – Wagner Overture, Rienzi Elgar Cello Concerto Schumann Symphony No. 2 – Ben Gernon conductor Narek Hakhnazaryan cello

Thursday 12 April 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £34, £44 – Verdi Overture, The Force of Destiny Dvořák Romance for Violin and Orchestra Wagner Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde Brahms Symphony No. 2 – Nathalie Stutzmann conductor Thelma Handy violin

Elgar’s Cello Concerto

Some pieces are popular for a reason, and with its blend of poetry, passion and very English nostalgia, Elgar’s Cello Concerto says something both familiar and new, every time it’s played. We can’t wait to hear what Narek Hakhnazaryan has to say about it: this outstanding young Armenian cellist caused quite a stir at the 2016 Proms. Shropshire-born Ben Gernon is another fast-rising talent, and he’s surrounding Elgar with pure romance: Wagner’s barnstorming Rienzi overture, and Schumann’s Second Symphony, basically a coded love-letter to the composer’s wife complete the programme.

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The Power of Love

When Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde drink a magical potion, they unleash forces no-one can control–and a love more powerful than life itself. Tonight, it’s all about love: from the Verdi’s hot-blooded overture, to the serene warmth and endless tunes of Brahms’s sunniest symphony: music that seems to sing for sheer happiness. And making it all happen is the extraordinary Nathalie Stutzmann. We love her, you love her: she’s always a huge hit here in Liverpool. And she’s sharing the limelight with the Orchestra’s own Thelma Handy, in Dvořák’s exquisite Romance.

American music. He would have been 100 this year, so we’re celebrating the only way he knew how – with music!

His Jeremiah Symphony packs a devastating emotional punch, while his Chichester Psalms light up the sky with sweetness and joy. But they’re both exactly as gripping, as moving and as irresistibly catchy as you’d expect from the composer of West Side Story. Christian Lindberg conducts, and mezzo Anna Larsson sings not only Brahms’s heartrending Alto Rhapsody, a piece Bernstein loved, but also the Jeremiah Symphony.

Chamber Music

Roderick Williams baritone Iain Burnside piano Tuesday 17 April 7.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25 – Beethoven An die ferne Geliebte Schubert Schwanengesang – ‘You have never seen me sad; let it not happen now, on parting…’ Schubert’s Schwanengesang collects the last thoughts of one of music’s noblest spirits. Tender, heartfelt and profound, it’s a whole musicdrama in miniature. And you’ll never hear it sung with more understanding or love than by two of the world’s greatest living interpreters of lieder: Roderick Williams and the incomparable Iain Burnside. The evening opens with the first ever song cycle by a major composer, Beethoven’s ‘To the Distant Beloved’.

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Booking fees may apply - See page 34 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Classical Music | 31 Henry E Rensburg Series

Spanish Rhapsody Thursday 19 April 7.30pm £15, £21, £27, £34, £44 – Hindemith Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes by Weber Ravel Piano Concerto in G Francesco Tristano Neihou (UK Premiere) Debussy Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune Ravel Rapsodie espagnole – Maxime Tortelier conductor Francesco Tristano piano

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Petrenko’s Shostakovich Thursday 26 April 7.30pm Friday 27 April 1.30pm £15, £21, £27, £34, £44 (£25 Friday) – Walton Johannesburg Festival Overture Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Nobuyuki Tsujii piano

‘Unparallelled excitement’ was how one critic described the piano playing of Nobu Tsujii. If you’ve already heard him, we think

It’s not quite the summer yet, so why not give the sunny weather a kick-start?

Debussy’s Faun dreams wondrous dreams; Paul Hindemith unleashes the full orchestra in a riot of melody, Ravel whisks us off to a Spanish fiesta – and the Barcelonabased pianist and composer Francesco Tristano revels in the jazzy melodies and southern sunshine of Ravel’s fabulous Piano Concerto. He’s bringing a little something of his own, too, Neihou, a work made of one long rhythmic sequence with slow harmonic shifts, inspired by minimalist structures.

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you’ll agree. If you haven’t – well, judge for yourself, as he plays Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto (and enjoy some simply glorious tunes into the bargain!)

Walton’s overture is a little zinger; and then brace yourself as Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestra throw themselves body and soul into Shostakovich’s shattering Fifth Symphony. Tense, powerful and actionpacked, the composer staked his life on this music. Petrenko understands that, and he won’t hold back.

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WEDDINGS, PARTIES, MEETINGS, RECEPTIONS & CONFERENCES at Liverpool Philharmonic

The Art Deco splendour of Liverpool’s iconic Grade II* listed Liverpool Philharmonic Hall or the ultra-contemporary Music Room, is the perfect place for summer parties, weddings, private dining, meetings, receptions and conferences.

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For more information visit www.liverpoolphil.com/hire or email hire@liverpoolphil.com LiverpoolPhilharmonic

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32 | Film

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 Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express

12A

Thursday 4 January 7.30pm £8, £10, £12 – Director Kenneth Branagh Starring Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Derek Jacobi, Leslie Odom Jr., Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley A lavish train ride unfolds into a stylish and suspense-filled mystery. Based on the novel by Agatha Christie, thirteen strangers find themselves stranded on a train. When a passenger is murdered, their luxurious locomotive journey turns into a chilling murder-mystery. Sir Kenneth Branagh stars as Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, facing a race to solve the crime before the killer strikes again.

The Mercy

Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool

15

Monday 19 February 7.30pm £8, £10, £12 – Director Paul McGuigan Starring Jamie Bell, Annette Bening, Julie Walters Based on actor Peter Turner’s poignant memoir, eccentric Hollywood legend Gloria Grahame (Bening) and struggling young actor Peter Turner (Bell) meet and embark on an intense romance in the late 1970s.

Years later, in 1981, the onset of illness leads Grahame to reach out to her former flame.

When she moves to Liverpool to stay with Turner and his family, the pair’s memories of their vibrant, whirlwind courtship come flooding back.

TBC

Monday 23 April 7.30pm £8, £10, £12 – Director James Marsh Starring Colin Firth, Rachel Weisz, David Thewlis, Ken Stott Based on the true story of Donald Crowhurst and his attempt to win the first non-stop single-handed round-the-world yacht race in 1968. The story of Crowhurst’s disastrous solo voyage and the struggles he confronted on the epic journey while his wife Claire and children waited for his return at home is one of the most enduring mysteries of recent times.

Booking fees may apply - See page 34 for details

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Comedy & Spoken Word | 33

COMEDY & SPOKEN WORD

Image Aggers and Bumble

Jonathan Pie: Back to the Studio

and non-lovers of the game alike and there will be an opportunity for the audience to tweet Aggers with their own questions.

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Sunday 25 February 7.30pm £22.50, £28.50 – The frustrated News reporter is back and he’s angrier than ever.

Pie attempts to host a night of serious discussions on current affairs whilst simultaneously attempting to smash the system from within.

Join him for a night of political comedy that will soon descend into chaos.

This will be a fascinating, entertaining, no-holds-barred evening for cricket fans

Bill Bailey: Larks in Transit Saturday 10 March 8pm Tuesday 12 June 8pm £27.50, £33.50 – Larks in Transit is a compendium of travellers’ tales and the general shenanigans of twenty years as a travelling comedian.

With musical virtuosity, surreal tangents and trademark intelligence, Bill Bailey tackles politics, philosophy and the pursuit of happiness. Plus, he fashions a symphony from a ringtone, tells the real story of Old McDonald, and a reimagines the Stars and Stripes.

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Tuesday 16 January 7.30pm £27.50, £33.50 – From the last home Ashes series in 2013, evenings with Aggers have been delighting audiences all over the country.

Now, Aggers teams up with cricket’s number one maverick national treasure, David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd, for an evening in aid of the Professional Cricketers Association.

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Aggers and Bumble

1840 Room

‘Virtuoso…Comedy’s Mozart’ The Sunday Times

1840 Room

No Such Thing As A Fish Thursday 29 March 8pm £18, £24 (£16 concessions) – Join Dan Schreiber, Andrew Hunter Murray, Anna Ptaszynski and James Harkin from award-winning podcast No Such Thing As A Fish on

LiverpoolPhilharmonic

the first leg of their brand new UK tour as they serve up their pick of the most bizarre, extraordinary and hilarious facts known to man.

‘Knowledge-packed and riotously funny’ The Times May contain strong language and adult themes

@liverpoolphil

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34 | Diary

DIARY How to Book

Booking Fees

Online liverpoolphil.com

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

Telephone 0151 709 3789 Post Box Office, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BP

In person No fees for cash / debit card payments.

Credit cards 2% transaction fee. Cheques subject to 70p charge per order.

In Person Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BP For opening times, visit liverpoolphil.com/get-tickets

Key * Music Room / ** St George’s Hall Concert Room

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

January 2018 Mon 1 2.30pm New Year’s Day Prom 24 Thu 4 7.30pm Film: Murder on the Orient Express 32 Sat 6 7pm Messiah 24 LIMITED Thu 11 7.30pm Winter Landscapes 25 Thu 11 9.30pm Post-concert Question Time: 22

Winter Landscapes* Fri 12 1.30pm Winter Landscapes 25 Sat 13 2.30pm Johann Strauss Gala 25 Sat 13 8pm Genesis Visible Touch* 11 Sun 14 2.30pm Marc-André Hamelin piano** 25 Mon 15 2pm League of Welldoers 18 Tue 16 7.30pm Aggers and Bumble 33 Thu 18 7.30pm Elgar’s Enigma 25 Fri 19 8pm Olly Chalk Trio ft. John O’Gallagher 11 Sat 20 11am Discover the Classics: 21

Gethyn Jones with Julian Rachlin* Sat 20 2.30pm Glenn Miller Orchestra 18 Sun 21 2.30pm Elgar’s Serenade 25 Wed 24 12.45pm Lunchtime Learning: Music of Messiaen* 21 Wed 24 8pm Chris Wood* 11 Thu 25 8pm Turangalila 26 Thu 25 9.30pm Post-concert Question Time: Turangalila* 22 Fri 26 8pm Nathalie Forget ondes martenot* 12 Fri 26 8pm Dear Esther Live 6 Sat 27 7.30pm Nathan Carter and his band 6 Sun 28 12pm Troika Klezmer Kabaret* 12 Sun 28 7.30pm Joe Brown 6 Mon 29 1pm Andrew Harvey violin, 12

Alexander Holladay cello, Ian Buckle piano* Tue 30 8pm Martin Hayes Quartet* 12 Wed 31 8pm The Songs of Leonard Cohen* 12

February 2018 Thu 1 11am Liverpool Philharmonic Experience 22

Tour: Delve Deep* Thu 1 7.30pm Rhapsody 26 Fri 2 7.30pm The Classic Rock Show 6 Sun 4 2.30pm Grieg’s Piano Concerto 26

Mon 5 7.30pm Legendary Frontmen of Rock 6 SOLD OUT Tue 6 7.30pm Erasure 7 Wed 7 8pm Ad Marginem by Mugstar (live)* 13 Thu 8 6pm Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company* 13 Thu 8 7.30pm Eroica 26 Fri 9 1.30pm Eroica 26 Sat 10 7.30pm Paul Carrack 7 Sun 11 7.30pm Paul Carrack 7 Mon 12 10am Toddler Tunes* 20 Mon 12 11.45am Little Notes* 20 Wed 14 10am Toddler Tunes* 20 Wed 14 11.45am Baby Voices* 20 Wed 14 7.30pm Valentine’s Classics 27 Thu 15 8pm Cara Dillon with Sam Lakeman* 13 Fri 16 7.30pm Icons of the 80s 7 Sat 17 11am Liverpool Philharmonic Experience 22

Tour: Play (For Families)* Sat 17 7.30pm Cocktail Classics 27 Sat 17 8pm Merry Hell* 13 Sun 18 2.30pm Khatia Buniatishvili** 27 Mon 19 1pm Ross Trio* 13 Mon 19 7.30pm Film: Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool 32 Wed 21 12.45pm Lunchtime Learning: Music of Turina, 21

Bartok, Ravel and Strauss* Thu 22 7.30pm Fantastic Dances 27 Thu 22 8pm Martin Harley and Daniel Kimbro* 14 Fri 23 7.30pm Anton & Erin 18 Fri 23 8pm Breabach* 14 Sat 24 1pm The Mad Professor* 18 Sat 24 2.45pm The Mad Professor* 18 SELLING FAST Sat 24 7.30pm Rebecca Ferguson 7 Sat 24 8pm Django’s Legacy V: Romane with 14

Daniel John Martin* Sun 25 7.30pm Jonathan Pie: Back to the Studio 33 Wed 28 7.30pm Elkie Brooks 7 Wed 28 7.30pm Ensemble 10/10** 28

March 2018 Sat Sun

3 4

7.30pm 2.30pm

Mozart’s Requiem 28 Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra 28

Diary | 35

Sun 4 8pm Stick in the Wheel* 14 Fri 9 7.30pm St Mary’s College Crosby - 19

Festival of Music Sat 10 8pm Bill Bailey: Larks in Transit SELLING FAST 33 Sat 10 8pm Woody Guthrie: The Long Road to 14

Peekskill with Will Kaufman* Sun 11 2.30pm From Hamelin to Hogwarts 19 Mon 12 1.30pm In Harmony Liverpool’s 19

9th Birthday Concert SOLD O UT Mon 12 8pm Klezmer-ish: Voices from the Road * 15 Tue 13 8pm Klezmer-ish: Voices from the Road* 15 Wed 14 8pm Simon Day* 15 Thu 15 6.15pm Classic Intros: Mahler One* 22 Thu 15 7.30pm Mahler One 28 Fri 16 1.30pm Mahler One 28 Sat 17 7.30pm Knight & Spiers* 15 Sat 17 7.30pm The Sensational 60s Experience 7 Sun 18 7.30pm Levellers 8 Mon 19 1pm Pixels Ensemble* 15 Mon 19 7.30pm Belle and Sebastian 8 Tue 20 7.30pm Buddy Holly & The Cricketers 8 Wed 21 12.45pm Lunchtime Learning: Music of Mozart, 21

Beethoven and Debussy* Thu 22 6.15pm Classic Intros: Beethoven’s First 22

Piano Concerto Thu 22 7.30pm Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto 29 Fri 23 7.30pm YES 8 Sat 24 11am Discover the Classics: Jane Jones 21

with Stephen Hough* Sun 25 2.30pm Beethoven’s Second Piano Concerto 29 Sun 25 8pm Lady Maisery* 15 Tue 27 8pm Lil Jimmy Reed & The ‘A’ Team* 16 Wed 28 7.30pm Eastertide 30 Thu 29 8pm No Such Thing As A Fish 33 Fri 30 7.30pm Remembering Fred 19

April 2018 Mon 2 7.30pm James & Ola 19 Thu 5 7.30pm Elgar’s Cello Concerto 30 Fri 6 8pm Rumours of Fleetwood Mac 9 Sat 7 8.30pm Jaws in Concert 20 SOLD OUT Mon 9 7.30pm Beauty and the Beast 20 Mon 9 8pm Piano Circus* 16 Tue 10 7.30pm Lisa Stansfield 9 SOLD OUT Wed 11 7.30pm Bryan Ferry 9 Thu 12 11am Liverpool Philharmonic Experience 22

Tour: Delve Deep* Thu 12 7.30pm The Power of Love 30 Fri 13 7.30pm Sheridan Smith 9 Sat 14 7.30pm The Whitney Houston Show 9 Sun 15 8pm Little Sparrow and Elfin Bow* 16 Tue 17 7.30pm Roderick Williams baritone, 30

Iain Burnside piano Wed 18 12.45pm Lunchtime Learning: Music of 21

Hindemith, Tristano, Ravel and Debussy* Thu 19 7.30pm Spanish Rhapsody 31 Fri 20 7.30pm Marillion 10 Fri 20 8pm Francesco Tristano piano* 16 Sun 22 8pm Mary Coughlan* 17

Mon 23 7.30pm Tue 24 8pm Thu 26 7.30pm Fri 27 1.30pm Sat 28 8pm Sun 29 7.30pm Mon 30 1pm

Film: The Mercy 32 Kris Drever* 17 Petrenko’s Shostakovich 31 Petrenko’s Shostakovich 31 Django’s Legacy VI: Lollo Meier Quartet* 17 Liza Pulman 10 Trio D’anches* 17

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

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

Love Music: From the First Note Over the years, thousands of donors have supported Liverpool Philharmonic’s work with schools and young people.

This vital work is a fundamental part of Liverpool Philharmonic’s mission.

Our Schools’ Concert series, now in its 8th decade, our groundbreaking music education and social change programme, In Harmony Liverpool, and our youth orchestra, ensembles and choirs are fortunate to have many friends whose generosity helps each year to nurture talent and sustain musical excellence.

With your help, we will grow our investment in young people’s music-making, all made possible through the ongoing financial support of people who believe, as we do, in the power of music to change lives.

“I enjoyed The Firebird so much – you could say it melted my heart. I almost cried! I would 100% love to hear the orchestra again”.

Pupil aged 9, attending a Schools’ Concert for the first time.

Every donation will be used directly to support music for young people.

If you are able to make a gift please: Visit liverpoolphil.com/firstnote Call 0151 210 2921 Email fundraising@liverpoolphil.com Post cheques (payable to RLPS) to Development Dept, Liverpool Philharmonic, Freepost LV7371, Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BR

DEDICATE A SEAT

For ÂŁ150 a year dedicating a seat at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall is a perfect gift for a music lover, or a lasting dedication in memory of a loved one.

To learn more, please call the Development team on 0151 210 2921 or email fundraising@liverpoolphil.com or visit www.liverpoolphil.com/seat

Liverpool Philharmonic Access Scheme We strive to be as accessible as possible to all.

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.

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

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A talented ensemble As Principal Partner of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra we know what it means to be dedicated to performance.

With more than 150 years’ experience of serving clients by investing their money wisely, Investec Wealth & Investment have the knowledge and expertise to help make your financial goals a reality. Our specialist teams manage the wealth of over 50,000 clients, seeking the best and most tax-efficient returns on their capital. With a network of 15 offices across the UK, including Liverpool, we are well placed to oversee your investments, pensions or other financial matters.

Please bear in mind that the value of investments and the income derived from them can go down as well as up and that you may not get back the amount that you have put in.

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