October 2014 - February 2015 What's On Guide

Liverpool Philharmonic

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FeaturingImelda MayBellowheadPaul CarrackSeth Lakeman Liverpool Irish FestivalRoyal LiverpoolPhilharmonic Orchestra

Box Officeliverpoolphil.com0151 709 3789

Image Imelda MayPage 7

2 | Welcome

Contents –Welcome

Your NEW LiverpoolPhilharmonic Hall /Dedicate a SeatPage 3

Liverpool Irish Festival Page 4-5

Contemporary MusicPage 6-9

Family & VarietyPage 10

LearningPage 11

Classical MusicPage 12-19

Comedy & Spoken WordPage 19-20

FilmPage 21

Seating Plan &Venue InformationPage 22-23

Thanks to the Cityof Liverpool for itsfinancial support

Finch Insurance Brokers | Andrew Collinge Kirwans Solicitors | Liverpool John Lennon AirportMgMaStudio/ architecture | OPierhead Housing Association | Profile Education LtdR S Clare & Co. Ltd | Stack IT Group Tilney Investment Management

Austin & Hope Pilkington Trust | The Eric andMargaret Kinder Charitable Trust The GranadaFoundation | Faith Primary School OglesbyCharitable Trust In Harmony FundThe Rayne Foundation | WeightmansWest Lancashire Freemasons Charityanonymous donors

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Welcome...It’s a pleasure to introduce the firstWhat’s On Guide to includeperformances in the newlyrefurbished LiverpoolPhilharmonic Hall, and what finerway to kick off than with the returnof Bellowhead?!

But just before that, we are delighted oncemore to partner Liverpool Irish Festival,presenting three great shows in St George’sHall Concert Room: the prospect of seeing newIrish supergroup The Gloaming there ismouthwatering!

As ever, this guide brings you details of allLiverpool Philharmonic events at LiverpoolPhilharmonic Hall and elsewhere: on thisoccasion I leave it to you to select those thatbest meet your tastes, and instead would like tosign off on a personal note. I have had theprivilege of working for LiverpoolPhilharmonic since early 2003, bringing thebest local, national and international music toour stages; presenting, sometimes producing,and working in partnership with many of thecity’s great festivals. It’s been a great pleasure,

made possible only because there is suchsupport from Liverpool audiences for brilliantmusic, comedy and film. By the time you readthis I will have ended my time at LiverpoolPhilharmonic and taken up a new role, and I’dlike to thank you therefore for the support youcontinue to show to Liverpool Philharmonic,and I am delighted that the concert hall, ourorchestra and our wider programme are all onsuch excellent form!

Simon GlinnExecutive Director,Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and Events

PRINCIPAL FUNDERS

SPONSORS

CORPORATE MEMBERS

IN HARMONY LIVERPOOL

IN-KIND SPONSORS TRAVEL PARTNER HOTEL PARTNER HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNER

OTHER PUBLIC FUNDERS

PRINCIPAL PARTNERS MEDIA PARTNER

Dedicating a seat in the newlyrefurbished hall is a perfect way tocelebrate your love of music.

Your donation will make a realdifference to our work and helpensure future generationscontinue to enjoy live music.

Dedicating a seat is a perfectgift for music-lovers andconcert-goers, and a lastingdedication if bought inmemoriam.

In recognition of your support,we offer a number of benefits

which aim to enhance yourconcert-going experienceincluding invitations to openrehearsals, pre-concertreceptions, subscription toEncore magazine and access toa members room.

Dedicate a seat today for £120 ayear and begin, what becomesfor many, a lifelong journey insupporting our work.

To learn more please call the Development Team on0151 210 2921 email [email protected] visit www.liverpoolphil.com/seat

Dedicate a Seat

YourNEW Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

| 3

The first phase of the majorrefurbishment of the Grade II* listedLiverpool Philharmonic Hall is nowwell under way.

The Hall reopens in November as the first phase is completed, withphase two, including the building of an exciting new secondperformance space, due for completion in summer 2015.

The refurbishment will provide:

• New box office and refreshed foyer areas

• Reinvigorated Grand Foyer food and drink offer

• Increased number of accessible seating in more areasof the auditorium including the Grand Circle

• New lift linking all foyers and all seating areas of the auditorium

• Improved backstage and production facilities for our resident musicians and visiting artists

• An exciting new performance space for a range of small-scale concerts, learning events and other activities

• Increased environmental sustainability, including the ability toreduce power consumption

Follow the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall refurbishmentprogramme at www.liverpoolphil.com/blog where we areposting regular images and updates.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is grateful to our Principal Funders,Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council; and to the FoyleFoundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, The Wolfson Foundation,The Kenneth Stern Trust, The Foundation for Sport and the Arts, TheGranada Foundation, The Ravensdale Trust, J Paul Getty JrCharitable Trust, The J A Shone Memorial Trust, Cecil PilkingtonCharitable Trust, The Steel Charitable Trust and generosity of manyindividual donors for their support of the refurbishment programme.

ImageMoxie

4 | Liverpool Irish Festival

Liverpool Irish Festival returnscelebrating the finest incontemporary and traditionalIrish culture and Liverpool’sunique relationship withIreland. The Festival is biggerthan ever this year, extendingits annual celebration of Irisharts and music to explorecontemporary Liverpool Irishculture in even more depth.From the English première of

Seamus Heaney’s final works,to a celebration of Gaelicfootball with the first LiverpoolIrish Festival Cup, theenchanting sounds of TheGloaming, the traditionalceilidh, a handpicked selectionof cutting edge Irish animationand film at FACT, Ireland’sfinest contemporary poets inperformance, a talk by theBBC’s Orla Guerin, print and

illustration from cuttingedge artists, a whiskeytasting with a masterdistiller and food from allcorners of Ireland, expectnew talks and tours, musicand dance, art andanimation, literature,sessions and smiles for allthe family.

liverpoolirishfestival.com

Liverpool Irish Festival 23 October - 2 NovemberBringing Liverpool and Ireland together

Booking feesOnline/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).In Person No fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Moxie plus support: Anam

Thursday 23 October 7.30pmSt George’s Hall Concert Room£16–Moxie is five young Irishmusicians who are inspiringaudiences, and the musicestablishment, with their newpalette of 21st century Irishmusic. Kevin Crawford ofLunasa declares them ‘five ofthe best musicians on the scenetoday’ he says ‘the fact that theyare so young is both frighteningand inspirational…Their soundis sophisticated, slick andadventurous yet exciting, full offun and overflowing with ideas’.

The band comprises CillianDoheny (tenor banjo/steelstring guitar), Jos Kelly (buttonaccordion/keyboard), DarrenRoche (button accordion), TedKelly (tenor banjo) and PaddyHazelton (percussion). Theirmusic has a solid traditionalbackbone. Jazz, rock, bluegrassand world music rhythms andharmonies are creativelystructured around this basetreating the listener to layers ofrich and intricate sounds. Theband delivers a punchyprogramme of both their owncompositions and old tuneswith a new emerald vibe.

Another influential fan,Winifred Horan of Solas, says‘I love this band! Irish trad withmany beautiful twists andturns... Rocking tunes, fresh,gorgeous arrangements,stunning harmonies and classplaying from top to bottom...listen to this band! Get out andsee them live! You will not bedisappointed!’

Liverpool Irish Festival | 5

We Banjo 3 plus support: Maz O’Connor

Thursday 30 October 7.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room£16–‘Count yourself among thefortunate. You are about to hearsomething new, something fresh,something daring’ says Paul FWells, Director at The Center forPopular Music at MiddleTennessee State University. Theaward-winning quartet fromGalway combines Irish old-timebluegrass music and song toreveal the banjo’s rich legacy androots.

Featuring banjo, fiddle,mandolin, guitar, vocals andpercussion We Banjo 3 make anextraordinary musicalstatement. This band ofbrothers; Enda and Fergal

Scahill and Martin and DavidHowley are among the mostcelebrated and distinguishedyoung musicians in Irelandtoday. The Irish Times describesthem as ‘absolutely virtuosic’ andLiveIreland are calling them ‘anew force in Irish music’.On their debut CDUkFolkMusic.co.uk said ‘[it] willhopefully one day be consideredon a par (in folk music terms)with say the first time you heardSteeleye Span or FairportConvention.’

WeBanjo3 have been at theforefront of Irish banjo andfiddle for two decades. Theircompetitive success is unrivalled,Martin holding seven All Irelandtitles, Enda with four, whileFergal and David hold AllIreland titles on Banjo, Fiddle,Bodhran and Guitar. Enda hasrecorded and performed with

The Chieftains, Frankie Gavin,Stockton’s Wing, Grammy-winner Ricky Skaggs and TheBrock McGuireBand. Fergal hasperformed with David Munnelly,Martin O’Connor and KevinCrawford and has toured theworld with Ragus and CelticLegends and Martin was the veryfirst Irish banjo player to perfomat the Grand Ol Opry inNashville.

‘These three ultra-talentedIrish performers deliverhallowed musical traditionsfrom Ireland and America witha freshness and finessebordering on magical.’Wall Street Journal

‘The hottest thing in thetradition. Get on board early, asthey are a stunning example ofcurrent brilliance in trad.’LiveIreland.com

The GloamingSunday 2 November 7.30pmSt. George’s Hall Concert Room£25–The Gloaming connect the richIrish folk music tradition andNew York’s contemporary musicscene. The band’s five membersmet in early 2011 at GrouseLodge Studios is West Meath,Ireland. Pianist Thomas Bartlett(aka Doveman), Chicagoguitarist Dennis Cahill, fiddlemaster Martin Hayes, hardangerinnovator Caoimhin ÓRaghallaigh and Irish singerIarla Ó Lionaird - well knownfor his contribution to thelegendary Afro Celt SoundSystem - discovered a sharedmusical aesthetic thattranscended the genres forwhich they’ve become known.In the brief time since theirformation, The Gloaming havebecome a much-heralded livedraw in UK and Europe –playing to capacity crowds thissummer in the world’s most

prestigous venues. They havesold out concerts at London’sUnion Chapel, Dublin’s NationalConcert Hall, at Holland Festivalin Amsterdam and Paris’s Citede la Musique. They also playedtheir second ever US show in aco-bill with Kronos Quartet atthe Lincoln Center. The musicthey make is ephemeral yetfurious, pairing memorable,yearning melodies with aprogressive style. The grouphearkens back to some of themost unexpected success storiesof the late 90s – when theamazing, largely instrumental,sound of artists like Buena VistaSocial Club and Sigur Roshelped the niche genres of Afro-

Cuban music and post-rock tobreak into popularconsciousness. Imagine ifalchemical music of a band likeTortoise could appeal to yourold Irish uncle – and you havean idea of what The Gloamingare after.

‘Moves the music of Ireland incaptivating new directions.’The New Yorker

‘Their live performances so farhave been revelatory... Futuredates are likely to cementthem as one of the great forcesin Irish music.’The Irish Times

There are plentyof free events toexplore during theFestival. Here aresome of ourfavourites:Irish Traditional Music Sessions23 October to 2 NovemberThe Caledonia, Pogue Mahones,The Edinburgh, Kelly’sDispensary, Peter Kavanagh’sFree

Throughout the Festivaltraditional and contemporarylocal and Irish musicians take overthe city’s drinking holes. BogStandards continue their regularraucous stomp at The Caledonia,while Pogue Mahone’s host an all-day music and food special onSaturday 1 November. TheEdinburgh and Peter Kavanagh’shave long been two of theFestival’s spiritual homes, so cometo enjoy the craic.–The Liverpool Irish Festival CupSaturday 25 OctoberGreenbank Sports AcademyFree

Cheer the champions of the firstever Liverpool Irish Festival Cupas a blitz tournament taking partduring the Festival features Gaelicfootball teams from across theNorth West battling it out.–Museum Family Fun DaySaturday 25 October 11-4pmMuseum of LiverpoolFree

Enjoy readings from the award-winning Irish children’s author,Malachy Doyle, a family drawingworkshop with an Irish illustrator,heritage tours and hands-onmusic workshops. There will alsobe music and dance performancesthroughout the day.–Print and IllustrationExtravaganzaSunday 26 October 11-5pmThe BluecoatFree

See contemporary art and designfrom both Ireland and Liverpoolin an exhibition, print fair, liveprint workshops, family activitiesand talks showcasing the bestIrish and Liverpool creative talentworking today. A chance to meetyoung Irish and Liverpoolcreatives and buy a unique pieceof artwork.

CONTEMPORARYMUSIC

Image Bellowhead

6 | Contemporary Music


BellowheadMonday 10 November 7.30pm£22.50, £24.50, £30.50–‘After a decade together, we’reready for some overnightsuccess’ says band member PaulSartin about Britain’s mostsuccessful traditional folk actwho released their new (andfifth) album Revival thissummer. Since their formationten years ago Bellowhead haveoccupied a unique place in

Britain’s musical landscape: ablistering 11-piece band fusingfolk, funk, rock, world, jazz,music hall and classical music,they have placed themselves atthe cutting edge of thecontemporary music scenewhile harnessing all the powerand mystery of English andEuropean musical traditions.They are acknowledged as oneof the best live acts the UK hasproduced in recent years,wowing audiences in venuesacross the UK, Europe and

North America and becoming akey fixture on the festival scene.In the process they’ve won BBCRadio 2 Folk Awards Best LiveAct an amazing five times, aswell as Best Group twice.

‘Mightier than ever.’Mojo

‘Slicker and more confidentthan ever.’The Guardian

The StylisticsMonday 17 November 7.30pm£25, £30–The Stylistics with theircharisma, style and harmony,evolved into one of the best-selling soul groups ever. ThePhiladelphia group recorded aremarkable ten straight-top tenhits during the early 1970sincluding the Grammynominated hit You Make Me

Feel Brand New, plus Can’tGive You Anything (But MyLove), You Are Everything,Betcha By Golly Wow, I’mStone In Love With You, BreakUp To Make Up, Sing BabySing and many more.

CharlieLandsboroughFriday 21 November 7.30pm£19, £25–2014 is the 20th anniversary ofthe release of CharlieLandsborough’s signature tuneWhat Colour Is The Wind. Tocommemorate the Merseyside-based country star returns witha new studio album Here, Thereand Everywhere,which featuresthe great song writing talents ofSir Paul McCartney, JohnLennon and George Harrison.The album sees Landsboroughat his very best, with a blend ofpopular and not so obvioustunes performed in histrademark deep, heartfeltsound. Charlie Landsboroughhas recorded albums inNashville, won many CountryMusic Awards and has had hissongs covered by legendsincluding George Hamilton IV,Daniel O’Donnell, Jack Jones,Pat Boone and Foster & Allen.

Contemporary Music | 7

St Andrew’s NightCelebration with

CapercaillieSunday 30 November 7.30pmSt George’s Hall Concert Room£22–Three ground-breaking decadesafter Capercaillie firstperformed as teenagers in theirnative Scottish Highlands theycontinue their worldwidemusical journey. What betterway to celebrate St Andrew’sNight than with the band whoseancient Gaelic culture hasinspired them to globalsuccess? As Scottish musictriumphantly comes of age inthe 21st century, Capercaillie

Karen Matheson (vocals),Donald Shaw (keys), CharlieMcKerron (fiddle), ManusLunny (guitar), Ewen Vernal(bass), Michael McGoldrick(flute/pipes) are the bandwho’ve grown up with it and arenow widely credited with aseminal role in that widertransformation. Consolidatingtheir stature among Celticmusic’s international premierleague, Capercaillie’s reputationas a thrilling live act has alsoonly grown with the years.

‘The most vibrant and excitingband in the field of Celticmusic.’ Billboard

The HumanLeague Sunday 30 November 8pm£32.50, £39.50, £45–Synth pop’s first internationalsuperstars, The Human Leaguewere among the earliest andmost innovative bands to breakinto the pop mainstream on awave of synthesizers andelectronic rhythms of the late70s and 80s. Their marriage ofinfectious melodies and newtechnology has provedenormously influential eversince.

Imelda May Friday 5 December 7.30pm£25, £29.50, £35, £41–Ireland’s reigning queen ofrockabilly Imelda May has beenone of the most strikinglyoriginal talents in music eversince the release of her raucousdebut album Love Tattoo, backin 2009 (now 8-times platinumin Ireland). She has taken herinfectious blend of rock, jazz,blues and torch songs from theback rooms of Dublin pubs to

the biggest venues and festivalsin the world. May’s captivatinglive shows are widely acclaimedand she has picked up fans asdiverse as Jools Holland, JeffBeck and Bono. This trulyunique artist’s newest album,Tribal sees her returning with acollection of hard-edgedanthems. Far from mellowingwith motherhood Imelda sizzlesmore than ever with herleather-clad attitude and musicthat celebrates the great rock ‘n’roll sub-culture.

John Grantwith the Royal NorthernSinfonia

Saturday 22 November 7.30pm£21, £24, £30–It’s been an extraordinaryjourney for John Grant, from apoint where he thought hewould never make music again,or escape a life of substanceabuse, to winning awards andaccolades. Forming the noirfolk/country band The Czars inthe mid 90s in Denver, the bandhad a moderately successfulcareer before splitting in 2004.A five year break from musicfollowed, before Grant releasedhis first solo album, full of lush70s FM alchemy, entitled QueenOf Denmark in 2010. In 2013 hereleased his second album, PaleGreen Ghosts, to widespreadcritical acclaim. It’s a journeythat’s also seen him based inNew York, London, Berlin and,most recently, Iceland, wherethe bulk of Pale Green Ghostswas recorded. Along the wayGrant has collaborated withSinéad O’Connor, Rumer and

Hercules & Love Affair and hadhis music featured in the award-winning film Weekend. Now hemakes his LiverpoolPhilharmonic debut with one ofhis most exciting ventures yet;this special concert in whichGrant reworks and re-imagineshis music in a sumptuousorchestral setting, accompaniedby the Royal Northern Sinfoniaand featuring the worldpremiere of new specially-written songs.

‘It’s hard to imagine a moreenjoyable and rewarding hourof music being released thisyear than Pale Green Ghosts:self-obsessed but completelycompelling, profoundlydiscomforting but beautiful.’The Guardian

‘Grant’s rich voice dovetailsbeautifully with the silverysynths.’NME

Presented in collaboration with

Book now at www.liverpoolphil.com

SOLD OUT


DaDaFest International 2014

Staff Benda Bililiplus support

Saturday 6 December 7.30pm£19.50, £22.50, £28.50–Congolese super-band StaffBenda Bilili’s inspirational liveshows and extraordinary storyhave caused a stir across theglobe. The band nametranslates as "look beyondappearances" - literally: "putforward what is hidden", andStaff Benda Bilili consider

Raymond Gubbay presents

The Glenn MillerOrchestraSunday 11 January 2.30pm£16.50, £19.50, £25, £28, £30–One of the UK’s most renownedbig band swings you back intime playing Glenn Miller’soriginal arrangements offavourite wartime chart-toppersand hits from the forties. Theprogramme includes;Moonlight Serenade, LittleBrown Jug, String Of Pearls,Tuxedo Junction, American

For over thirty years TheBootleg Beatles have beenperforming the Fab Four’sclassic pop songs to audiencesacross the globe, winning overeven the most hardenedskeptics with their stunningrecreation of The Beatles’ soundand look. With a little help fromtheir orchestral ensemble, theyeven manage to reproduce liveon stage songs the John, Paul,George and Ringo neveractually performed themselves.Every tiny detail is meticulouslycovered with their inflection-perfect vocal mimicry, fromcostumes to authentic periodinstruments and the famouswitty Scouse banter.

Patrol, Chattanooga ChooChoo, Strike Up The Band andRhapsody In Blue. Plus aspecial Frank Sinatraanniversary celebrationincluding I’ve Got you UnderMy Skin, Strangers in theNight, Birth of the Blues andNew York, New York.

Ray McVaymusical directorWith special guests The JivingLindy Hoppers

The orchestra will perform thesecond half of the concert in theWorld War II uniforms of the USarmy Air Force.

Nils Lofgren Friday 16 January 8pm£28.50, £34.50–The American songwriter,guitar and piano prodigy isfamed for his appearance onNeil Young’s seminal albumAfter The Goldrush, as a long-time member of BruceSpringsteen’s E-Street Band,and as a superb front-man,both with his own band Grinand as a solo artist. He is alsoknown world-wide for hisextraordinary guitar-playingand on-stage acrobatics.

‘Every guitar Nils Lofgrentouches becomes a specialguitar: Listen to the echoes ofJeff Beck in his pyrotechnicsolo on “Youngstown” from the2001 Bruce Springsteen andthe E-Street Band Live in NewYork City CD. Or take thecomplex, multi-rhythm finger-picking on Lofgren’s AcousticLive release. His work on thatCD rivals Richard Thompsonfor clarity and inventiveness.Lofgren is about the bestguitarists on the planet.’Hittin’ the Note

The BootlegBeatles Sunday 7 December 8pm£27, £29.50, £35.50–

themselves the real journalistsof Kinshasa; their songsdocument events relating totheir everyday experiences andresonate with the pulse ofCongolese rumba, of Cubanswing and, at times, even of theGodfather Of Soul himself.

DaDaFest International 2014,8 November 2014 to 11 January2015, brings artists fromacross the globe to Liverpool toshowcase and celebrate thebest in Disability and Deaf Arts.

‘A remarkable band regardlessof their background. Not onlydo they sound incredible, theyexude an inscrutable cool.’(5 Stars) The Guardian

‘Havana cantina, Kinshasaslum, or psychedelic club-this outfit would tear the roofoff anywhere.’The Independent

8 | Contemporary Music


TransatlanticSessionsThursday 5 February 7.30pm £25, £27.50, £32–From the award-winningPelicula/BBC TV series, theTransatlantic Sessions continueto revisit shared roots and forgenew common ground betweentoday’s finest Celtic andAmericana musicians. Freshfrom the success of last year’ssold out tour are musicaldirectors: fiddle maestro AlyBain and dobro legend JerryDouglas, with the ultimatehouse band who willaccompany some very specialguests.

‘A sublime confection of musicand song... The Sessions arehighly polished, professionaldisplays of virtuosity... if youare not already in their thrallyou need to get out and about,see them live.’(9/10) Liverpool Confidential.

‘[An] impeccable night ofmusic that delighted...There is something pure aboutthese concerts.’The Telegraph

Seth LakemanWednesday 4 February 7.30pm£19.50, £25.50–Mercury Prize nominee, BBCRadio 2 Folk Award winner,folk singer, songwriter andvirtuoso fiddler Seth Lakemanmakes his LiverpoolPhilharmonic debut tochampion his new album Wordof Mouth, and to play materialfrom his extensive backcatalogue of live favourites.He has unearthed hiddenhistories and unsung everydayheroes to commemorate in songfor this latest album which waswritten alongside producer IanGrimble who has worked withManic Street Preachers and CatStevens, and continues toexperiment with folk tradition.Grimble has added drama tosongs where working lives,majestic landscapes, and thetragedy of war are brought to life.

Lakeman has successfullyhelped to steer English folk intothe musical mainstream withhis festival appearances,captivating live shows and aseries of best-selling albumsover the last 10 years since hereleased the Mercury Prizenominated Kitty Jay in 2004.He will be joined by his multi-instrumental band for thisconcert, so expect a trademarkhigh energy performance.

‘One of the UK’s mostacclaimed young folk artist.’The Guardian

Paul Carrack Rain or ShineSaturday 17 January 7.30pm £28.50, £38.50–The singer, songwriter andformer front man of Ace,Squeeze and Mike & TheMechanics returns to the roadfollowing his widely acclaimedrecent album release Rain or

Shine a mix of new originalsongs and classic tracks. With aback catalogue of hits to hisname including How Long,Tempted and The Living Years,Carrack’s marvelously soulfulvoice is known to millionsaround the world. His songshave been performed by someof the biggest names in musicincluding The Eagles, DianaRoss and Tom Jones and he is

constantly in demand as asession keyboardist, havingrecorded and toured with EltonJohn, Eric Clapton and BBKing. He is undoubtedly a keyfigure in British pop history, anall-round musical talent. As hisdevoted fans know all too well,a Paul Carrack show is alwayssomething very special.

Contemporary Music | 9

FAMILY& VARIETY

Image Rudolph on Hope Street, 2013

10 | Family & Variety


Family Concert

Rudolph onHope Street Saturday 20 & Sunday 21December 11.30am & 2.30pmMonday 22 December 2.30pm£13, £16 (£8 children)One hour concert–Alasdair Malloy presenterMelody Makers and LiverpoolPhilharmonic Training Choir

Everyone knows at least onesong about Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, but this year,Santa’s given him a specialpresent: the Royal LiverpoolPhilharmonic Orchestra, and awhole concert full of yourfavourite Christmas tunes. Thebest bit is – you’re invited!Hear the Orchestra, sing alongwith our children’s choirs, andhave your picture taken withone of Rudolph’s real livereindeer pals, as presenter

Alasdair Malloy and maestroMike Seal get the party started.So come on up to Hope Street,have a good old sing-along, andjoin in the reindeer games thisChristmas. (And don’t tellanyone - but we’ve heard thatSanta himself might even bedropping by!)

Don’t miss the live reindeeroutside Liverpool PhilharmonicHall prior to the performances!

Disney Fantasia Live in ConcertSaturday 3 January2.30pm & 7.30pm£17, £22, £29, £34, £40(£7 for under 25s)–Neil Thomson conductorJoin us for a thrillingperformance of Disney’sgroundbreaking marriage ofsymphonic music andanimation. Magnificentrepertoire from the original1940 version and Fantasia2000, including The Sorcerer’sApprentice, Beethoven’s FifthSymphony and NutcrackerSuite, will be performed whileDisney’s stunning footage isshown on the big screen.Experience iconic moments andchildhood favourites as younever have before!

Excerpts from Fantasia andFantasia 2000 (restored HDfilm clips with orchestra).

Presentation made under license fromBuena Vista Concerts, a division ofABC Inc. © All rights reserved.

Anton and Erin ‘That’sEntertainment’Friday 13 February 7.30pm£26.50, £32.50, £44.50–A dazzling new production for2015 featuring sensationalchoreography, sassy tunes andsparkling costumes in awonderful show of music, songand dance. Join the UK’sfavourite dance couple Antondu Beke and Erin Boag, andstar vocalist Lance Ellington, asthey combine the sophisticatedelegance of their quick step,foxtrot, tango and waltz with

the showbiz razzmatazz of hitsand steps from stage andscreen. Featuring classic hits;That’s Entertainment, TrueLove, Make ‘em Laugh,Steppin’ Out with My Baby andThere’s No Business Like ShowBusiness. Plus the full 25-pieceManchester Concert Orchestralive on stage.


Classic IntroThursday 20 November 6.15pm–Michael Torke, whose new Concerto forOrchestra is premiered in the concert, is inconversation with Angela Heslop from BBCRadio Merseyside. Free to holders of ticketsfor 20 November, this talk and interview is agreat way to get more from the performance.

See page 13 for full details of the concert.

Post-concertDiscussions–This is your chance to ask questions ofworld-famous artists and hear theirperspectives on music. The events are freeto all ticketholders and sessions begin 15minutes after the concert ends in the GrandFoyer.

Discussion will last around 45 minutes.

Wednesday 10 DecemberConductor Andrew Manze and violinistVilde FrangSee page 14 for full details of the concert–Saturday 7 FebruaryConductor Sperenza Scappucci and sopranoMarina RebekaSee page 18 for full details of the concert–Wednesday 18 FebruaryChief Conductor Vasily Petrenko and pianistSimon TrpčeskiSee page 18 for full details of the concert

SuperOrchestra!–This is your chance to rehearse and performwith the Royal Liverpool PhilharmonicOrchestra in Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

SuperSing!–Be part of a massed choir on stage atLiverpool Philharmonic Hall. For singersand non-singers alike, previous singingexperience is not required, but energy andenthusiasm are essential! For the finalperformance you’ll be joined by the RoyalLiverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Full details available when booking opens onMonday 1 September 2014. Please visitwww.liverpoophil.com/super for details.

Concert takes place on Saturday 27 June2015

Gift CardsLiverpool Philharmonic GiftCards are the perfect presentfor the music lover who haseverything!Each card comes in a deluxe gift card holder witha space to write your message. Gift Cards are valid for all performances atLiverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Choose from threedifferent card designsand share the magic of

Liverpool Philharmonicwith your friends and

family!Available from Box Office, order online atwww.liverpoolphil.com/giftcards or call 0151 709 3789

Image SuperOrchestra!

Learning | 11

LEARNING


CLASSICALMUSIC

12 | Classical Music

Serenade to MusicLiverpool CathedralSaturday 25 October 7.30pm £25–Elgar Overture, CockaigneVaughan Williams Serenade to Music Nico MuhlyMagnificat and Nunc dimittisWorld Premiere Liverpool Philharmonic 175thAnniversary CommissionStrauss Also Sprach Zarathustra–Vasily Petrenko conductorRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic ChoirRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

When Richard Strauss wrote Also SprachZarathustra, he wanted to tell the entirehistory of humanity in music – and if you’veseen 2001: A Space Odyssey, you’ll knowthat he certainly didn’t hold back! The latestinstalment of our Strauss Edition is thespectacular climax of a concert that beginswith the knockabout humour of Elgar’scockney overture, and showcases oursuperb Choir in Vaughan Williams’rapturous Serenade to Music. In between,Vasily Petrenko and the Royal LiverpoolPhilharmonic Choir make history, with theworld premiere of a brand new work by thesensational young American composer NicoMuhly – the toast of the New York musicscene.

Pascal & Ami Rogépiano duoTuesday 4 November 7.30pmSt George’s Hall Concert Room £25–Mozart Sonata in C majorSchubert Fantasie in F minor, Op.103 Debussy Six PréludesStravinsky The Rite of Spring(for four hands plus percussion)

For over five decades, Pascal Rogé hasbrought poetry, wit and an unmistakablyGallic sense of style to the music of Debussy,Bizet and their compatriots. More recentlyhe’s teamed up with his wife Ami to bring thesame joyous musicality to the repertoire forpiano duet, and for this concert they tacklethe ‘Everest’ of piano duets: the keyboardversion of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring.Phenomenally difficult and thrillinglyphysical, every performance is an event.

Season OpeningWednesday 12 & Thursday 13November 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36–Debussy IbériaJames Horner Double ConcertoWorld Premiere Commission of James Horner’sDouble Concerto is kindly supported by ShipOwner Tom Wilhelmsen Foundation.

Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5–Vasily Petrenko conductorMari Samuelsen violinHåkon Samuelsen celloRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

When Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestraplay Tchaikovsky, something incrediblehappens. So when they perform his hugelypopular, passionately romantic FifthSymphony…expect some real fireworks inthese opening concerts back in LiverpoolPhilharmonic Hall. First, though, anotherspecial occasion: the first performanceanywhere in the world of a new DoubleConcerto, written for the brilliant brother-and-sister team of Mari and HåkonSamuelsen by James Horner, composer ofthe multi-million selling film-scores toAvatar and Titanic.

RemembranceSaturday 8 November 7.30pmLiverpool Metropolitan Cathedral £25–Strauss Death and TransfigurationElgar Cello Concerto Fauré Requiem –Yan Pascal Tortelier conductorDaniel Müller-Schott celloChristopher Purves baritoneRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic ChoirRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

As the Great War came to a close, EdwardElgar retreated to the woods - and hishaunting Cello Concerto has been breakinghearts ever since. The young German cellistDaniel Müller-Schott brings a unique poetryto this great British classic, at the centre of awhole evening devoted to the music ofremembrance in the evocative surroundingsof Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral.Richard Strauss’s Death and Transfigurationrages heroically against the dying of the light,while Fauré’s serene Requiem shares a visionof timeless peace. This is music that speaksstraight to the heart, and Yan-Pascal Tortelierhas it in his blood.

Sponsored by the Rushworth Charitable Trust inassociation with University of Liverpool

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Image Vasily Petrenko

Kyung-wha Chung violinKevin Kenner pianoSaturday 22 November 7.30pmSt George’s Hall Concert Room£25

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

Throughout a performing career that nowspans seven decades, Kyung-wha Chung hasbeen a byword for integrity, sensitivity anda shining, effortless virtuosity that quitesimply seems to carry all before it. Herrecording of César Franck’s beautiful Sonatais an established classic. Supported byaward-winning pianist Kevin Kenner, sheleads a tour through four landmarks of thesolo violin repertoire.

Henry E Rensburg Series

Winter DaydreamsThursday 20 November 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36–Michael Torke Concerto for OrchestraWorld Premiere Liverpool Philharmonic 175thAnniversary Commission

Prokofiev Piano Concerto No.3Tchaikovsky Symphony No.1‘Winter Daydreams’ –Vasily Petrenko conductorNobuyuki Tsujii pianoRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Classic Intro 6.15pmMichael Torke, whose new Concerto for Orchestrais premiered tonight, in conversation with AngelaHeslop from BBC Radio Merseyside

‘His performance had the power of ahealing service. It was truly divine.’ That’show the American piano legend Van Cliburndescribed Nobuyuki Tsujii. Thisphenomenal Japanese pianist joins VasilyPetrenko to make his Liverpool debut withProkofiev’s dazzling Third Piano Concerto.That’s the prelude to the frosty crispnessand youthful inspiration of Tchaikovsky’sdelightful Winter Daydreams. But theconcert opens with the world premiere ofConcerto for Orchestra, by one of theworld’s most exciting living composers.

Cole Porter in Hollywood

John Wilson & theJohn Wilson OrchestraTuesday 18 November 7.30pm £28, £36, £41, £46, £54–The John Wilson Orchestra and specialguests return with a brand new showcelebrating the works of Cole Porter. ColePorter in Hollywood features songsincluding I’ve Got You Under My Skin,Night & Day and Let’s Do It in the lusharrangements originally written for FrankSinatra, Judy Garland and Peggy Lee as wellas numbers from movies including AnythingGoes, High Society and Can-Can. This is asensational new show from the conductorwho is recognised as a world expert in musicfor screen, light music and jazz.

‘Technicolour for the ears.’ The Independent

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Liverpool PhilharmonicYouth OrchestraSunday 16 November 7.30pm£9 adults / £6 under 25s£2 Liverpool Young Musician Pass–Sibelius FinlandiaJanác̆ek Lachian DancesDvor̆ák Symphony No.8 –Dane Lam conductor

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestrabrings together the region’s best youngmusicians to make music, inspire oneanother and produce exhilaratingperformances at Liverpool PhilharmonicHall.

Classical Music | 13

Romantic Rachmaninov Sunday 23 November 2.30pm£13, £18, £24, £29, £36 –Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.3Tchaikovsky Symphony No.1 ‘WinterDaydreams’ –Vasily Petrenko conductorNobuyuki Tsujii pianoRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Tsujii joins Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestrato scale the supreme peak of romantic pianoconcertos, Rachmaninov’s mighty Third.You’ll need to cool down after all thatpassion, and Petrenko has just the thing: thewintry brightness and crisp, fresh melodies ofthe lovely Winter Daydreams symphony.


Pastoral Symphony Wednesday 10 December 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36–Mozart Overture, The Marriage of FigaroBrahms Violin ConcertoBeethoven Symphony No.6 ‘Pastoral’–Andrew Manze conductorVilde Frang violin Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Post-concert DiscussionStarts 15 minutes after the concert Conductor Andrew Manze and violinist VildeFrang answer your questions about tonight’sperformance in the Grand Foyer.

Beethoven said that his Pastoral Symphonywas ‘more an expression of feelings than apicture’. Enjoy one of the warmest, happiestand most uplifting symphonies ever written,and no-one conducts it with more insightand joy than Manze. But then, this wholeconcert glows with sunshine. So bask in thegorgeous sound of Classical BRIT winnerVilde Frang, returning to Liverpool after herstunning performances last season, inBrahms’ sweet, songful Violin Concerto –and laugh along with the curtain-raiser toMozart’s funniest opera.


Henry E Rensberg Series

Sax in the CityThursday 27 November 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36–Gershwin An American in ParisJohn Adams Saxophone ConcertoStrauss Symphonia Domestica –Vasily Petrenko conductorTimothy McAllister alto saxophoneRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

2014 would have been the 200th birthday ofAdolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone,and all the pieces in this concert programmefeature the instrument in different ways.Richard Strauss’ intimate SymphoniaDomestica is the grand finale of theOrchestra’s Strauss Edition. US saxophonestar Timothy McAllister makes hisLiverpool debut in the concerto that JohnAdams wrote for him in 2013, and Petrenkoand the Orchestra put on their dancingshoes for George Gershwin’s tuneful taxi-ride through jazz-age Paris.

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Pacifica Quartet Saturday 29 November 7.30pmSt. George’s Hall Concert Room£25

Ives String Quartet No.1 ‘From theSalvation Army’Bartok String Quartet No.6Dvořák String Quartet Op.96, ‘American’ The award-winning Pacifica Quartetastonished Liverpool audiences on their lastvisit. They return with a programmefeaturing Charles Ives’ String Quartet No.1,which uses his beloved revival and gospelhymns as musical sources, and Bartok’sSixth Quartet, one of the composer’s mostdeeply expressive and personal works. Andto finish, the work that did more than anyother to shape the course of Americanchamber music, Dvořák’s sweet, swingingand deliciously tuneful Op.96.

Henry E Rensberg Series

Lark Ascending Thursday 4 December 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36–Butterworth Two IdyllsVaughan Williams The Lark AscendingWalton Façade Suite No.1Vaughan Williams Symphony No.2‘London Symphony’–Andrew Manze conductorRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

The Lark Ascending has so often been votedBritain’s favourite piece of classical music –and 100 years after it was written, on theeve of the Great War, it still speaks deeplyto millions. It’s the tranquil heart of aconcert in which Andrew Manze shares hisfamous interpretation of Vaughan Williams’colourful London Symphony (completewith taxis, street-sellers and the chimes ofBig Ben), and two delightful miniatures: thepoignant Idylls by Vaughan Williams’ greatfriend George Butterworth, and Walton’ssatirical Façade Suite.

‘... a personal triumph for Andrew Manze.The orchestra responded – as well theymight – with consummate musicianship.’The Telegraph on Manze’s 2013 RoyalLiverpool Philharmonic Orchestraperformance

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CHRISTMAS WITHLIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC


The Three Harpsof ChristmasThursday 11 December 7.30pmSt. George’s Hall Concert Room£25–Programme includes:Debussy Clair de LunePiazzolla Libertango

A selection of traditionalChristmas carols arr. GrahamFitkin:Coventry CarolThe Angel GabrielOnce in Royal David’s CitySilent NightSans Day CarolCorde Natus ex Parentis–Ruth Wall harps

The Three Harps of Christmas,devised by Scottish harpistRuth Wall and composerGraham Fitkin, is a intimateconcert paying homage to theChristmas carol. In this magicalsequence of Christmas music,Wall plays the concert harp, themagical wire-strung Gaelicharp, and the jangling,medieval bray harp. Themelodies are familiar, but thesounds summon up lost worldsand half-forgotten tales:interspersed with music bySatie, Piazzolla and Debussy,this is a Christmas Concert witha haunting difference.

LiverpoolWelsh Choral Let It SnowSunday 14 December 2.30pm £10, £15, £20, £22, £25(Children & NUS card holdershalf price)–Programme includesTwo Welsh Carols, A Child isBorn, We Three Kings,Walking in the Air, Let it Snow,Christmas Fantasy and Slade’sSo here it is Merry Christmas!–Keith Orrell & Thomas WyssconductorsHuw Edwards narratorStephen Hargreavesaccompanist

Northop Silver Band Metropolitan CathedralGirls Choir

White Christmas The GreatestHoliday HitsSaturday 13 December 7.30pm £17, £22, £29, £34, £40–Richard Balcombe conductorGraham Bickley vocalistMaurice Clarke vocalistMary Carewe vocalistEmma Kershaw vocalistRoyal Liverpool PhilharmonicOrchestra

Pull on a cashmere sweater,pour yourself an egg-nog, throwanother log on the fire – and letthe Orchestra and an all-starcast of singers swing you intoChristmas with the greatholiday hits of Frank Sinatra,Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby.There’ll be silky strings, sassybrass and classic songs: Let itSnow, Silver Bells, WhiteChristmas, Santa Baby, SleighRide, Have Yourself a MerryLittle Christmas, Frosty theSnowman, Santa Claus isComing to Town...all deliveredwith panache and wrapped upin silk by the sumptuous,swinging, full symphonyorchestra. Treat yourself: whosays Christmas is just for thekids?

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MessiahSaturday 10 January 7pm £17, £22, £29, £34, £40–HandelMessiah–Nathalie Stutzmann conductorSusan Gritton sopranoGaia Petrone altoJohn Mark Ainsley tenorBrindley Sherratt bassRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic ChoirRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Ever since Handel passed through Chesteron his way to the world premiere in 1742,Messiah has been a Merseyside tradition.Liverpool Philharmonic has beenperforming it for more than 150 years, andwith tunes as famous – and as unforgettable– as Ev’ry Valley, The Trumpet Shall Soundand For Unto Us a Child is Born, it neverfails to send the spirits soaring. Messiah isan annual highlight of the season; and thisyear we’re delighted to welcome – for thefirst time – the inspirational Frenchconductor Nathalie Stutzmann. She bringstrue affection and unstoppable energy to amasterpiece that never gets any less fresh.


The Spirit of ChristmasThursday 18 December & Saturday 20 -Tuesday 23 December 7.30pm£17, £22, £29, £34, £40–Ian Tracey conductorJohn Suchet presenterPumeza Matshikiza sopranoRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic ChoirRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Liverpool Philharmonic Youth ChoirSimon Emery Liverpool PhilharmonicYouth Choir Director

Everyone has their own favourite LiverpoolChristmas tradition. But you haven’texperienced a real Liverpool Christmas untilyou’ve enjoyed one of our traditional CarolConcerts. The full Orchestra and our terrificchoirs serve up a lavish festive spread ofYuletide music old and new, with classiccarols and seasonal readings from our host –Classic FM’s John Suchet. Add a stocking fullof good cheer from conductor Ian Tracey, thegloriously warm voice of a very special guest,soprano Pumeza Matshikiza, and be readyfor a good old-fashioned Christmas treat!

Swinging in theNew Year withJacqui DankworthWednesday 31 December 7.30pm £17, £22, £29, £34, £40–Songs include A Nightingale Sang inBerkeley Square, Almost Like Being inLove, Auld Lang Syne, Baby, It’s ColdOutside, Loves You, Porgy, Oh, Lady BeGood! and What I did for Love–Jacqui Dankworth vocalistMike Dixon conductor and musical directorCharlie Wood musical director, arranger,piano and vocalsMike Smith drumsChris Allard guitarOli Hayhurst bassRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

As the daughter of John Dankworth andCleo Laine, Jacqui Dankworth is jazzroyalty. Her sophistication, charisma andgorgeously burnished voice all combine tomake listeners go weak at the knees. Thelast night of the year is a time for bothhopes and memories; and as Dankworthand the Orchestra come together in music ofaching nostalgia and swinging celebration,there’s no more stylish way to ring out theold and sing in the new.

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Disney Fantasia Live in ConcertSaturday 3 January 2.30pm & 7.30pm£17, £22, £29, £34, £40(£7 for under 25s)–See page 10 for more information


New Year’s Day Prom Thursday 1 January 2.30pm£16.50, £21.50, £24.50, £29.50£34.50, £39.50–Great classics and fun to see in theNew Year! Rossini Overture to the Barber of SevilleHandel Water Music Suites (Selection)Grieg Morning and In the Hall of theMountain KingDvor̆ak Slavonic Dance No.1Puccini O mio babbino caro from GianniSchicchi

Bizet Flower Song from CarmenTchaikovsky Excerpts from TheNutcracker SuitePuccini O soave fanciullaVerdi Brindisi from La traviataStrauss Radetsky MarchGoodwin 633 Squadronand all your New Year’s Day favouritesincluding Jerusalem, Rule, Britannia!,Nessun Dorma and Land of Hope and Glory–Sarah Redgwick sopranoJames Edwards tenorJohn Pryce Jones conductorManchester Concert Orchestra


Programme includes The Blue DanubeWaltz, Radetzky March, Emperor Waltz,Thunder & Lightning Polka, Laughing SongRoses From The South Waltz plus manymore of your favourite waltzes and polkasfrom the Strauss family and friends.–featuring sparkling soprano Kristy SwiftJohann Strauss Dancers in gloriouscostumes of the periodand the Johann Strauss Orchestra

Raymond Gubbay presentsCelebrating 40 years

Johann Strauss GalaMusic * laughter * dancestarring Rainer HerschSunday 4 January 2.30pm£17, £23, £27.50, £29.50, £34.50–Imagine a ballroom, the guests have arrivedand the celebration is about to begin…. Thecandelabra twinkle, the conductor taps hisbaton, the dancers take their partners andthe orchestra plays a sparkling assortmentof much-loved music. This is RaymondGubbay’s Johann Strauss Gala, the showthat has enchanted audiences across the UKand Ireland for 40 years with its whirls andtwirls, billowing gowns and gracefulelegance. Irrepressible showman RainerHersch guides you, with a dash of comedy,through this wonderful show filled withmusic, laughter and dance.


Carols by CandlelightFriday 19 December 7.30pm£16.50, £21.50, £24.50, £29.50£34.50, £39.50–Handel Zadok the Priest,Christmas sequence from MessiahCorelli Allegro and Pastorale fromChristmas ConcertoBach Air on the G String, Jesu, Joy ofMan’s DesiringMozart Laudate DominumVivaldi Gloria (first movement)and carols for all including The FirstNowell, O little town of Bethlehem, O comeall ye Faithful, Good King Wenceslas, WhileShepherds Watched, God Rest ye MerryGentleme, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.–Mozart Festival Orchestra in fullperiod costumeCanzonetta choirRachel Nicholls sopranoMichael Bawtree conductor

Celebrate in the most elegant style with thisexquisite concert of carols and seasonalclassics staged in full 18th Century costumein an evocative candle-lit style setting.


Classic FM Hall of FameWednesday 14 & Thursday 15January 7.30pm£13, £18, £24, £29, £36–Programme to include:Dvor̆ák Humoresque*TchaikovskyExcerpts from Romeo and JulietElgar Pomp and Circumstance March No.4Mendelssohn Violin Concerto*Brahms Hungarian Dances –Manuel López-Gómez conductorTasmin Little* violinRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Post-concert Discussion Wednesday 14 January(Starts 15 minutes after the concert)Violinist Tasmin Little answers your questions inthe Grand Foyer.

This concert marks the start of our 175thanniversary celebrations, as on 14 January,1840, Liverpool Philharmonic was founded.This concert features a special programmeof some of the most loved pieces of all time.In his Liverpool debut, Maestro ManuelLópez-Gómez - the latest star to emergefrom Venezuela’s world-famous El Sistemamusic education programme - dishes themup with sparkle and flair. And Tasmin Little- surely Britain’s best-loved violin soloist-brings all her poise and charm to Dvořák’sHumoresque and Mendelssohn’s ViolinConcerto.

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Ji Liu, pianoSunday 18 January 6.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room£25–Beethoven Piano Sonata No.14‘Moonlight Sonata’Schubert Fantasie in C major, Op.15‘Wanderer Fantasy’Debussy Suite BergamasqueMusic by Chopin, Liszt, Saint-Saënsand Gershwin

China is quickly becoming the powerhouseof 21st century piano playing, and signs arethat the Shanghai-born Ji Liu may soonacquire a following comparable to Yundi’sor Lang Lang’s. His debut disc PianoReflections– recorded here in Liverpool –has already attracted glowing reviews, andthis recital demonstrates the full range ofhis artistry, from Beethoven’s MoonlightSonata to one of the supreme challenges ofthe romantic repertoire, Schubert’sWanderer Fantasy. Miniatures by Chopin,Liszt, Saint-Säens and Gershwin offer acharming portrait of this engaging andintelligent young artist.

Shostakovich NineThursday 12 February 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36–Ravel Le Tombeau du CouperinTan Dun Double Bass ConcertoUK premiere Co-commission by Liverpool Philharmonicwith the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

Hindemith Concerto for OrchestraShostakovich Symphony No.9–Darrell Ang conductorMarcel Becker bassRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Expect the unexpected. The Sovietauthorities wanted Shostakovich’s Ninth tobe a blockbuster epic, but instead they got abrilliantly entertaining mini-masterpiecewith a wicked sense of humour. We expectdouble basses to seen and hardly heard, buttonight the Orchestra’s own MarcelBecker stars in the UK premiere of a newconcerto by Tan Dun, the world-famouscomposer of Crouching Tiger, HiddenDragon. And the dynamic youngconductor Darrell Ang has roots in the FarEast – but trained in the great Russiantradition. Add Ravel’s graceful mock-baroque miniatures and Hindemith’ssupercharged Concerto for Orchestra, andhis Liverpool debut looks set to be one ofthe real talking-points of the Orchestra’sseason.

Return of the Dream TeamWednesday 18 & Thursday 19 February 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36–Prokofiev Russian Overture, Op.72Ravel Piano Concerto in G Tchaikovsky Capriccio Italien Tchaikovsky Symphony No.2 ‘Little Russian’ –Vasily Petrenko conductorSimon Trpc̆eski pianoRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Post-concert Discussion Wednesday 18 February(Starts 15 minutes after the concert)Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko and pianist SimonTrpc̆eski answer your questions about tonight’sperformance in the Grand Foyer.

Bring a Russian conductor together with aMacedonian pianist, and…well, one criticdescribed Vasily Petrenko’s and SimonTrpčeski’s award-winning Rachmaninovrecordings as “bursting with fire!” But then,Russian musicians have always drawninspiration from the South. In his LittleRussian symphony, and in the bustling lifeand blazing sunlight of Rome in hisCapriccio Italien, Tchaikovsky was noexception. This should be a particularlyjoyous instalment of our year-long salute toTchaikovsky; but first, we re-assemble thePetrenko-Trpčeski dream-team in music ofblue skies and smouldering passions:Ravel’s sparkling, Basque-inspired PianoConcerto.

Exsultate, jubilateSaturday 7 February 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36–Schubert Overture in the Italian Style in DMozart Exsultate, jubilate Rossini Stabat Mater–Speranza Scappucci conductorMarina Rebeka sopranoSilvia tro Santafé mezzo-sopranoLawrence Brownlee tenorMarco Spotti bassRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic OrchestraRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir–Post-concert Discussion (Starts 15 minutes after the concert)Conductor Sperenza Scappucci and sopranoMarina Rebeka answer your questions abouttonight’s performance in the Grand Foyer.

Think of Rossini and you think of opera:grand opera. That’s exactly how he wrote hisStabat Mater – turning a sacred text into aspiritual drama of positively operatic passionand power. Music like this demands a specialkind of performer, so please welcome Italianconductor Speranza Scappucci, sopranoMarina Rebeka, and an all-star team of vocaltalent. When Scappucci and Rebeka recordedwith the Orchestra last year, something justclicked, and we’re thrilled to introduce themto you in a concert that also features theteenage Mozart’s joyful Exsultate, jubilate –and the spoof Rossini overture that Schubertwrote to win a bet!

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COMEDY &SPOKEN WORD

Comedy & Spoken Word | 19


Dave GormanGet straight to the Point*(*the Powerpoint)

Tuesday 11 November 8pm£20, £26–The wonderfully innovativecomedy mind behind ModernLife Is Goodish (Dave TV), AreYou Dave Gorman? andGooglewhack Adventure is backwith a brand new live show thatpromises more of his uniqueblend of stand-up comedy andvisual story-telling as DaveGorman Gets Straight To The

Point*... (*The PowerPoint).Yes. That’s right. It’s aPowerPoint presentation. Weknow what you’re thinking. Butdon’t worry… as this all-newshow follows the phenomenalsuccess of his critically-acclaimed UK Tour, DaveGorman’s PowerpointPresentation, which included asold-out 5-night run at London’sSouthbank Centre, we thinkyou’re in pretty safe (and funny)hands. You won’t need to takenotes and you almost certainlywon’t be tested on it later.

Graham NortonLiveThe Life and Loves of a He Devil

Saturday 15 November 8pm£30, £36–Each ticket includes a pre-signed hardback copy ofGraham Norton’s new book,The Life and Loves of a He Devilto be collected on the night(£20 RRP).

Norton has been entertainingaudiences and having fun withsome of the world’s biggest starsfor nearly twenty years. He isloved across the nation for hisability to find humour and acommon ground in all that lifebrings. Now is your chance tosee Graham live in conversationas he talks about his brilliantnew memoir The Life and Lovesof a He Devil - a hilariouslyhonest account of how thethings we love make us who weare. From his Irish childhood tothe present day, Graham willshare his most memorableexperiences - the side-splittinglyfunny and the tear-jerkingly sadand everything in between. WithGraham’s unique blend ofcharacteristic humour andoutrageous candour he regalesus with tales of his loves andlosses and how they’ve shapedhis life.

Image Graham Norton

Valentine’sDay ConcertSaturday 14 February 7.30pm£17, £22, £29, £34, £40–Programme to include:Bizet ‘Habanera’ from CarmenMascagni ‘Intermezzo’ fromCavalleria Rusticana Saint-Saëns ‘Mon Coeurs’ouvre à ta voix’ fromSamson et DalilaVerdi ‘Prelude’ to La TraviataGluck ‘Che farò senza Euridice’from OrfeoDonizetti Una furtiva lagrimaTchaikovsky ‘Rose Adagio’from Sleeping Beauty–Philippe Bach conductorKathryn Rudge sopranoJesús León tenorRoyal LiverpoolPhilharmonic Orchestra

This Valentine, give yourspecial someone anunforgettable gift – a bouquetof romantic classics, wrapped inthe luxurious sound of a fullsymphony orchestra anddelivered with love bymaestro Philippe Bach,Liverpool’s own star of theoperatic stage, KathrynRudge and Jesús León (whocreated a buzz at 2012’s Spiritof Christmas). Be seduced byBizet’s Carmen, savour the puresensual indulgence of Samsonet Dalila. If music is the food oflove, this is a candlelit, Michelinstarred banquet. All for just onewonderful night: so go on, spoilthem!

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Ken Dodd Saturday 27 & Sunday 28December 7pm£16, £18, £20, £25–Join Ken Dodd and his specialguests for his hilariousChristmas show. Your festivecelebrations just aren’t completewithout a marathon of jokes,fun, songs and happinesscourtesy of Knotty Ash’s finest.If you haven’t experienced theannual Liverpool fixture thennow is the time.

LaughterhouseLive Friday 12 December 8pm£20, £25, £31

Recommended age 16+

Liverpool’s LaughterhouseComedy Club returns toLiverpool Philharmonic withanother unique bill ofoutstanding comedic talentfeaturing:

Jason Manford (Live at TheApollo, Royal VarietyPerformance, 8 Out Of 10 Cats,Comedy Rocks)‘One of the most consistentlyfunny and effortlesslycharming new comics around.’Jonathan Ross

Hal Cruttenden (Live at TheApollo, The Royal VarietyPerformance, MichaelMcIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow)‘Believe me this is as good asit gets!’Channel4.com

Terry Alderton (The RoyalVariety Performance, MichaelMcIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow,The World Stands Up)‘Effortlessly enjoyable yetexcitingly different.’The Times

Paul Tonkinson (MichaelMcIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow,The Comedy Store Live)‘Excellent...extremelytalented...brilliant.’Time Out

Tanyalee Davis (The WorldStand’s Up, The Last Leg, I’mSpazticus)‘Tanyalee is a punch-packingstandup.’The Scotsman

Neil Fitzmaurice (PhoenixNights, Mount Pleasant, PeepShow, The Office)‘Neil Fitzmaurice isspellbinding.’Liverpool Echo

Line up maybe subject tochange.

Ross Noble Tangentleman

Thursday 11 December 8pm £25, £31–The king of improvisationalcomedy makes his LiverpoolPhilharmonic debut Ross Noblewill be showcasing his talent inthis brand new live show,Tangentleman. With an on-stage presence like no other, his

exuberance, spontaneity andcerebral style have establishedhim as one of Britain’s best-loved comedians. The mastersurrealist uses an infiniteimagination and plenty oftomfoolery, which is sure tohave audiences in fits oflaughter.

Recommended age 15+

20 | Comedy & Spoken Word


Lee Mack Hit The Road Mack

Tuesday 25, Wednesday 26& Friday 28 November 8pmSaturday 29 November3.30pm & 8pm£27.50, £33.50–The multi-award winning star ofNot Going Out and Would I LieTo You? Lee Mack, is back onthe road with his first live tour infour years. Expect his trademarkbrand of high energy banter,well-crafted gags and sharp one-liners in one of the most hotlyanticipated shows of the year.

This show will contain occasionaluse of strong language

‘[A] combination of old-fashioned comedian and 21stcentury gagmaster, a potty-mouthed modern day EricMorecambe.’Liverpool Echo

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It’s AWonderful LifeWednesday 24 December2.30pm£6, £7–Director Frank Capra1946 130minsBlack & WhiteStarring James Stewart,Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore,Thomas Mitchell

Contains mild violence

As part of the £13.8mrefurbishment of LiverpoolPhilharmonic Hall we aremoving over to digitalprojection so we can bring youa better film choice and anenhanced viewing experience.It is fitting then, that one ofcinema’s most enduring titlesand one of the most popularfilms we’ve ever shown in thehall It’s A Wonderful Lifebecomes our very first digitalpresentation.Coming Soon... Film atLiverpool Philharmonic serieswill return, bigger and better,in the new year. Look out forannouncements atwww.liverpoolphil.com/film

Christmas isn’t Christmaswithout this family favouritefeel-good piece if cinematichistory! This Christmas Evewatch the restored digitalversion of the timeless festiveclassic. Told mostly throughflashbacks, James Stewart isGeorge Bailey, a man whoseattempted suicide on ChristmasEve gains the attention of aguardian angel, ClarenceOdbody, who is sent to helphim in his hour of need.

‘A genuine American classic’ The Guardian

U

FILMFilm | 21

Image It’s A Wonderful Life

Priority BookingBeat the Crowds!‘Since getting Priority BookingI get to see more great shows &have the best seats in the house...why wouldn’t you join?’Mike, Priority Booking Member

Did you miss out on tickets to seeLudovico Einaudi, Elvis Costello, JoolsHolland, Gary Barlow or Richard Hawley?Then join the Liverpool PhilharmonicPriority Booking Scheme!

For just £30 a year members receiveadvanced email notification of every newshow before it goes on sale and are ableto book tickets up to 48 hours beforeeveryone else!*

To sign up call 0151 210 2921, [email protected] or buy online atliverpoolphil.com/priority*Terms and conditions apply

Disney Fantasia Live in ConcertSaturday 3 January2.30pm & 7.30pm£17, £22, £29, £34, £40(£7 for under 25s)–Neil Thomson conductorJoin us for a thrillingperformance of Disney’sgroundbreaking marriage ofsymphonic music andanimation. Magnificentrepertoire from the original1940 version and Fantasia2000, including The Sorcerer’sApprentice, Beethoven’s FifthSymphony and NutcrackerSuite, will be performed whileDisney’s stunning footage isshown on the big screen.Experience iconic moments andchildhood favourites as younever have before!

Excerpts from Fantasia andFantasia 2000 (restored HDfilm clips with orchestra).

Presentation made under license fromBuena Vista Concerts, a division ofABC Inc. © All rights reserved.

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Boxes

Stage

Grand Circle

How To BookOnlineat www.liverpoolphil.com

By postBox Office,Liverpool Philharmonic Hall,Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BP

By telephone0151 709 3789

Monday to Saturday9.30am to 5.30pm

Sunday12noon – 5pm

All major credit cards accepted(and are subject to a booking fee)

Mastercard/Visa/Switch/Delta.We do not accept AMEX. Pleasemake cheques payable to‘RLPS’.

Box OfficeArrangementsDuring theRefurbishmentThe Box Office at LiverpoolPhilharmonic Hall will be closedfor in person sales until 10November.

You can book by telephone(open Monday to Saturday9.30am to 5.30pm) and onlineat liverpoolphil.com.

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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

A5047PENBROKE RD

NEW ISLINGTON

LONDON RD

PRESCOT STA580

A580

A5047

A59

LIME

ST

LIME

ST

B6340

LIMEST STATION

TUNNELENTRANCE

QUEENSWAY

METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL

A5039

HO

PEST

HO

PEST

HO

PEST

FALKNER ST

MOUNT PLEASANT

MO

UN

TPLEASAN

T

RO

DN

EYST

CLARENCE

ST

RUSSELL

ST

ST ANNEST

NORTONST

BROWNLOW HILL

BROWNLOW HILL

CROWN ST

COPPERAS HILL

UPPER DUKE ST

DUKE ST

BER

RYST

GR

EATCAN

NIN

GST

BOLD ST

LEECE ST

LIVERPOOLCENTRAL

HARDMAN ST

HUNTER ST

RENSHAWST

HANOVERST

GR

OVE

ST

OXFORD ST

CANNING ST

OSSST

DAU

LBY

ST

CALEDONIA ST CATHAR

INE ST

MU

LBER

RYST

CAMBRIDGE ST

MYRTLE ST

VENUE INFORMATION

LIVERPOOLPHILHARMONICHALL

LIVERPOOLCATHEDRAL

ST GEORGE’S HALL

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P

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FacebookFb.com/LiverpoolPhilharmonic

Twitter@Liverpoolphil

Booking FeesOnline & PhoneA £1.50 per ticketadministrativefee applies + 75p per orderpostage fee (if required).

In PersonNo fees for payment by cash ordebit card. Credit card ordersincur a 2% fee.

ChequesOrders paid by cheque aresubject to a 70p per order charge.

See liverpoolphil.com/ticketsfor terms and conditions.

AccessibilityMost of our facilities are fullyaccessible for wheelchair users,although access to the Circle isvia stairs. An infra-red hearingsystem is available. For fullinformation on accessibility,please visit liverpoolphil.com/accessibility

Please let the Box Office knowof your specific requirementswhen booking so we can helpyou to make best use of ourfacilities.

A large print versionof this brochure isavailable by calling0151 210 2895.

Plan Your VisitFor full booking information,directions and terms &conditions please visitliverpoolphil.com/planyourvisit

You can also see the viewfrom your seat on our seatingplan at liverpoolphil.com/planyourvisit

Purchase ticketsfor 4 or moreRoyal LiverpoolPhilharmonicOrchestra concertsand receive adiscount on yourtickets, as well asbenefits including:

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic OrchestraMulti-buy ticket discounts available!

Reserve your parking for RoyalLiverpool Philharmonic Orchestra2014-15 Season Concerts for only £4

Better Seats When you buy 4 concertstogether, you become asubscriber, which means you’llget the chance to purchasetickets for our 2015/16 seasonbefore they go on general sale.

Discounted Booking Fees Subscribers pay a flat charge of£5 per order, compared with£1.50 per ticket otherwise(credit/debit card sales).

Parking has become moredifficult around LiverpoolPhilharmonic Hall and to thatend are delighted to confirmthat we can offer pre-paidparking for the majority ofRoyal Liverpool PhilharmonicOrchestra 2014-15 Seasonconcerts at LiverpoolMetropolitan Cathedral.

Car park spots are availableto pre-purchase for just £4at the Box Office on0151 709 3789 or fromliverpoolphil.com/carparking

Exclusive Exchange Privileges Can’t make a concert? Noproblem. Just return yourtickets to us at least 24 hours inadvance of the concert and we’llgive you a credit for anotherperformance within the sameseason.

Book 4-6 concerts Save 10% Book 7-11 concerts Save 15% Book 12-19 concerts Save 20%Book 20 or more Save 25%

Not available online. Please call the BoxOffice on 0151 709 3789 or visit the BoxOffice in person (after 10 November).

NEW!

DIARYDiary | 27


October 2014Thu 23 7.30pm Moxie* P4Sat 25 7.30pm RLPO: Serenade to Music** P12Thu 30 7.30pm We Banjo 3* P5

November 2014Sun 2 7.30pm The Gloaming* P5Tue 4 7.30pm Chamber Music: Pascal & Ami Roge* P12Sat 8 7.30pm RLPO: Remembrance*** P12Mon 10 7.30pm Bellowhead P6Tue 11 8pm Dave Gorman-Get straight to the Point P19Wed 12 7.30pm RLPO: Season Opening P12Thu 13 7.30pm RLPO: Season Opening P12Sat 15 8pm Graham Norton Live P19Sun 16 7.30pm Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra P13Mon 17 7.30pm The Stylistics P6Tue 18 7.30pm John Wilson & the John Wilson OrchestraP13Thu 20 6.15pm Classic Intro P11Thu 20 7.30pm RLPO: Winter Daydreams P13Fri 21 7.30pm Charlie Landsborough P6Sat 22 7.30pm John Grant P7Sat 22 7.30pm Chamber Music: Kyung-wha Chung* P13Sun 23 2.30pm RLPO: Romantic Rachmaninov P14Tue 25 8pm Lee Mack - Hit The Road Mack P20Wed 26 8pm Lee Mack - Hit The Road Mack P20Thu 27 7.30pm RLPO: Sax in the City P14Sat 29 3.30pm Lee Mack - Hit The Road Mack P20Sat 29 7.30pm Chamber Music: Pacifica Quartet* P14Sat 29 8pm Lee Mack - Hit The Road Mack P20Sun 30 7.30pm Capercaillie* P7Sun 30 8pm The Human League P7

December 2014Thu 4 7.30pm RLPO: Lark Ascending P14Fri 5 7.30pm Imelda May P7Sat 6 7.30pm Staff Benda Bilili P8Sun 7 8pm The Bootleg Beatles P8Wed 10 7.30pm RLPO: Pastoral Symphony P14Wed 10 Post Concert Discussion P11Thu 11 7.30pm Chamber Music: The Three Harps of...* P15Thu 11 8pm Ross Noble Tangentleman P20Fri 12 8pm Laughterhouse Live P20Sat 13 7.30pm RLPO: White Christmas The Greatest... P15Sun 14 2.30pm Liverpool Welsh Choral - Let It Snow P15Thu 18 7.30pm RLPO: The Spirit of Christmas P16Fri 19 7.30pm Raymond Gubbay: Carols by Candlelight P17Sat 20 7.30pm RLPO: The Spirit of Christmas P16Sat 20 11.30am RLPO: Rudolph on Hope Street P10Sat 20 2.30pm RLPO: Rudolph on Hope Street P10Sun 21 11.30am RLPO: The Spirit of Christmas P16

Sun 21 2.30pm RLPO: Rudolf on Hope Street P10Mon 22 2.30pm RLPO: Rudolf on Hope Street P10Mon 22 7.30pm RLPO: The Spirit of Christmas P16Tue 23 7.30pm RLPO: The Spirit of Christmas P16Wed 24 2.30pm Film: It’s A Wonderful Life P21Sat 27 7pm Ken Dodd P20Sun 28 7pm Ken Dodd P20Wed 31 7.30pm RLPO: Swinging in the New Year P16

January 2015Thu 1 2.30pm Raymond Gubbay: New Year’s Day Prom P17Sat 3 2.30pm Disney Fantasia: Live in Concert P10Sat 3 7.30pm Disney Fantasia: Live in Concert P10Sun 4 2.30pm Raymond Gubbay: Johann Strauss Gala P17Sat 10 7pm RLPO: Messiah P16Sun 11 2.30pm The Glenn Miller Orchestra P8Wed 14 7.30pm RLPO: Classic FM Hall of Fame P17Thu 15 7.30pm RLPO: Classic FM Hall of Fame P17Fri 16 8pm Nils Lofgren P8Sat 17 7.30pm Paul Carrack Rain or Shine P9Sun 18 6.30pm Chamber Music: Ji Liu, piano* P18

February 2015Wed 4 7.30pm Seth Lakeman P9Thu 5 7.30pm Transatlantic Sessions P9Sat 7 7.30pm RLPO: Exsultate, jubilate P18Sat 7 Post Concert Discussion P18Thu 12 7.30pm RLPO: Shostakovich Nine P18Fri 13 7.30pm Anton and Erin ‘That’s Entertainment’ P10Sat 14 7.30pm RLPO: Valentine’s Day Concert P19Wed 18 7.30pm RLPO: Return of the Dream Team P18Wed 18 Post Concert Discussion P18Thu 19 7.30pm RLPO: Return of the Dream Team P18

Key* St George’s Hall Concert Room** Liverpool Cathedral*** Liverpool Metropolitan CathedralRLPO Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

October 2014 - February 2015 What's On Guide

Documents

Transcript of October 2014 - February 2015 What's On Guide