Contemporary Music Page 4
Classical Music Page 33
Family & Variety Page 48
Funded by Sponsors
TOURING
Comedy & Spoken Word Page 50
Film Page 54
What’s On Diary Page 58
Premier Sponsors
Media Partner
Corporate Members
Investec | David M Robinson | Towergate Insurance Brokers | MGMA Architects | R S Clare & Co. Ltd
Hotel Partner
Higher Education Partner
In-kind Sponsors
Trusts and Foundations
In Harmony Liverpool
Supporters of projects including In Harmony Liverpool and Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company
The Grodner Family | The Eric and Margaret Kinder Charitable Trust | The Oglesby Charitable Trust In Harmony Fund | The Rushworth Foundation | The Johnson Foundation | Robin Bloxsidge & Nick Riddle | Lord Leverhulme’s Charitable Trust | The Margaret Wethered Trust | Joyce Lund | Elizabeth Jolly Charitable Trust | The Eleanor Rathbone Charitable Trust | DWF Foundation | Hemby Charitable Trust | The Price Parry Charitable Trust | The Whitlock Blundell Charitable Trust | Peter Moore Foundation | Royal Northern College of Music | The Rushworth Trust | Liverpool South Rotary Club | Support in memory of Michael Dempsey | Elizabeth L Rathbone
Charitable Trust | The Patricia Routledge Charitable Trust | Chrimes Family Charitable Trust | The Claude Ballarde Southall Memorial Charity | The Steel Charitable Trust | Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund | Scops Arts Trust | The Martyn Donaldson Trust | Steve Morgan Foundation | The Harrison-Frank Family Foundation | Fenton Arts Trust | The Harold Hyam Wingate Trust | Thriplow Charitable Trust | Tim Jones in memory of Julia | Anonymous donors
Other Public Donors
Hello, this is Liverpool calling… Eurovision is coming to our city, and we’re joining the party with a series of events that celebrate the world’s biggest, brightest and most bonkers musical extravaganza. We’re kicking things off by screening Mamma Mia! – the film that celebrates the music of Eurovision icons, ABBA. Then we’ve got a Eurovision-themed wine tasting, before we join the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and our host, broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans, to enjoy classic Eurovision songs with an orchestral twist. On the big night itself, we stage the ultimate Eurovision screening party here at the Hall, then throw an exclusive after party in the Music Room to keep the Eurovision spirit alive for as long as we possibly can.
Mamma Mia! (cert PG)
Friday 5 May 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
See page 56 for details
Booze Points!
The Wines of Eurovision
Friday 12 May 5pm
Music Room
See page 16 for details
Douze Points!
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra plays your favourite Eurovision hits
Friday 12 May 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
See page 16 for details
Eurovision Final Party
Saturday 13 May 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
See page 17 for details
Eurovision After Party
With Chris Carney
Saturday 13 May 11.30pm
Music Room
See page 17 for details
Saturday 1 April 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£99 (VIP), £65, £55, £42.50, £27.50
Saturday 1 April 8pm
Music Room
£16, £13
Billy Ocean has spent more of his life onstage than anywhere else. In 2023, Billy returns to his natural environment with a set packed with his classic hits and crowd favourites. Billy Ocean is Britain’s biggest black recording star, with worldwide record sales of over 30 million and six top 10 singles on both sides of the Atlantic. He also holds a Grammy award for ‘Best Male R&B Vocal Performance’, the Ivor Novello Award for ‘International Achievement’, and in 2020 was awarded an MBE for services to music.
Me and My Friends play soulful music with a beat: a unique blend of Afrobeat grooves, rich harmonies, elegant vocals, graceful cello and playful clarinet. Growing from the basements of Leeds to tours across Europe, their whirlwind live shows are dedicated to creating warmth and connection through sun-drenched music. Their new album, Before I Saw The Sea, represents a development in the band’s signature sound. Intimate and reflective, its laidback grooves combine bittersweet nostalgia with hypnotic rhythmic interplay.
Image Billy Ocean
New Wave Connection
John Perry and Martin Stephenson
Friday 7 April 8pm
Music Room
£18
This is a standing event.
serendipity, John Perry (The Only Ones guitarist, who has also played with Sisters of Mercy, Evan Dando and Marianne Faithfull) and Martin Stephenson (The Daintees lead singer, guitarist and songwriter) certainly have a ‘new wave connection’. In 2019, John and Martin did a pub gig together. Martin then invited John to appear with the Daintees at a sold-out gig in London, performing a rip-roaring version of ‘Another Girl Another Planet’. That evening inspired Martin to create New Wave Connection – a platform for John’s sublime guitar playing. John recently appeared at a handful of Martin’s shows, where the New Wave Connection combo brought the houses down.
Friday 7 April 8pm
Saturday 8 April 8pm
Sunday 9 April 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£36.50, £32.50, £26.50
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, the world’s finest tribute to Fleetwood Mac, returns in 2023. The show offers a unique opportunity for fans, both old and new, to rediscover the songs and performances that have ensured Fleetwood Mac’s place as one of the most loved groups of all time. Personally endorsed by Fleetwood Mac founding member, Mick Fleetwood, this show is the ultimate tribute to one of rock and roll’s most remarkable groups.
Saturday 8 April 2.30pm & 8pm
Music Room
£22.50, £19.50
The Young’uns live shows are renowned. With heart-on-the-sleeve storytelling, beautiful lyrics, warm harmonies and relentless repartee, Sean Cooney, Michael Hughes and David Eagle (the award-winning stand-up comedian) sing life-affirming folk songs for today. Born from empathy, crafted with care, fired by hope, and shared with joy, The Young’uns’ songs have led the band to three BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and the creation of the acclaimed international theatre show, The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff.
Friday 14 April 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£36, £30, £26
Friday 14 April 8pm Music Room
£12
This is a standing event.
Following a run of sell out shows and a support slot with Red Rum Club, retro alt-pop band Hushtones return. The group are celebrating the release of their forthcoming Live At St. Brides album, recorded last September at St. Brides Church here in Liverpool. There will be a full performance of the band’s debut long player Greetings From The Other Side, as well as some sneak peeks of new material from their follow up record expected later in 2023.
Saturday 15 April 8pm Music Room
£15
This is a standing event.
Sunday 16 April 2.30pm & 8pm
Music Room
£26, £22
Life
Monday 17 April 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£69.50, £52.50, £47.50, £37.50, £31.50
Tom McGuire & the Brassholes is a funk-soul powerhouse from Glasgow. Combining rich arrangements with meticulous songcraft, and untouchable in live performance, the band is carving a niche of their own. Bringing music full of vitality, they have supported Craig Charles and George Clinton, become a firm favourite on the festival circuit and toured extensively in the UK and Europe. At their root is soulful song, sharing stories of joy, turmoil, loss and celebration, all delivered in finely-honed parcels of aesthetic bliss.
Fascinating Aida’s Liza Pulman teams up with acclaimed musician and singer, Joe Stilgoe, in a vibrant and entertaining potpourri of classic songs and wit, highlighting Joe’s virtuoso piano playing and Liza’s exquisite vocals.
Times change and trends come and go, but the classic sounds of the past only appreciate with age. Postmodern Jukebox’s Life In The Past Lane tour is a celebration of the greatest 20th century musical genres, fused with the recognizable hits of our own modern era. Get ready for a top-shelf entertainment experience with a cast full of today’s most exciting vocalists, instrumentalists and dancers. Whether you’re a vinyl aficionado or a TikTok fashionista, expect an unforgettable trip through 100 years of music.
Thursday 20 April 8pm
Music Room
£20, £17
Police Dog Hogan has been attracting incredible reviews for over a decade. Singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist James Studholme is at the helm, supported by fiddle, banjo, accordion, trumpet, bass and drums. The band creates a mosaic of sounds, including husky ballads mourning lost loves, foot-stompers about the West Country and full-throated, multi-harmony anthems. The band’s eagerly-awaited new album Overground has been described as ‘their best ever’ and they’ll play tracks from it, as well as some of their most-loved songs, on their upcoming UK tour.
For £45 a year (or just £40 by direct debit), you can become one of a limited number of members who receive priority notification and booking to gigs at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.
Priority Premium
Why not join or upgrade now to Liverpool
Philharmonic’s Priority Premium membership?
Including all the benefits of Priority Booking membership, our premium scheme includes additional rewards, such as discounts on selected shows, and an invitation to an exclusive reception each year with artists and musicians.
Sign up now for as little as £10 a month.
liverpoolphil.com/priority
If you’re looking for an extra special gift for a music lover, or a lasting dedication for a loved one, make your mark on Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and dedicate a seat.
Our brass plaques can be engraved with the name or phrase of your choice, and attached to your chosen seat in our Art-Deco auditorium.
Plus receive all the benefits of either a Priority Premium membership or a Silver membership.
Dedicate a seat for £200 per year, or £17 per month.
To learn more, please call the Fundraising Team on 0151 210 2921, email fundraising@ liverpoolphil.com or visit liverpoolphil.com/seat
Friday 21 April 8pm
Music Room
£19, £15
Much loved Yorkshire folk duo Belinda O’Hooley and Heidi Tidow penned the theme tune for hit BBC 1/HBO drama Gentleman Jack, earning them global admiration, media appearances and concerts that sell out months in advance. Their songwriting has been described by The Guardian as ‘exceptional’ and The Independent as ‘defiant, robust, northern, poetical, political folk music.’ From a song about an elephant orphanage, to a joyous celebration of cycling champion Beryl Burton, they explore stories in a distinctive and memorable way.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
The Great American Songbook
Saturday 22 April 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£53, £44, £40, £37, £24
Featuring sensational songs with swing, including:
Luck Be A Lady
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
Mack the Knife
The Way You Look Tonight
I’ve Got You Under My Skin
Night and Day
Singin’ In the Rain
You’re All The World to Me
Ain’t That A Kick in the Head
My Kinda Town
New York, New York
My Way
Anthony Weeden conductor
Gary Williams vocalist
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Star of the West End’s Rat Pack, Gary Williams returns to Liverpool to perform alongside the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and celebrate music with all the glamour and glitz of the Las Vegas Strip. This evening, join us for a night with swagger, featuring the hits of Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Andy Williams, Dean Martin, Nat ‘King’ Cole and many more.
Liverpool Acoustic presents
Saturday 22 April 1pm & 8pm
Music Room
£16 (8pm), £14 (1pm)
Join everyone’s favourite folk-rock band Merry Hell for a day of music and friendship. Merry Hell will be performing two shows –a laid-back, afternoon acoustic show followed by their trademark all-standing, all-dancing, full band show in the evening. For each of the shows, Merry Hell will be joined on stage by a selection of friends and special guests. It’s going to be a joyous day not to be missed!
Book tickets for both shows and get £5 off, plus exclusive access to the MerryMeet event in-between the shows. MerryMeet is an opportunity to meet the band, socialise with other Merry Hell fans, and join in the Big Merry Singaround!
Sunday 23 April 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£38.50, £32.50, £27.50, £22.50
Featuring the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Celebrating over 50 years since the formation of the legendary US country rock band The Eagles, The Illegal Eagles come to Liverpool with a new production, promising their trademark musical prowess, acute attention to detail, and incredible showmanship. This critically acclaimed show, which will also feature the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, is packed with classics such as ‘Hotel California’, ‘Desperado’, ‘Take It Easy’, ‘New Kid In Town’, ‘Life In The Fast Lane’ and more.
Last Few Tickets
Refueled! Tour
Monday 24 April 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£56, £50, £42.50
Mike and the Mechanics, who have sold over ten million records worldwide, return with their Refueled! tour. Made up of Genesis founding member Mike Rutherford, one of the UK’s most prolific R&B singers Andrew Roachford and Tim Howar, acclaimed singer who’s even appeared in the West End, Mike and the Mechanics will perform tracks from their most recent top-10 selling album Out of the Blue, plus all the hits and some Genesis.
Monday 24 April 8pm Music Room
£18, £15
Award-winning piper Brìghde Chaimbeul, musician and composer Ross Ainslie, and Irish guitarist/drummer Steven Byrnes team up for an innovative instrumental collaboration showcasing the Scottish smallpipes. The trio will perform material from all around the world –music not conventionally heard or played on the Scottish smallpipes. New album, LAS, features mesmeric tunes and uplifting grooves from France, Scotland, Bulgaria and Ireland, as well as original compositions.
...just across the road, we’re the perfect partner to your concert.
Pizza, pasta, meatballs, salads and dishes to share.
t: 0151 705 2223
e: 1931@hopestreethotel.co.uk
w: 1931restaurant.co.uk
t: 0151 709 3000
e: sleep@hopestreethotel.co.uk
w: hopestreethotel.co.uk
t: 0151 705 2222
e: tlcw@hopestreethotel.co.uk
w: thelondoncarriageworks.co.uk
Thursday 27 April 8pm
Music Room
£15
This is a standing event.
By blending cult western band repertoires with African influences, the London Astrobeat Orchestra have ignited a movement – and they’ve made quite an impact in doing so. The band bring together the finest West African session musicians in the UK with legendary band leader and bassist Edd Bateman, hosting rhythmic influences from Senegal, Guinea Conakry, Mali, Cameroon and Congo. Selling out their debut shows at The Jazz Café, London, the band were nicknamed the ‘African Talking Heads’. When you consider the afrobeat vibes running through Talking Heads albums, it seems right that this collective of musicians should offer this unique take on Mr David Byrne and co.’s timeless compositions.
Friday 28 April 8pm
Music Room
£18, £15
Honing his synthesis of folk and blues for over 50 years, Chris Smither returns to perform music from his vast catalogue. A profound songwriter, Smither mesmerizes listeners with his guitar playing, melding the styles of his two major influences, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Mississippi John Hurt, into his own signature sound. His music draws deeply from the blues, American folk music, modern poets and humanist philosophers and continues to earn accolades. Chris will be supported by the excellent songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Zak Trojano.
Saturday 29 April 8pm
Music Room
£20, £17
Sunday 30 April 8pm
Music Room
£21, £18
Friday 5 May 8pm
Music Room
£14
This is a standing event.
Originally from Liverpool, singer-songwriter John Reilly returns to the Music Room after his sold-out show with Henry Priestman last year, to perform with his long-term writing partner Lewis Nitikman. John will showcase new songs, and play some covers and old favourites, including his single ‘La La La (Bulletproof)’ which was BBC Radio 2 playlisted and received worldwide acclaim. This will be a uniquely intimate gig, featuring John’s stunning lyrics and vocals and Lewis’ incredible piano skills. Expect a special evening of inspirational music which leaves the audience shouting for more.
The John Martyn Project is a special project comprised of Blythe Pepino, Kit Hawes, Pete Josef, Sam Brookes, John Blakeley and Jon Short – six artists coming together to celebrate the music of John Martyn. Each brings their own story and connection to John’s music which adds to the fabric of the overall experience.
Hugely popular Mik Artistik’s Ego Trip are well known for their unique live performances and madcap antics. They deem every performance not just a gig, but a truly momentous event – so much so that they have been entertaining Glastonbury audiences for around 11 years. Mik spouts poetic verse, creates chaos, plays air-crook lock and all-out entertains over the top of an exquisite layer of rock, soul, funk and punk created by multi-instrumentalist Jonny Flockton on electric guitar, mandolin, banjo and ukulele.
Saturday 6 May 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£32, £26
With special guest Kim Richey
Gretchen Peters has accumulated numerous accolades over the years – she’s been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, written for artists as diverse as Etta James and Faith Hill, and been nominated for Grammys and a Golden Globe. She’s topped UK charts and The Telegraph named her one of the 60 greatest female singersongwriters of all time. Supported by special guest Kim Richey, this tour celebrates 25 years of performing in the UK and accompanies the release of a new live album.
Pagoda Arts presents
Saturday 6 May 8pm Music Room
£10
Get ready for an evening of music showcasing musicians who grew up with the Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra, and others affiliated with it over the past 40 years. The programme will include fusion music, ESEA folk music, Latin/South American music and Irish folk music. A new piece for Guzheng (Chinese Harp), Oboe and Chinese Percussion, written by Ian Stephens and commissioned by Pagoda Arts, will premiere on the night.
Sunday 7 May 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£85, £65, £49.50, £35
Accompanied by a 22-piece orchestra and gospel choir, James revisit their greatest hits, fan favourites and deep cuts, and perform a brand-new track. Over the years, James have released 16 studio albums, with their recent run of top five albums proving this to be a golden era for the band – even as they approach their fourth decade together, James show no signs of slowing down.
Wednesday 10 May 8pm
Music Room
£21, £18
With every year, the late Sandy Denny’s (Fairport Convention) reputation as a songwriter and interpreter of traditional material continues to grow in stature. Prepare to hear Sandy’s wonderful body of work interpreted by six folk-rock musicians at the top of their musical game.
A dream folk-rock band of Sally Barker, PJ Wright, frequent Fairport
Enjoy a drink during your visit without having to queue.
Pre-order drinks in advance and have them waiting at your seat in the auditorium for your arrival.
Pre-order your interval drinks at the bar before the performance starts, and your drinks will be waiting for you at the collection point.
For more info, call 0151 709 3789 or visit liverpoolphil.com/plan-your-visit/food-and-drink/
Friday 12 May 5pm
Music Room
£50
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Douze Points!
Friday 12 May 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£75, £65, £55, £45, £35 conductor
Vocalists from Capital Voices
This Eurovision we’re taking you far beyond Buck’s Fizz… As the Orchestra prepare to bring you Douze Points! in the Hall, join us as we delve into the delectable delights of Europe’s vineyards.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Conchita Wurst, Chardonnay and Celine Dion – we think that Eurovision and wine are the perfect pairing. Enter: Booze Points! We’ve enlisted Patrick Gossage from R&H Wines to lead us on a guided tour of European wines – and in true Eurovision style, you’ll award douze to nil points to each one. By the end of the evening, after the jury’s votes have been tallied (and we’ve called round every country in the continent… perhaps), we’ll crown our Eurovision Wine winner.
So if you’re ready to summon your inner sommelier, put on your glad rags (there’ll be prizes for best dressed) and meet us in the Music Room. We’re pulling out all the stops – we’ve got charcuterie platters, luxury European cheeses, antipasti and, of course, a selection of the finest wines from continental vines. And if you’re joining us for Douze Points! afterwards, what better way to get the party started?
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra plays your favourite Eurovision hits
Hello, this is Liverpool calling… Eurovision is coming to our city and we can’t wait to join the party with a celebration of the world’s biggest, brightest and most bonkers musical event. There’s nothing like a Eurovision extravaganza – every single year it brings flamboyant costumes and staging, voting dramas and everyone’s favourite commentary, but most importantly, an absolute masterclass in cheesy hits and you-just-couldn’t-makeit-up musical antics.
From folk to power ballads, heavy metal to Europop, Eurovision has it all, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra are ready to embrace the musical madness, bringing you orchestral versions of iconic Eurovision songs. Hosted by the wonderful broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans (host of BBC Radio 2’s Early Breakfast show, who raised more than £3 million for BBC Children in Need with a 24-hour drumathon!) and joined by incredible vocalists, the Orchestra will take you on a trip around the continent, performing ‘Waterloo’, ‘Boom Bang a Bang’, ‘Rise Like A Phoenix’, ‘Stefania’ and many more – and we’ll even throw in a glass of bubbly with every seat to kick off the night. Tickets for this one will go fast, so don’t take too long ‘Making Your Mind Up’!
All tickets include a glass of fizz delivered to your seat.
Saturday 13 May 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Saturday 13 May 11.30pm
Music Room
£10
Even if we’re not in the arena, that doesn’t mean we can’t join in the fun… Eurovision is coming to Liverpool and that deserves a proper celebration. The living room just won’t do for this one, so join us in Liverpool Philharmonic Hall for the ultimate Eurovision party.
Witness the musical madness unfolding on the big screen, experience the continent’s finest cheesy pop – and that famous cutting commentary – on our fabulous sound system, and share in all the dazzling delights and drama the big night brings surrounded by fellow Eurovision fanatics.
We’re providing everything you need to get into the Eurovision spirit. A flag and two glasses of fizz will be waiting for you at your seat, and our bars will be open all night, even serving a special Ukrainianthemed Buck’s Fizz – what else could we go with?! All that’s missing is you – so get dressed up (Eurovision costumes strongly encouraged and perhaps rewarded…) and join us as we celebrate the world’s favourite flamboyant musical event.
Just don’t want Eurovision to end? Us neither! Once the main show is over and the winner has been crowned, head to the Music Room where the party will only just be getting started…
For this exclusive Eurovision extravaganza, we’re bringing you bangers from the best: Liverpool DJ royalty, Chris Carney. He’s played Glastonbury five years in a row, he’s part of renowned DJ collective Mixnots, he’s held residencies at the biggest bars all over the city and, most importantly, he LOVES Eurovision – so who better to party with us on this special night?
Please note that this event is 18+ only, and starts at 12am (doors open from 11.30pm) and finishes at 2am.
Sunday 14 May 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£125 (Diamond VIP), £75 (Gold VIP), £50, £42.50, £27.50
Sunday 14 May 8pm
Music Room
£18, £15
The Voice & Visions Tour
Monday 15 May 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£40.50, £34.50, £29.50, £25
Georgian-British
Katie Melua embarks on a UK tour in support of her brand-new album, Love & Money. Alongside new material, Katie will perform her classic hits including ‘Nine Million Bicycles’ and ‘The Closest Thing To Crazy’. In 2021, Katie released Acoustic Album No. 8, which was critically acclaimed and became her eighth consecutive UK top 10 album. She recently teamed up with violinist, composer, and Grammy award-winning sound engineer Simon Goff on their collaborative album, Aerial Objects
Lady Maisery return with their first studio album in six years. The combined vocal and multi-instrumental talents of Hazel Askew, Hannah James and Rowan Rheingans (individually three of the most accomplished and adventurous artists in modern folk) carry stories of sisterhood, human struggle, the joy of living and the vitality of music. Their new album, Tender, features original songs and personal interpretations of work by Björk, Tracy Chapman and the late Lal Waterson.
Midge Ure and Band Electronica celebrate 40 years since the release of Ultravox’s Rage In Eden and Quartet albums. In the early 80s, Ultravox were laying their claim to be one of the defining acts of the decade, following the global success of hit ‘Vienna’ with a truly impressive chart run. The Voice & Visions tour will transport fans back to the decade of electronics, experimentation, synthesizers and great songwriting, with album highlights showcased alongside hits from Ure’s back catalogue.
Tuesday 16 May 8pm
Music Room
£24
This is a standing event.
Over the last 16 years, Skerryvore have performed all around the globe – from their early days in Scottish West Coast halls and bars, to festival crowds in Canada, the USA and Australia. The band perform musically expansive, high-energy sets that have twice earned them Scottish traditional music’s ‘Live Act of the Year’. Their six studio albums draw from a wide range of influences – a unique fusion of folk, trad, rock and Americana, with even some jazz in there! Representing the best in contemporary Scottish traditional music, Skerryvore create a unique feel-good sound made up of fiddle, accordions, pipes, whistles, guitar and vocals, all underpinned by driving bass, drums and keys.
Friday 19 May 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£55.50, £49.50, £45.50, £42.50
Friday 19 May 8pm Music Room
£20, £17
Daniel O’Donnell’s career spans more than 30 years, racking up over 15 million album sales worldwide. The Donegal-based singer, who is one of the most prolific and successful recording artists in the UK charts, is the only artist in the world to score a hit in the UK album charts every year since 1988, an unprecedented and unbroken 34-year span.
Ben Ottewell is the gravel-voiced frontman of Southport genre-hopping group Gomez. In 1998, Gomez’s debut album, Bring It On, was released to universal acclaim and saw the band win the coveted Mercury Music Prize. 25 years later, Ben returns to Merseyside to play an acoustic version of the album, bringing audiences stripped-back renditions of singles such as ‘Whippin’ Piccadilly’ and ‘Get Myself Arrested’. He’ll also perform other Gomez tracks and material from his three solo albums.
Saturday 20 May 8pm Music Room
£16, £13
Sunday 21 May 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£36.50, £30.50
Lulo Reinhardt, the grandnephew of Django Reinhardt, has toured the UK several times in the past decade, bringing the gypsy swing you might expect, but music from North Africa and India too. Now with Yuliya, he moves towards classical music. Yuliya Lonskaya has won several international guitar competitions and developed an eclectic repertoire, making her a very welcome performer in concert halls around the world. Two renowned guitarists, this musical pairing is definitely a cut above. Together, as the saying goes, they make beautiful music.
Starring Dozy Beaky Mick & Tich, The Trems (former members of The Tremeloes), The Fortunes, Mike d’Abo (former lead singer with Manfred Mann), The Swinging Blue Jeans and Vanity Fare, prepare to be transported back to when pop music was at its best. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or want to see what your parents have been raving about, these 60s legends will deliver an unforgettable night packed with timeless classics.
Monday 22 May 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£41, £35
Curated by international star Keith Urban, this wonderful show uses cutting-edge technology to bring country music legend Don Williams and his music to life. Accompanied by footage of Don through the years, and his original USA touring band live on stage with the British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, hear all Don’s biggest hits including ‘I Believe In You’, ‘My Best Friend’, ‘Lord’, ‘I Hope This Day Is Good’, ‘Good Ole Boys Like Me’, ‘Tulsa Time’ and many more.
Tuesday 23 May 8pm
Music Room
£26, £22
Legendary folk group Dervish is one of Ireland’s best known traditional bands, having amassed over 30 years of recording and performing experience, and received a lifetime achievement award from the BBC. Cathy Jordan, one of the finest voices in Irish traditional music today, leads a line-up of fiddle, flute, bouzouki, mandola, bodhran and accordion. Featuring exceptional musicianship, breath-taking vocals, vibrant tunes and compelling songs, the band draws from seemingly limitless depths of talent, finesse, subtlety and energy.
Wednesday 24 May 8pm
Music Room
£25, £22
It’s a stop-you-in-your-tracks voice that soars – pure, clear and true — above bass and synths, traditional percussion and infectious Mande guitar grooves: Rokia Koné. One of Mali’s most beloved artists, Koné is a force to be reckoned with. Her captivating performances often last for hours, as she runs the gamut of emotion from joy to despair, fury to tenderness. Once a backing singer, Koné quickly earned top billing as a solo artist. In 2016, she joined feminist supergroup Les Amazones d’Afrique, and in 2022 Rokia released her debut album, BAMANAN
Thursday 25 May 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£36, £32, £27
What’s Love Got To Do With It? celebrates Tina Turner, one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century. Expect a night of high energy, feel-good rockand-roll, with Tina’s greatest hits performed by the amazing Holly Bannis (Whitney - Queen Of The Night, ITV’s Starstruck) supported by a full 10-piece live band. Get ready for stunning musical arrangements of Tina’s most-loved classic hits including ‘Private Dancer’, ‘Proud Mary’, ‘River Deep’, ‘Simply The Best’ and many more.
Thursday 25 May 8pm
Music Room
£18, £15
Akram Abdulfattah is a young PalestinianAmerican violin master who combines jazz with middle eastern and Indian music. Akram’s style creates a world of fusion music, influenced by Hindu, Turkish, and Persian styles, and reflecting the rich legacy and culture of oriental sounds in a modernized fashion. Akram’s talent received international recognition as he formed the youngest Palestinian musical quartet, won prestigious awards and engaged in various international and cross-culture projects, most significantly the Marcel Khalifa Competition and the National Music Competition for Ensembles.
Sunday 28 May 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£55, £53, £45
As the UK’s most popular pianist and bandleader, Jools Holland has performed and recorded with some of the most talented musicians in the world, including Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Luther Vandross, Sting, BB King and Paul Weller. He’s also an authority on all music –his BBC2 show, Later... with Jools Holland, has featured artists from all time periods, countries, and genres across 61 series. As ever, Jools and special guests will dazzle audiences with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and their exuberant live performances.
Sunday 28 May 8pm
Music Room
£18, £15
Hughie Jones returns with an unforgettable evening of folk music. The Spinners legend will be joined on stage by Count John McCormick and Danny Jones, who will help steer a course through Hughie’s extensive back catalogue spanning over six decades. Expect songs old and new, nautical and landlocked, local and overseas, plus all the old favourites that will have you singing in your seats and smiling all the way home!
Thursday 1 June 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£43.50, £37.50
Plus very special guest
Jaki Graham
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Friends, Shalamar will perform the entire album live for the first time in their history.
Platinum-selling album Friends featured four top 20 singles, ‘A Night To Remember’, ‘Friends’, ‘There It Is’ and ‘I Can Make You Feel Good’ – songs that dominated clubs and radio alike, and are still acclaimed today. Shalamar will also perform hits such as ‘Take That to the Bank’, ‘Second Time Around’, ‘Make That Move’ and many more.
Friday 2 June 8pm
Music Room
£16, £13
Weighing anchor, setting sails, manning the pumps – a shanty for every job at sea. Port Sunlight Sea Dogs sing of a sailor’s hard life, heroes and villains, songs of Liverpool, work songs and wistful ballads of distant ports and cruel seas. Well-seasoned performers, Port Sunlight Sea Dogs take to the stage at maritime events, festivals and historic venues, celebrating the River Mersey, the waterfront, the Port of Liverpool, the docks and its everyday people in stories and songs.
Saturday 3 June 8pm
Music Room
£23, £20
Bassekou Kouyate is one of Africa’s premier global artists and a true master of the ngoni, a traditional West African lute. His band, Ngoni Ba, includes ngoni players, percussionists and the fantastic singer Amy Sacko. Together, they have revolutionised the sound of the ngoni, firing centuries of griot tradition into the future. An innovator and champion of traditional Malian music, Bassekou has collaborated with Ali Farka Toure, Toumani Diabate, Taj Mahal and The Kronos Quartet, and in 2016, joined the Africa Express tour along with Damon Albarn and Paul Weller. Bassekou’s recent album, Miri, topped the world music charts.
Sunday 4 June 8pm
Music Room
£19, £16
Jack Lukeman is an Irish singer-songwriter, performer and raconteur. A critically acclaimed artist in his homeland, Lukeman has a growing fanbase in the UK and abroad, having toured as a special guest alongside artists as varied as Imelda May, Jools Holland, The Proclaimers and Neil Sedaka. This compelling stage performer finally returns to live shows in the UK, bringing an evening of familiar classics and tracks from his new album, Echo On
Friday 9 June 7.30pm
Tung Auditorium
£20
Friday 9 June 8pm
Music Room
£16, £13
Submit to the poetry and power of Jasdeep Singh Degun, a musician steeped in the North Indian classical tradition and proudly born, raised and based in Leeds. Anomaly is not just any debut album, it showcases an almost preternatural musicality – a way with technique, improvisation, composition and collaboration that will dazzle purists and newcomers alike. From sitar solos to cinematic journeying with a ninepiece ensemble, this is music rooted in the ancient repertoire of raags, delivered with contemporary flair.
Welsh trio VRï have drawn inspiration from the time when Wales’ traditional music, dance and language was suppressed. Three-part harmonies, stunning fiddle playing and the unusual addition of cello forge VRï’s totally unique sound. Since 2016, the trio have been pumping out their native foot-stomping dance tunes whilst maintaining the elegance of a string ensemble. VRï shed new light on a vibrant folk tradition that harnesses the raw energy of the fiddle with the finesse of the violin, the beauty of chamber music with the joyful hedonism of a pub session.
Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details
Book now at liverpoolphil.com
Monday 12 June 8pm
Music Room
£21, £18
Spiers & Boden first rocketed onto the music scene in 2001, quickly winning a clutch of BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and going on to form and front the extraordinarily successful folk big band Bellowhead. The duo reformed in 2021 after a seven-year hiatus, arriving with a brand-new album, Fallow Ground, which went on to reach number three in the Official Folk Albums Chart and was a Mojo top 10 folk album of 2021.
Friday 16 June 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£85, £64, £58, £49
Progressive legends YES return with their long-awaited Album Series 2023 tour, performing a selection of YES classics and their album Relayer in its entirety. Released in late 1974, Relayer was edgier than previous work and became a top 5 album in both the UK and USA. The tour features Steve Howe (guitars), Geoff Downes (keyboards), Jon Davison (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Billy Sherwood (bass guitar) and Jay Schellen (drums and percussion), who steps into Alan White’s shoes.
Friday 16 June 8pm
Music Room
£23, £20
Following her sell-out 2022 tour, Harriet is back to promote her brand-new album, The Outcome – a collection of tracks inspired by the likes of ABBA, Carole King and Fleetwood Mac. Harriet first gained critical acclaim with her self-titled debut album and has received great support from BBC Radio 2. With sounds inspired by the 60s and 70s, a voice reminiscent of the late Karen Carpenter and performing new material alongside her band, Harriet brings you an unmissable evening.
Saturday 17 June 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£35.50, £29.50
The Searchers return for one last tour, as a proper way of showing appreciation to all those who gave them a wonderful and successful career. Expect a show packed with chart-topping hits and songs that have become the soundtrack to our lives, such as ‘Sweets For My Sweet’, ‘Needles & Pins’, ‘When You Walk In The Room’, ‘Goodbye My Love’, ‘Don’t Throw Your Love Away’ and ‘Sugar & Spice’. Don’t miss your very last chance to experience this truly legendary band!
Saturday 17 June 8pm
Music Room
£15
This is a standing event.
Sunday 25 June 8pm
Music Room
£26, £23
With their annual Halloween and Christmas shows, Baked A La Ska have become a Music Room favourite over the years. But Baked A La Ska, in their own right, have some outstanding songs of their own making. Now, they’re back as never seen before, proving they are more than a two-trick camel! Some songs you’ll know and some songs you won’t… but it’s guaranteed to be a highly entertaining experience.
Following the success of her 2022 tour, Nell Bryden is back on the road promoting her latest album, Arms Around The Flame. During the pandemic, Nell wrote and recorded a whole new album – already being called her strongest yet – which centres on themes of heartbreak, self-empowerment and resilience. With more songs added to BBC Radio 2’s playlist since the release of her greatest hits album, Nell is spoilt for choice on what to play. Expect one fabulous song after another.
Tuesday 27 June 8pm
Music Room
£24, £21
Often hailed as India’s biggest cultural and musical export, Raghu Dixit’s unique brand of infectious, happy music transcends age, genre, and even language. His work is strongly rooted in Indian traditions and culture and is presented with a very contemporary, global sound. He’s played to over 100,000 people in his home state, performed at Glastonbury Festival, appeared on Jools Holland and even played for Queen Elizabeth II. Raghu Dixit’s album, Jag Changa, was Songlines Editor’s ‘Top of the World’ album choice.
Tuesday 4 July 7pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£6 (free for 18 and under)
Featuring
Friday 21 July 8pm
Music Room
£20, £15
Merseyside hero Ian Prowse is a guitarist, singer-songwriter, frontman of Amsterdam and former frontman of indie cult band Pele. Raised on protest songs, Liverpool’s unique Celtic sounds and inspired by Paul Weller, Mike Scott, Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello’s songwriting, Ian has earned a reputation as the ‘Scouse Springsteen’. Fresh off his special guest slot on Elvis Costello’s UK tour, Ian will perform an acoustic set of Pele, Amsterdam and Prowse classics, as well as a few surprises.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Summer of Love:
Bee Gees
Saturday 22 July 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£57, £52, £50, £42, £30
Richard Balcombe conductor
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra with vocalists:
Graham Bickley
Patrick Smyth
Stuart Matthew Price
Abbie Osmon
“Feel the city breakin’ and everybody shakin’”. It’s time to dust off your disco gear, dig out those sunglasses and boogie, as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and a team of star West End vocalists celebrate the groove, the era and the legend that was the Bee Gees. ‘Night Fever’, ‘How Deep is Your Love’, ‘Tragedy’, ‘Stayin’ Alive’ – you know them, you love them and now hear them live and jiving in full symphonic sound. Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother, it’s almost too much heaven at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall tonight.
Saturday 22 July 8pm
Music Room
£20
This is a standing event.
Ian Prowse and Amsterdam celebrate the 30th anniversary of Ian’s first LP, Fireworks. Merseyside hero Ian Prowse is a guitarist, singersongwriter, frontman of Amsterdam and former frontman of indie cult band, Pele. Raised on protest songs, Liverpool’s unique Celtic sounds, and inspired by Paul Weller, Mike Scott, Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello’s songwriting, Ian has earned a reputation as the ‘Scouse Springsteen’. For this 30th anniversary celebration show, the band will be playing Pele’s Fireworks album, along with some Amsterdam and Prowse classics, and there’ll be a few surprises too.
Tuesday 25 July 8pm
Music Room
£23, £20
Celebrating the 16th year of their collaboration, Welsh harp virtuoso Catrin Finch and Colombian joropo band Cimarrón come together to tour the UK. Catrin Finch is an extraordinary talent who has performed with the world’s top orchestras and collaborated with some of the biggest names in global music. Grammy-nominated Cimarrón perform wild, powerful joropo dance music that combines impetuous singing, amazing stomp dancing and fierce strings and percussion.
Saturday 29 July 8pm
Music Room
£24, £20
Mary Coughlan is arguably one of Ireland’s greatest female jazz and blues singers – an artist who has carved out a timeless and highly regarded career and a legion of devoted fans worldwide. Mary has overcome trauma and struggles to become a musical force like no other. Her mournful, melting voice combines the husky notes of Billie Holiday, the deep, down and dirty blues sound of Bessie Smith and the despair of Piaf.
Friday 25 August 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£35
Iconic Beatles’ albums Revolver, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Magical Mystery Tour, The White Album, Let It Be and Abbey Road were recorded within a five year period heralded as one of the most productive times in pop history, but were never performed live… Until 2015, when Dutch band The Analogues set out to perform all six albums in their entirety. The Analogues are anything but a typical tribute band. Their mission: to play those never-performed Beatles’ albums live. No wigs, no costumes, just an obsessive attention to authentic musical detail.
Village
Join us for delicious pre-show dining, stunning views across Liverpool and all the after-show comfort with classic cocktails in our stylish bar and an evening stay in our modern, spacious bedrooms
Less than 15 minutes walk from Liverpool Philharmonic
Delicious food - from small plates to tasty Josper chargrilled steaks
Convenient, affordable parking 1 minute from hotel at Paddington Village
Saturday 26 August 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£35
International Beatleweek Festival welcomes American, Emmy Award-winning group, The Fab Four. Deemed as America’s finest Beatles tribute band, you can expect precise attention to detail and uncanny note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ classics. The Fab Four’s ‘boots and suits’ stage show represents every era of The Beatles ever-changing career and they have wowed audiences everywhere from Japan, Australia, France and Hong Kong, to Germany, Mexico and Brazil.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Bach’s St Matthew Passion
Thursday 6 April 7pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£50, £42, £36, £29, £19
Andrew Manze conductor
Andrew Staples Evangelist, tenor
Susanne Bernhard soprano
Kathryn Rudge Magdalen, mezzo-soprano
Mark Stone Judas, Peter, Jesus, baritone
Paul Whittaker OBE British Sign Language interpreter
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir
Musical history isn’t always what you think. Today, Bach’s St Matthew Passion is revered as one of the greatest choral works ever composed – a mighty, profoundly moving expression of a shared humanity. But for over a century it was nearly forgotten, until the 20-year-old Felix Mendelssohn brought it out of the shadows in 1829. Tonight, Andrew Manze and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir recreate that game-changing moment, using Mendelssohn’s own version of the St Matthew Passion to throw a revealing new light on a timeless classic.
This performance will be sung in German.
Thursday 13 April 7.30pm
Music Room
£10 (£5 under-25s)
Supported by
Join Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company for an evening of new music, written by talented young creatives as part of the Rushworth Young Composers and Songwriters programme. This concert will feature multiple world premieres from the newest generation of contemporary composers and songwriters, performed by members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s Equilibrium String Quartet and guest artists.
Tuesday 18 April 11.30am & 2pm Music Room
£12.50
Programme to include:
Arnold ‘Allegro con Brio’ from Three Sea Shanties for Wind
Britten (arr.) ‘Storm’ from Four Sea Interludes
Debussy (arr. Dunachie) Un Bateau
Grainger Molly on the Shore
Mendelssohn (arr.) Overture, The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave)
Saint-Saëns (arr. Dunachie) ‘Aquarium’ from Carnival of the Animals
Claire Henry presenter
Musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians present a concert created especially for people living with dementia, along with their friends, family and carers. The concert takes place in the fully accessible Music Room, and all tickets include a complimentary cup of tea or coffee on arrival. Lights will be kept on and there will be a separate quiet space available during the concert to ensure the performance is as comfortable as possible for audience members.
Chamber Music
Ensemble 10:10
Wednesday 19 April 7.30pm
Tung Auditorium
£20
Lunchtime Concert
Monday 24 April 1pm
Music Room
£12, £8
Sponsored by
Ailís Ní Ríain Calling mutely through lipless mouth (world premiere)
Andrea Tarrodi Paradisfaglar II
Charlotte Bray Germinate
Claire Victoria Roberts Lust & Lustre (UK premiere)
Jessie Montgomery Records from a Vanishing City
Brett Dean Testament – Music for Orchestra
Catherine Larsen-Maguire conductor
Catherine Larsen-Maguire makes her debut with Ensemble 10:10, not only bringing music she is passionate about by Brett Dean, Andrea Tarrodi, Charlotte Bray and Jessie Montgomery, but also presenting gripping new sounds from Ailís Ní Ríain and Claire Victoria Roberts to carry on the ensemble’s inspiring tradition of commissioning composers from the North West.
Clara Schumann (arr. Hashimoto) Three Lieder
Erzsébet Szőnyi Five Old Dances
Nina Ashton mud hive
Judith Bingham The Cathedral of Trees
Jeanine Rueff Trois pièces
Cécile Chaminade (arr. Ross) Mignonne allons voir si la rose
Emily Ross oboe
Anna Hashimoto clarinet
Nina Ashton bassoon
Felicity Davies soprano
The Ross Trio have been playing chamber music together for almost their whole musical lives and are delighted to collaborate in this concert with another dear childhood friend, soprano Felicity Davies.
Something magical happens when a singer performs with a handful of instrumentalists. They will explore the interplay of music, dance and poetry spanning three centuries, from the romance of Clara Schumann to the equally enchanting sounds of the 21st century, including a world premiere performance of a setting of a Mary Oliver poem for reed trio and voice, written specially for these musicians.
Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details
Book now at liverpoolphil.com
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Thursday 27 April 7.30pm
Sunday 30 April 2.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£50, £42, £36, £29, £19
Falla Suite 1 and 2, The Three-Cornered Hat Prokofiev Piano Concerto No.3 Stravinsky The Rite of Spring
Domingo Hindoyan conductor
Isata Kanneh-Mason (Young Artist in Residence) piano
Here in Liverpool, we hold our friends close, and we’ve taken pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason to our hearts. “Flair, mature interpretation, astounding technique and virtuosity” – critics have been grasping for words. We say, come and hear her play in Prokofiev’s daredevil Third Piano Concerto. And to follow that, Domingo Hindoyan turns the voltage up even higher with Stravinsky’s explosive The Rite of Spring Back in 1913, it provoked riots, and it can still knock you backwards today.
Around The World
Saturday 29 April 11am
Music Room
£25 (£8 under-25s)
Tania León Alma
Roberto Sierra Sonata for Flute and Piano Gabriela Ortiz Aljandro Senora
Helen Wilson flute and presenter Benjamin Powell piano
This session features an hour-long talk by Liverpool Philharmonic flautist Helen Wilson, discussing key composers from South and Latin America, and how their chamber music reflects their wider orchestral works.
Helen and pianist Benjamin Powell will follow this with a recital of works by Tania León, Roberta Sierra, Gabriela Ortiz and others.
This talk is linked to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Fiesta! concert - See page 46 for details.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Thursday 4 May 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£50, £42, £36, £29, £19
Post-concert Question Time - starts in the Music Room 15 minutes after the concert ends. Conductor Laureate Vasily Petrenko will be interviewed by Sandra Parr, Artistic Planning Director.
Close Up Concert
A4 Brass
Monday 8 May 2023 8pm
Music Room
£20, £17
Bernd Richard Deutsch Phantasma (UK premiere: co-commissioned with the Concertgebouw, Cleveland Orchestra and Bamberger Symphoniker)
Strauss Brentano Lieder (Six Songs) Scriabin Symphony No.3, The Divine Poem
Vasily Petrenko conductor
Adela Zaharia soprano
Some composers think bigger, but it takes a special sort of genius to create a whole new musical universe. Back in 1904, Alexander Scriabin pulled out all the stops in his massive Third Symphony, and if you like Rachmaninov and Mahler, you’ll love The Divine Poem. Vasily Petrenko sets the scene with something entirely original – a UK premiere from Bernd Richard Deutsch – and six gorgeous songs by Richard Strauss: a perfect Liverpool debut for the glorious voice of Adela Zaharia.
Richard Strauss (arr. Bates) Festmusik der Stadt Wien
Edward Gregson Brass Quartet No.2
Bruckner Locus iste
Tom Harrold Craze
Doreen Carwithen (arr. Bates) Suffolk Morris, from Suffolk Suite
Vivaldi (arr. Bates) Finale, Violin Concerto
Vaughan Williams (arr. Bates) Prelude, 49th Parallel
Vaughan Williams (arr. Bates) English Folk Song Suite
Jonathan Bates Toccata 2
Andy Wareham The Code
Tallis (arr. Bates) If Ye Love Me
Thomas Doss Moskito
Piazzolla (arr. Bates) Libertango
Arban (arr. Robertson) Carnival of Venice
Evelyn Glennie (arr. Bates)
A Little Prayer
Mendelssohn (arr. Robertson) Saltarello
Jamie Smith cornet
Jonathan Bates tenor horn
Mike Cavanagh baritone horn
Chris Robertson euphonium
With a unique concept and configuration, A4 Brass combines traditional brass band instruments with contemporary elements never seen before in this medium.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Thursday 11 May 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£50, £42, £36, £29, £19
Chamber Music
Elmore String Quartet
Wednesday 17 May 1pm & 7.30pm
Music Room
£10, £7 (matinee)
£18, £15 (evening)
Berlioz Overture, Roman Carnival
Tomasi Trumpet Concerto
Pacho Flores Albares, Concerto for Flugelhorn (world premiere)
Rachmaninov Symphony No.3
Domingo Hindoyan conductor
Pacho Flores (Artist in Residence) trumpet
‘A stunning achievement’ – that’s how critics described the debut album from Pacho Flores. But if you caught this sensational Venezuelan trumpeter in past seasons, you’ll already know that when he teams up with Domingo Hindoyan, things tend to catch fire. We’re thrilled to have him as our Artist in Residence this season, launching two dazzling bursts of fireworks into a concert that begins with dancing in the streets of Rome. Following the incredible reception of Domingo’s Rachmaninov’s Second Symphony last season, here comes the Third Symphony, with its heart-wrenching themes straight from the Hollywood era.
Matinee concert
Haydn String Quartet in D major Op 20 No 4
Ravel String Quartet in F major
Evening concert
Haydn String Quartet in D major
Op 20 No 4
Fanny Mendelssohn String Quartet in F major
Schubert String Quartet No 14 D 810
‘Death and the Maiden’
Winners of the Tunnell Trust Awards 2020, the Elmore String Quartet is a dynamic young ensemble formed at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in 2017. The group found early success winning RNCM Chamber Music Prizes, before going on to perform recitals across the UK. They’ve since taken second place at Wigmore Hall’s CAVATINA Intercollegiate Chamber Music Competition, been appointed Junior Fellows in Chamber Music at the RNCM and recorded for BBC Philharmonic’s Diversity in Music programme.
The Elmore String Quartet appears by kind permission of the RNCM.
Isata Kanneh-Mason with members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Friday 19 May 7.30pm
St George’s Hall Concert Room
£29
Germaine Tailleferre String Quartet
Mendelssohn Piano Trio in C minor, No.2
Eleanor Alberga ‘Clouds’ for Piano Quintet (1984)
Isata Kanneh-Mason (Young Artist in Residence) piano
Thelma Handy violin
Adi Brett violin
Catherine Marwood viola
Jonathan Aasgaard cello
Whenever Isata Kanneh-Mason comes together with players of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, they click – one critic described the result as “music-making between friends”. Expect the same magic as she joins them in the beautiful surroundings of St George’s Hall Concert Room for music by Mendelssohn and the Jamaican-born, British-based composer, Eleanor Alberga.
Monday 5 June 1pm
Music Room
£12, £8
Dvořák Slavonic Dances
Brahms Hungarian Dances
Mozart Turkish March
Bartók Romanian Folk Dances
Tchaikovsky Arabian Dance from The Nutcracker
Mahler Ländler from Symphony No.1
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra viola section
The viola section usually sits right in the middle of the Orchestra. But today, they take centre stage for dances by Dvořák, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Bartók and – who knows? – maybe even The Beatles!
Thursday 8 June 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£50, £42, £36, £29, £19
John Adams The Chairman Dances: Foxtrot for Orchestra
Nico Muhly ‘In Certain Circles’: Concerto for Two Pianos (UK premiere: co-commissioned with New York Philharmonic, Orchestre de Paris and Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra) Prokofiev Symphony No.3
Karel Deseure conductor
Katia and Marielle Labèque pianos
For Nico Muhly, music “is all pure pleasure”, and if you take a spritz of Manhattan attitude, add influences ranging from Bach to Beyoncé, and shake it all together with unlimited imagination, you can hear why he’s one of the hottest composers on the planet right now. Together with the famous Labèque sisters, we’re thrilled to be giving the UK premiere of his new Concerto for Two Pianos, In Certain Circles, alongside Prokofiev’s fiery symphony and Adams’ uproarious “foxtrot for orchestra”.
© Chris Christodoulou
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Saturday 10 June 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£29
Ravel Mother Goose Suite (4 hands)
Bryce Dessner new work (2 pianos)
Philip Glass Les Enfants terribles (2 pianos)
It’s been said that when sisters Katia and Marielle Labèque play together they become one artistic personality, but that doesn’t remotely do justice to the individual brilliance of these two remarkable pianists. Together, they’ll open Ravel’s fairy tale storybook before taking us to the USA for a distinctly cinematic encounter with two true cult figures.
Sunday 11 June 2.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£50, £42, £36, £29, £19
Karel Deseure conductor
Katia and Marielle Labèque pianos
Do you want to hear a story? The song of the wood dove sounds gentle, but it hides a deadly secret. In medieval Russia, angels and demons walk the earth, and Prokofiev wrestles their drama into a symphony so raw and passionate that it sounds like it’s just been pulled from the flames. And in between, the fabulous Labèque sisters deploy all their celebrated wit and charm as they join guest conductor, Karel Deseure, in Mozart’s joyous double concerto.
Sunday 18 June 6pm Music Room
£20, £17
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Saturday 24 June 7.30pm Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£50, £42, £36, £29, £19
Jonathan Aasgaard, leader of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra cello section, takes a oneman odyssey through all six of Bach’s sublime Cello Suites.
This concert will include a 30 minute interval (approx. 7-7.30pm) and finish around 8.30pm.
Eleanor Alberga Tower
Vaughan Williams Songs of Travel *
Tippett A Child of Our Time #
Martyn Brabbins conductor
Nardus Williams soprano #
Kathryn Rudge mezzo-soprano #
Elgan Llŷr Thomas tenor #
Roderick Williams baritone *#
Paul Whittaker OBE BSL interpreter
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir
Individual lives tell the stories for this programme. Jamaican-born British composer Eleanor Alberga is inspired by the memory of a dear friend, a “tower of strength”, with music that brings a character to life. Meanwhile, Roderick Williams sings Vaughan Williams’ tales of a vagabond on his travels who demands “give to me the life I love”. Tippett’s oratorio relates the tragedy of an individual’s desperate act, and over 80 years after its premiere, still resonates with its themes of oppression and disenfranchisement. His use of African-American spirituals to evoke, as he put it, those “cast out from the centre of our society onto the fringes” is as pertinent now as it was then.
Monday 26 June 8pm Music Room
£20, £17
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Emerging Musicians Fellowship
Year 1 Fellows: Chamber Concert
Thursday 29 June 6pm Music Room Free
(tickets must be booked in advance)
Mendelssohn Songs without Words (selection)
Piazzolla (arr. Ron Abramski) Revirado
Carl Frühling Trio for Clarinet, Bassoon and Piano, Op. 40 David Forshaw new work (world premiere)
Rebekah Abramski bassoon
Ausiàs Garrigós-Morant clarinet
Ron Abramski piano
Mendelssohn knew that music could go further than words and this colourful recital practically spans the globe in a single evening: travelling from 19th-century Ukraine, all the way to 20th-century Argentina, with a special stop via Liverpool for a new work from composer (and astronomer) David Forshaw.
Programme to include pieces that have been chosen, composed or arranged by the four 2022/23 Fellows.
Our 2022/23 Fellows, Angus Bain (violin), Rachael Watson (flute), Cameron Chin-See (trumpet) and Matthew Brett (percussion) take to the Music Room stage with members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra for a short chamber performance marking the end of their year-long Fellowship with us. This pre-concert performance will be around one hour long.
To find out more about the Emerging Musicians Fellowship, please visit liverpoolphil.com/take-part/emerging-musicians-fellowship
Booking fees may apply – See page 57 for details
Book now at liverpoolphil.com
Thursday 29 June 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£50, £42, £36, £29, £19
Strauss Don Juan
Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1
Sibelius Symphony No.5
Roderick Cox conductor
Inon Barnatan piano
One quiet evening, Sibelius saw a flight of 16 swans. “God, what beauty!” he exclaimed, and he transformed that natural wonder into the melody that concludes his Fifth Symphony – a tune so good that you feel like you’ve known it forever. Tonight, it’s the crowning glory of a concert that unites Strauss at his most swashbuckling and Tchaikovsky at his most romantic – with the superb Inon Barnatan returning as soloist in one of the world’s favourite piano concertos. The German-based American conductor, Roderick Cox, winner of the 2018 Georg Solti competition, makes his Liverpool debut.
Youth Company Festival
Saturday 1 July 1.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£10 (£5 under-25s)
Programme to include:
Larry Henley & Jeffrey Silbar Wind Beneath My Wings for brass band and solo trombone
Richard Wagner (arr. Snell) Procession to the Minster
Malcolm Arnold Four Scottish Dances
Alan Fernie Prismatic Light
Rebecca Lundberg Pater Noster (Our Father) for solo flugelhorn and brass band
Amber Hooton Jack in a Box Suite
Simon Cowen conductor
Starting your summer with a bang, Youth Brass Band return to the main stage at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall to perform a programme including Wagner’s dramatic Procession to the Cathedral, and a premiere of a work by Liverpool-based composer and brass musician, Amber Hooton.
Saturday 1 July 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£10 (£5 under-25s)
Continuing Youth Company’s weekend-long celebration, Youth Session Orchestra presents a performance of arrangements of their own original songs, as well as their own arrangements of well-loved pop classics, directed by the Head of Popular Music at Royal Northern College of Music, Andy Stott. Prepare to be blown away by Liverpool’s brightest young creatives.
Sunday 2 July 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£18 (£8 under-25s)
Simon Emery conductor
Alison White conductor
Ellie Slorach conductor
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choirs
Kantos Chamber Choir
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choirs come together for an atmospheric and moving performance, reflecting on our home, planet Earth, side-by-side with Kantos Chamber Choir, a professional choir shaking up the choral scene across the North West. Bringing together Melody Makers, Children’s Choir, Cambiata Choir and Youth Choir, this performance will showcase the best of the city’s young singers from ages 7 to 19.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Saturday 8 July 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£50, £42, £36, £29, £19
Sponsored by
Evencio Castellanos Santa cruz de pacairigua, Suite Sinfónica
Antonio Estévez Mediodía en el Llano (Midday in the Plains)
Gabriela Ortiz Trumpet Concerto (UK premiere)
Revueltas Sensemayá
Inocente Carreño Variations for orchestra, Margariteña
Roberto Sierra Salseando for trumpet and orchestra
Ginastera Four Dances from Estancia
Domingo Hindoyan conductor Pacho Flores (Artist in Residence) trumpet
Some critics have said that Pacho Flores is the best trumpeter in the world. We just know that as our 2022/23 Artist in Residence, he’s an inspiration – and that whenever he joins us here in Liverpool, he brings the house down. Together with Domingo Hindoyan, he’ll let the music do the talking – and the dancing – as we travel in a whirl of colour and rhythm from the heat of Mexico to the plains of Venezuela.
Sunday 16 July 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall £18 (£8 under-25s)
Programme to include:
Tchaikovsky Fantasy Overture, Romeo and Juliet
Richard Strauss Horn Concerto
No.1 in E-flat Major*
Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra side by side with members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Academy Orchestra
Alexandra Dunn conductor
Daniel Hibbert (member of Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra) horn*
Youth Company’s epic summer festival culminates in a celebration of our incredible Youth Orchestras, performing side by side with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. This high-energy performance will showcase the talent of the newest generation of classical musicians, including Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra’s own rising star, and recent finalist in the Brass Category of the 2022 BBC Young Musician Awards, Daniel Hibbert.
Sunday 16 April 3.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£23, £16, £14 (adult)
£15, £13, £9 (child)
Alasdair Malloy presenter
Kate Labno British Sign Language presenter
Prepare to countdown and blast off with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, as we leave the Earth behind and pilot a spaceship through the Solar System to visit some of our nearest space-dwelling neighbours. We’ll encounter some friendly, and some not-so-friendly, extra-terrestrials and get caught up in some Star Wars before boldly going where no concert has ever gone before –to a party in The Planets! This concert is truly out of this world and features music from Holst’s The Planets, Star Wars, Star Trek, Super Mario Galaxy and of course, E.T.
This relaxed concert is fun and accessible for the whole family, combining brilliant music and a safe and enjoyable environment. We offer support for audiences with a range of additional needs, including physical and learning disabilities. We’ll have resources to help you prepare for the event, including easy-read materials and quiet spaces on the day.
Ellie Slorach conductor
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Relaxed Family Concert
Wednesday 19 April 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£51, £45, £42.50, £38, £25
Once Upon a Time is a fairy tale like no other. It’s the brand-new dance show starring Strictly Come Dancing’s superstars Nadiya and Kai. Our two stars have created a stunning show that highlights their different backgrounds, showcases their incredible ballroom journeys, celebrates their wonderful relationship on and off the dance floor and shines a spotlight on their love affair with dance. It will be a lavish production with beautiful choreography, stunning costumes and a talented cast of dancers and musicians.
Battle of the Atlantic Memorial 80th Anniversary
His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band in Concert
Saturday 27 May 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£30, £25, £20, £15
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Family Concert
Sunday 18 June 2.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£23, £16, £14 (adult)
£15, £13, £9 (child)
Come and join the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines at what will be an excellent concert to commemorate the turning point of the longest and most strategically important battle of the Second World War, the Battle of the Atlantic.
His Majesty’s Royal Marines will remember and commemorate the sacrifice made by not only sailors, airmen and dock workers, but also civilians. To all those people, thank you for our future.
Jonathan Dove Gaspard’s Foxtrot Prokofiev Peter and the Wolf
Rebecca Tong conductor
Zeb Soanes presenter
James Mayhew live illustration
Alongside the classic Peter and the Wolf, join Gaspard the friendly fox and his furry chums in a warm-hearted adventure performed by their creator Zeb Soanes with live on-stage painting from the series illustrator, James Mayhew. Accompanied by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, this is the perfect way to introduce children to a live orchestra through images and storytelling.
Sunday 2 April 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£63.50, £57.50, £45
The Haters Roast presents a drag comedy spectacular hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 1 winner, The Vivienne. Featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race stars from across the UK, the US and Canada, expect an evening of outrageous and unapologetic comedy as the queens vilify one another, their fellow castmates, celebrities and peers, all in the name of comedy. The Vivienne will be joined by Trinity the Tuck, Miz Cracker, Willam, Jimbo, Baga Chipz, Lawrence Chaney, Heidi N Closet, and Kandy Muse.
Thursday 20 April 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£30, £24, £21, £15
Highly acclaimed comedian, writer and actor Sara Pascoe is back with a brand-new stand-up show! Sara decided she wanted to be famous at 14 years old. Since then, she has auditioned for Barrymore, scared Pete Burns and ruined Hugh Grant’s birthday - but look at her now... (please look, she needs you to look. And clap. And laugh. And then clap again).
Saturday 20 May 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£36, £30, £25, £15
Liverpool’s biggest comedy promoter, Laughterhouse brings you an amazing night of entertainment, featuring seven giants of comedy with one more to be announced.
Chris Cairns MC (Radio City, Liverpool Echo ‘Comedian of the Year’)
David O’Doherty (8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Comedy Central Presents)
Kiri Pritchard McLean (Have I Got News For You?, Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central)
Clinton Baptiste (Phoenix Nights, This Time with Alan Partridge)
Mick Miller (The Comedians, Ideal)
Emmanuel Sonubi (Live at The Apollo, Comedy Central Live)
Paul Sinha (The Chase)
Don’t miss what promises to be the comedy event of the spring.
Friday 26 May 8pm Music Room
£18, £15
Known as She Drew The Gun, songwriter Louisa Roach began playing solo gigs around Liverpool. Recruiting band members along the way, Roach developed a rebellious, fuzzy psych-pop sound, delivering songs that rally against injustice and celebrate outsiderdom. The band have toured the UK, appeared at Glastonbury, and had an LP included in BBC Radio 6 Music’s top 10 albums of 2018. She Drew The Gun now return with an intimate unplugged show, showcasing their back catalogue of songs and poems.
Saturday 3 June 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£36, £30
Vogue Williams and Joanne McNally bring their hilarious, charttopping and award-winning podcast, My Therapist Ghosted Me, to Liverpool. My Therapist Ghosted Me came about when Joanne McNally’s therapist did exactly that: ghosted her. The podcast invites listeners into candid and hilarious conversations, as Vogue and Joanne explore their unique issues and encourage listeners to get in touch with their own personal experiences. Together, they provide 100% unqualified, unsubstantiated but honest advice on problems their therapists couldn’t handle.
Sunday 18 June 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£28, £22
Hot off the heels of his critically acclaimed Netflix special, David Letterman appearance, and role on Life & Beth with Amy Schumer, Phil Wang is bringing a brand new stand-up show to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. He’s chatting race, family, nipples, and everything else that’s been going on in his Philly little life.
Monday 10 July 8pm
Music Room
£23, £20
The boogie-woogie boy-wonder, who’s been taking the world by storm, takes his Sky TV show to the stage. Tom will dive into engaging chat with a surprise celebrity, treating his guest and the audience to live music, as he and his band perform his guest’s favourite songs live, all with a signature twist. Guests on his Sky show have included Sir Kenny Dalglish, Ruby Turner and Diane Abbott. The live show continues to grow, with guests including Noddy Holder, Jo Brand, Whispering Bob Harris and James Acaster.
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 introduction from resident organist Dave Nicholas.
Tuesday 11 April 7.30pm Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£13, £11, £9
Director Sam Mendes
Starring Olivia Colman, Monica Dolan, Micheal Ward, Tom Brooke, Tanya Moodie, Hannah Onslow, Crystal Clarke, Toby Jones, Colin Firth
Following his BAFTA Best Film winner 1917, Sam Mendes returns with this majestic, personal work, set in a 1980s English coastal town. Empire Of Light is a powerful and poignant story about human connection and the magic of cinema.
Saturday 15 April 1.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£15, £12, £9 (adult)
£13, £10, £7 (child)
Starring Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek Pinault, Harvey Guillén, Florence Pugh, Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone, Samson Kayo, John Mulaney, Wagner Moura, Da’Vine Joy Randolph
In this first adventure from the Shrek universe in over ten years, daring outlaw Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) discovers that his passion for peril means he has burned through eight of his nine lives. Getting those lives back sends Puss on an epic journey with his former partner and nemesis: the captivating Kitty Soft Paws (Salma Hayek). In their quest, they’re aided by cheerful mutt Perro (Harvey Guillén) to stay one step ahead of Goldilocks (Florence Pugh) and the Three Bears Crime Family, ‘Big’ Jack Horner (John Mulaney) and terrifying bounty hunter, The Big Bad Wolf (Wagner Moura).
Tuesday 18 April 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£15, £12, £9
Starring Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Gabriel LaBelle, Judd Hirsch
A semi-autobiographical tale based on Steven Spielberg’s own childhood, The Fabelmans follows young Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle) growing up in post-World War II Arizona. After his mother (Michelle Williams) and father (Paul Dano) take him to see The Greatest Show on Earth, he falls in love with the movies – and aspires to become a filmmaker. But when Sammy discovers a shattering family secret, he begins to explore how the power of films can help him see the truth.
Director Joel Crawford
Mamma
Friday 5 May 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£15, £12, £9
Director Phyllida Lloyd
Starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Julie Walters, Dominic Cooper, Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski
We’re kicking off our Eurovision extravaganza by screening Mamma Mia! – the film that celebrates the music of Eurovision icons, ABBA.
Donna (Meryl Streep) is an independent single mother who owns a hotel on a Greek island. Her daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is getting married and, on a quest to find her father to walk her down the aisle, she has secretly invited three men from Donna’s past back to the island they visited 20 years earlier. Over 24 chaotic, magical hours, new love will bloom and old romances will be rekindled. Mamma Mia! is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family.
Online: liverpoolphil.com
Telephone: 0151 709 3789
Post: Box Office, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BP
In Person: Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BP
For opening times, visit liverpoolphil.com/get-tickets
For directions, public transport and parking details, as well as information on refreshments, access and FAQs, visit liverpoolphil.com/plan-your-visit
Online & Phone: 8% per ticket administrative fee. A £2.50 postage fee will be applied on all orders if opting for postal delivery.
In person: No charge
We’re delighted to offer BSL interpretation on a selection of events. To book, please email Box Office at ticketing@liverpoolphil.com or call 0151 709 3789 for further details on how to book the most suitable seats.
£8 tickets
For most Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performances, under-25s, students and those in receipt of Universal Credit or Jobseekers’ Allowance can purchase tickets for just £8.
£8 tickets can be purchased from Box Office in person or by phone on 0151 709 3789.
For more information and the latest updates on what to expect during your visit to Liverpool Philharmonic, please visit liverpoolphil.com/FAQs