Welcome to Christmas at Liverpool Philharmonic Liverpool Philharmonic is throwing the biggest Christmas party in town… and you’re invited! We’ve lined up the merriest music, fabulously festive films and sparkling seasonal songs, so gather up the whole family and join us as we celebrate the most magical time of the Firstyear.up, we’re dreaming of a green Christmas, as we join Kermit and friends for a classic seasonal tale in The Muppet Christmas Carol. Then we step into a world of enchanting festive magic as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra perform music from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, before we head to 1950s New York for a Swingin’ Christmas – a glittering evening of Big Band seasonal favourites starring phenomenal vocalist, Kerry Ellis. Old Saint Nick himself drops in for our full family celebration, Singalong with Santa, before we host our annual festive extravaganza, Spirit of Christmas, featuring our Artist in Residence Pacho Flores and new host, Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason. Sticking to tradition, we’ll bring you Christmas Eve showings of the classic It’s A Wonderful Life. We also present the timeless magic of E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, accompanied live on stage by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. New Year’s Eve promises to be a real hit, as we welcome 2023 in style with an evening of Motown Classics. Finally, beat the January blues by joining us for our annual performance of Handel’s rousing Messiah.
McnultyMark© Deck the Hall
Václav Trojan Fairytales for Accordion and Orchestra Tchaikovsky The Nutcracker: Act II (complete) Elena Schwarz conductor Ksenija Sidorova accordion Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Waltz of the Flowers, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy… Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is like a huge, mouth-watering box of musical goodies, all wrapped up in pure enchantment. Guest conductor, Elena Schwarz, indulges her sweet tooth tonight, and we all get to share – it’s the only possible way to follow Ligeti’s folk-infused overture and a showcase for accordionist Ksenija Sidorova. If you heard her at one of our Christmas concerts, you won’t need telling twice: she’s phenomenal. Tickets £50, £42, £36, £29, £19
Film
Tonight festive dreams come true, as Liverpool Philharmonic Hall hosts the return of the most tuneful Christmas party in town. Join superstar composer, arranger and conductor, Andrew Cottee, and star vocalists, Matt Ford and Kerry Ellis, for a glittering evening of seasonal favourites. Made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole and Judy Garland, these are the Christmas songs everyone loves, from ‘Winter Wonderland’ to ‘The Christmas Waltz’. They’re all wrapped up with a bow and delivered with a swing by the fabulous full Orchestra. You’d better believe it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Tickets £53, £44, £40, £37, £24
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Saturday 3 December 2.30pm Director Brian Henson Starring Michael Caine
Swingin’ Christmas
Dreaming of a white Christmas?
This year, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Children’s Choirs have Christmas all wrapped up. This fabulously festive performance contains all the magical ingredients for the perfect family Christmas celebration. Mix together a handful of Christmas favourites such as ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’, ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ and ‘Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town’, with a dollop of seasonal surprises and get ready to sing your heart out. This concert is so popular that even Santa Claus himself takes time out to come along! The concert will last approximately one hour. Family concerts are most suitable for children aged 4-10 years. Tickets Adult: £30, £19, £16 Child: £19, £15, £11 Tickets for children under 18 months are free, but must be booked in advance. *The 2.30pm performance on Sunday 18 December will be signed by BSL interpreter, Kate Labno.
Thursday 8 December 7.30pm
Ligeti Concert Românesc (Romanian Concerto)
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Andrew Cottee conductor Matt Ford and Kerry Ellis vocalists
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Singalong with Santa
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The Muppets reimagine Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol by adding a hilarious and heartfelt touch of Muppet magic. Ebeneezer Scrooge is a wicked, cold-hearted moneylender, angered by the Christmas spirit of his colleague Bob Cratchit (played by Kermit the Frog) and those around him. However, the arrival of the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future teach him to embrace the warmth and good will that comes with Christmas time. As our screen rises from the stage before the film, enjoy an organ prelude from resident organist, Dave Nicholas. This film screening will have an intermission.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
PicturesDisneyWalt© Folk Tales
The Muppet Christmas Carol (U)
Tickets Adult: £13, £11, £9 Child: £11, £9, £7 Family Concert
Ben Palmer conductor Alasdair Malloy presenter Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Liverpool Philharmonic Children’s Choirs
Saturday 17 December 11.30am & 2.30pm Sunday 18 December 11.30am & 2.30pm*
Saturday 10 December 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Review of Spirit of Christmas (December 2021) ‘This was another faultless celebration of Christmas with old and new carols and classics. There was something for everyone.’
*The performance on Thursday 22 December will be signed by BSL interpreter, Kate
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Spirit of Christmas Saturday 17 December 7.30pm Wednesday 21 December 7.30pm Thursday 22 December 7.30pm* Friday 23 December 7.30pm Ian Tracey conductor Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason presenter Pacho Flores trumpet Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir For Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, Christmas is a “glorious hurly-burly”. It’s a time for family, so who better to host our annual celebration than the inspirational super-mum at the heart of Britain’s most musical family? There’ll be classic carols, audience singalongs, seasonal readings, magical surprises and a special Christmas gift from our Artist in Residence – the sensational Pacho Flores. So join Kadiatu, Pacho, the Orchestra and our choirs, under the baton of Ian Tracey, for Liverpool’s great musical festive tradition. It wouldn’t be Christmas without it! Tickets £53, £44, £40, £37, £24
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Booking fees may apply - see page 14 for more information 98 Book now at liverpoolphil.com Film It’s A Wonderful Life (U)
Film with Live Orchestra E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: Film with Live Orchestra (PG)
Friday 30 December 2pm & 7.30pm Anthony Gabriele conductor Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
StudioPicturesParamount©
Director Steven Spielberg’s heart-warming masterpiece is one of the brightest stars in motion picture history. Filled with unparalleled magic and imagination, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial follows the moving story of a lost little alien who befriends a 10-year-old boy named Elliott. Experience all the mystery and fun of their unforgettable adventure in the beloved movie that captivated audiences around the world, complete with John Williams’ Academy Award®-winning score performed live by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in sync to the film projected on a huge HD screen! Bring the little ones and share your sense of wonder with a whole new generation: this is a New Year treat for the ages. Tickets £53, £44, £40, £37, £24 £18 tickets for under-25s (limited availability)
Director Frank Capra Starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Henry Travers Beset with problems, George Bailey – played by James Stewart – finds his previously happy life falling apart around him on Christmas Eve. His impish guardian angel shows him what his hometown would be like without him, and shocked by what he sees, George begs to return to the problems of the present. Beautifully crafted, its humour and gentleness imbued at times with an almost Dickensian darkness, the film is now a cult classic and one of the most enduring of all Christmas traditions. As our screen rises from the stage before the film, enjoy an organ prelude from resident organist, Dave Nicholas. Tickets £17, £13, £10
Saturday 24 December 11am & 3pm
StudiosUniversal©
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New Year’s Eve: Motown Classics
An evening of timeless classics, including ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours’, ‘Dancing in the Street’, ‘What Becomes of the Broken Hearted’, ‘My Girl’ and ‘My Guy’, ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’, ‘Respect’, ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’, ‘Stop! In the Name of Love’... and many more. Performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and fantastic singers Gloria Onitiri and Ako Mitchell, you’ll be ready to boogie along with all your favourite hits! And what’s more, to start the night in style, all tickets include a glass of fizz delivered to your seat. Tickets £62, £57, £55, £47, £35
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Saturday 31 December 7.30pm Alfonso Casado Trigo conductor Gloria Onitiri vocalist Ako Mitchell vocalist Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
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Messiah Saturday 7 January 7pm
Messiah is both a classical masterpiece and a national institution. Tonight, the dynamic young German maestro, Clemens Schuldt, has assembled four of the very finest singers working in Europe today. It’ll sound fresher and more inspiring than ever. Tickets £53, £44, £40, £37, £24 This performance will be signed by BSL interpreter, Paul Whittaker OBE. RuanoDavid© 13
Perfect Presents
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Handel Messiah Clemens Schuldt conductor Dorothee Mields soprano Anna Stéphany mezzo-soprano Caspar Singh tenor Benjamin Appl baritone Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Hallelujah! Two centuries before The Beatles, Handel’s Messiah was the biggest hit in the history of British music, and with moments like Ev’ry Valley, For Unto Us A Child is Born and The Trumpet Shall Sound, it’s easy to hear why.
Stuck for what to get for someone special this Christmas?
Gift cards can be exchanged for a huge range of tickets for classical, pop, rock, folk, comedy and film events. So take the stress out of Christmas shopping and share the magic of Liverpool Philharmonic with your friends and family. Order online orliverpoolphil.com/gift-cardsatcall01517093789. Dedicate a seat 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. You’ll also receive all the benefits of Silver Membership for 12 months, including access to our Members-only bar, the 1840 Room, as well as invitations to pre-concert receptions and open rehearsals. Dedicate a seat for £200 (or £15 per month). To learn more, please call the Fundraising Team on 0151 210 2921, orfundraising@liverpoolphil.comemailvisitliverpoolphil.com/seat
Silver Membership A present that’s not just for Christmas! Gift a Silver membership to the music lover in your life and they can enjoy benefits that enhance their concert-going experience all year round. Membership includes invitations to open rehearsals, pre-concert receptions, use of our private Members bar – the 1840 Room (pre-booking required), and an invitation to our Annual Season Launch with priority booking for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concert Giftseason.aSilver Membership for £150/year (or £12.50/month) by Friday 16 December and you’ll receive a Liverpool Philharmonic Christmas card to present on the big day. For more information, liverpoolphil.com/member,visit orfundraising@liverpoolphil.com,emailcalluson01512102921.
Gift Cards
Booking fees may apply - see page 14 for more information Booking14 Information How to Book Online liverpoolphil.com Telephone 0151 709 (Monday-Friday3789 9.30am-5.30pm*) In Person Box Office, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BP (Monday-Friday noon-5pm*) *Box Office and phone lines are also open 2 hours prior to the start of each event in the main Hall. Booking Fees 8% per ticket administrative fee (plus £1 postage, or free e-tickets). There is no charge for in person bookings. Group Discounts Generous group discounts of up to 20% are available for most concerts. For more details, email groupbookings@liverpoolphil.com or call 0151 709 3789. Accessibility Joining our free Access Scheme is the best way to help us provide you with the support you need. You’ll gain access to a variety of information and benefits, including complimentary tickets for carers and access to wheelchair and transfer seating. For more information and to join the scheme, visit liverpoolphil.com/accessFordirections,publictransport and parking details, as well as information on refreshments, access and FAQs, visit liverpoolphil.com/planyour-visit Plan Your Visit
liverpool_philharmonicliverpoolphilLiverpoolPhilharmonic All information correct at time of printing, however may be subject to change. For the most up to date information, visit liverpoolphil.com The price of tickets may vary, subject to demand. Funded by Premier Sponsors
