Concert Season 2011/2012 by Liverpool Philharmonic

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concert Season 2011/2012 Vasily Petrenko Chief Conductor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Box Office 0151 709 3789 liverpoolphil.com

Welcome from Vasily Petrenko

≤ Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko in rehearsal at the Théatre des Champs-Elysées in Paris, March 2010

We have come a long way together since I came to Liverpool as Principal Conductor in 2006. Every rehearsal and concert is a very great pleasure and I feel great happiness, and privilege to be on stage with our musicians in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, at home in Liverpool and wherever we play together on tour in the UK and abroad. I am looking forward very much to our music-making in our next season together. As we continue our journey to develop and grow musically, our intention is always to give you, our audiences, our very best in our performances and in the diverse music in our concert programmes which have been the hallmark of our previous seasons.

As you look through the season, I hope you will find a lot to look forward to as well, perhaps some personal favourites amongst the great and familiar works from the classical repertoire and a few surprises too that you will want to explore with us. Thank you as always for your passion for and support of our music-making. I always say, because I firmly believe it, that there is a lot we as musicians can yet achieve together, and if our support from our audiences stays with us, we will continue to reach new heights.

Vasily Petrenko Chief Conductor

Contents Critical Acclaim Page 2 Subscriber Benefits Page 3 Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts Pages 6-35 Behind the Music â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Adult Learning Programmes Pages 36-40 Ensemble 10/10 Pages 41-43 Chamber Music Concerts Pages 44-49 Family Concerts Pages 50-51 Lunchtime Concerts Pages 52-53 Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Page 54 Henry E Rensburg Concert Series Page 55 Join us! Pages 56-57 Information and Booking Pages 58-64

Critical Acclaim Hugh Canning Best Concert of 2010

Tim Ashley gives 5* in his review of Ottavio Dantone and Désirée Rancatore’s performance in January, 2011

David Fanning reviews Shostakovich’s Symphony No.10 (Naxos) (November 2010)

Anna Picard reviews the Orchestra and Vasily Petrenko’s performance of Brahms Symphony No. 1 in January, 2011

‘Under the charismatic Vasily Petrenko, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic outshone stiff competition at the opening Proms weekend with a thrilling Tchaikovsky Manfred Symphony.’

‘The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s recent renaissance has made it a pliable ensemble, receptive to stylistic variety from a range of conductors. Dantone kept his forces big, but brought period clarity and baroque opulence to the proceedings… Bliss, from start to finish.’

‘Petrenko’s Shostakovich cycle goes from strength to strength... Petrenko lives up to – I venture to say, even surpasses – the greatest of his compatriots, joining the earlier Karajan account as the most satisfying I could name. If there has been a finer account of the Tenth in recent years, I confess I must have missed it.’

‘The orchestral balance is easy and suave, the playing uninhibited and engaged. Petrenko intensified the sound for the opening movement, sharply accented with the throaty attack of the violas, its Andante pricked-through with the honeyed violin solos of leader, James Clark. There was earth here and heaven too, food for the heart and mind.’

Subscriber Benefits Book tickets for 4 or more concerts and you become a subscriber.

Benefits Include Better Seats As a subscriber you can order tickets prior to them going on sale to the general public. The earlier you book, the wider selection of seats you’ll have. If you want the same seats for each concert, book a fixed series (Thursday, Saturday, Classic FM, Rodewald, Family or Marathon).

Exchange Privileges Can’t make a concert? No problem. Just return your tickets to us at least 24 hours in advance of the concert and we’ll give you a credit for another performance within the same season. FREE tickets Book tickets to 7 or more concerts and you’ll receive a free ticket to a Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra concert (p54) of your choice .

Discounted Tickets Save 10-25% depending on the number of concerts you book (see p61 for details). Discounted Booking Fees Subscribers pay a flat charge of £5 per order, compared with £1.50 per ticket otherwise (credit/debit card sales).

≥ In Harmony, West Everton Children’s Orchestra Photography Mark McNulty

We need your support Despite the strong support of our funders, Liverpool Philharmonic’s public funding will be greatly reduced in the years ahead, creating a big challenge for our organisation. We are committed to cherishing and protecting what is widely acknowledged as one of the UK’s most valuable cultural institutions. As Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko has said:

‘We have achieved a huge amount and there is still a lot more we can achieve for ourselves and for the city and people of Liverpool.’ The generosity of our donors helps us to bridge the gap between ticket income and other funding, and what it costs to run a world-class symphony orchestra.

It is no exaggeration to say that every great performance by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is due to their generosity.

Your gift will help to support:

+ World-class performances by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and visiting musicians and ensembles + Brilliant artistic leadership and vision through Chief Conductor, Vasily Petrenko + Our efforts to develop new audiences through schools and family concerts, bringing classical music into the lives of people for the first time + Our education programme and our commitment to lifelong learning and participation in music We invite you to share in our success and promise to justify your investment by taking Liverpool Philharmonic to ever greater heights of artistic achievement. To make a gift visit liverpoolphil.com or call our fundraising team on 0151 210 2921.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts Ensemble of the Year 2009 Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards

(shared with Ensemble 10/10, the Orchestra’s contemporary music group.)

Themed Series

In the 2011/12 season the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will explore a series of rich and varied concert themes.

Named one of the ‘Hottest Classical Tickets of the Year’ (The Times), Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conclude their critically acclaimed Mahler Edition series, with the composer’s monumental Symphony No.8, known as the Symphony of a Thousand at Liverpool Cathedral (1 October), and Symphony No. 9 (8 December).

Made in Britain continues to celebrate the work of this country’s native composers, with new works including Gary Carpenter’s Bassoon Concerto (10 November) and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies’ Symphony No.9 ( 9 June), treasured classics such as Walton’s Violin Concerto (13 September) and his Cello Concerto (13 October), Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta The Yeomen of the Guard (21 April) and a concert of Great British Film Music (28 April).

Beethoven remains one of the most well-known and influential composers of all time. The Essential Beethoven series is a musical journey through his symphonies and overtures, his Missa Solemnis (5 November), and the complete cycle of his string quartets. The Belcea String Quartet, who have been warmly received by Liverpool audiences in past seasons, will perform the cycle in the intimate and exquisite surroundings of St George’s Hall Concert Room, a perfect venue for these works.

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra has a long tradition of performing film music live in concert. This season, we continue that tradition with our Music and the Cinema series. A Night at the Oscars (22 October) features award-winning film music from Hollywood whilst Great British Film Music (28 April) presents film music classics from British cinema. Back by popular demand, don’t miss the screening of the film The Wizard of Oz with live orchestral accompaniment (30 December), as well as an animated version of Janacek’s The Cunning Little Vixen (29 April).

And finally, our Number 9! Series explores the some of the most famous, as well as lesser known ‘ninth’ symphonies. The ‘curse of the ninth’ is the superstition that a composer’s ninth symphony is destined to be his last, and that he’ll be fated to die after it, or before finishing a ‘tenth.’ “It seems that the Ninth is a limit. He who wants to go beyond it must pass away. It seems as if something might be imparted to us in the Tenth which we ought not yet to know, for which we are not ready. Those who have written a Ninth stood too close to the hereafter" (Arnold Schöenberg). The series includes the ninth symphonies of Vaughan Williams (13 October), Schubert (24 November), Mahler (8 December), Bruckner (28 January) Shostakovich (16 February), Dvorak (12 May) and Glazunov (17 May). And in a ninth symphony double bill we perform Beethoven’s Ninth and premiere a new ‘ninth’ by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, in honour of HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee (9 June).

In Conversation with Vasily Petrenko Wednesday 7 September 6–7pm Beginning his fifth season as Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vasily Petrenko talks with Darren Henley, Managing Director of Classic FM about the forthcoming season, his musical passions and the joys and challenges of being a conductor. Tickets £5 Must be reserved in advance (free for members and subscribers). – This event will be followed at 7.30pm, by a screening of the classic film: The Big Sleep Starring Humphrey Bogart Tickets £5.50, £6.50 (Film tickets can be purchased in advance).

Saturday Series

Opening Night Saturday 10 September 7.30pm Stravinsky Symphony in 3 Movements Liszt Piano Concerto No.2

Rachmaninov Symphony No.3 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Lukás˘ Vondrá˘ cek piano

Symphonies from the new world... with a difference. Stravinsky and Rachmaninov might both have been born in Imperial Russia, but they ended up as neighbours in 1940s Los Angeles. And with Stravinsky’s electrifying dance moves and Rachmaninov’s big romantic tunes, these two fantastic symphonies simply buzz with the energy, colour and sheer razzmatazz of jazz-age America. In between comes an anniversary tribute to the composer everyone’s talking about – and when you hear the award-winning young Czech pianist Lukás˘ Vondrá˘ cek tackle Liszt’s larger-than-life Second Piano Concerto, you’ll think the great keyboard lion himself is back in town! Vasily Petrenko lights the touchpaper, as our new season explodes in a blaze of musical fireworks. Tickets £16, £21, £28, £33, £40

Special

Midori Returns Tuesday 13 September 7.30pm Enescu Suite No.2

Walton Violin Concerto

Prokofiev Symphony No.7 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Midori violin

Prokofiev’s Seventh Symphony is everything you’d expect from the composer of Romeo and Juliet and Peter and the Wolf: spirited, songful and sprinkled with magic – but with some dark surprises lurking in the corners. Vasily Petrenko is just the man to unwrap the enigma, at the end of a programme that simply glitters with fantasy. First, though, superstar violinist Midori brings all her breathtaking flair to Walton’s high-octane concerto, and as Petrenko and the Orchestra gear up for their Eastern European tour, there’s a sneak-preview of the vibrant, mock-baroque Suite No.2 by the great Romanian national composer, George Enescu. A concert to light up an autumn evening. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Midori © Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

Saturday Series

Special

The Birds Saturday 24 September 7.30pm

Mahler 8 Saturday 1 October 7.30pm Liverpool Cathedral

Dvo˘ rák The Wild Dove

Ravel Suite from Mother Goose

Tchaikovsky Suite from Swan Lake – Vasily Petrenko conductor

They say that birds are the greatest of all composers – and when Dvořák, Tchaikovsky and Ravel each encountered a feathered folk-tale, their imagination certainly took wing. Dvořák turns a gruesome Czech legend into a gripping orchestral melodrama, while Ravel’s Mother Goose is a rather gentler soul – her tales of Sleeping Beauty and Tom Thumb inspired Ravel to some of the most gorgeous music that even he ever penned. Vasily Petrenko has adored this music all his life; hear him make it soar tonight. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Mahler Symphony No.8 ‘Symphony of a Thousand’ – Vasily Petrenko conductor Claudia Barainsky soprano Maria Luigia Borsi soprano Malin Christensson soprano Susan Bickley soprano Kelley O'Connor mezzo-soprano Stefan Vinke tenor Tómas Tómasson bass-baritone Jukka Rasilainen bass – Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Huddersfield Choral Society Deva Singers Choristers of Liverpool Cathedral and Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral –

Five choirs, eight world-class soloists and a super-sized orchestra: no wonder Mahler’s Eighth is often called the Symphony of a Thousand! “Try to imagine the whole universe beginning to ring and resound” declared Mahler. “There are no longer human voices, but planets and suns revolving.” Exaggeration? Not when you hear it performed in the sublime surroundings of Liverpool Cathedral, and certainly not when Vasily Petrenko is at the helm. Mahler’s Eighth is quite simply one of the most overwhelming experiences in all music. It’s music to change your life, so book early for what’s certain to be one of the supreme highlights of the Mahler Edition.

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Priority Booking for subscribers who book 7+ concerts or Silver level members (or above) Please note No discounts or concessions will apply to this concert

In memory of Pamela and Kenneth Williams Thanks to the Kenneth Stern Trust and performed in Ken’s memory

Tickets £25, £35, £55, £15 Well seating (visual relay available) Seating is general admission within price sections

Classic FM Series

Libor Pešek’s French Collection Wednesday 5 & Thursday 6 October 7.30pm Debussy La Mer

Françaix L’Horloge de Flore Bizet Carmen Suite No.1 Fauré Pavane

Debussy Iberia – Libor Pešek KBE conductor Jonathan Small oboe

It’s always a treat when Conductor Laureate Libor Pešek returns to Liverpool, and tonight he shares one of his private passions – French music. Expect all his trademark elegance and panache as he throws a real fête à la francaise, from the delicious tunes of Bizet’s Carmen and Fauré’s haunting Pavane to the gorgeous musical landscapes of Debussy’s Iberia and La Mer: pure Monet for the ears. Not forgetting a fragrant musical bouquet from the Orchestra’s brilliant Principal Oboe, Jonathan Small in Jean Françaix’s exquisite miniature concerto. Liverpool to Paris: and a lot quicker than the Eurostar! Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

John Wilson conductor

Henry E Rensburg Series

Serenade Thursday 13 October 7.30pm

Big Country Thursday 20 October 7.30pm

Holst Ballet music from The Perfect Fool Walton Cello Concerto

Elgar Serenade for Strings

Vaughan Williams Symphony No.9 – John Wilson conductor Jonathan Aasgaard cello –

Sponsored by

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Classic Intro 6pm The Romantic Loner: an Introduction to William Walton's concertos Humphrey Burton, CBE Emmy-award winning classical music presenter, broadcaster, director and author of William Walton: The Romantic Loner, Humphrey Burton discusses William Walton’s concertos in this one-hour talk.

There is much more to British music than Pomp and Circumstance and larks ascending. As we continue our Made in Britain series, the charismatic British conductor John Wilson uncovers the hidden side of four great British masters. Gustav Holst dabbles with the occult in a truly diabolical ballet suite, while Edward Elgar tries a little tenderness in his delicate Serenade for Strings. Englishman abroad William Walton basks in the Italian sunshine in his post-war Cello Concerto: the Orchestra’s popular Principal Cello Jonathan Aasgaard will capture all its operatic flair. And the 86-year-old Ralph Vaughan Williams stares boldly into the infinite in his incredible, visionary Ninth Symphony. What he shows us might surprise you.

Torke Javelin

Barber Adagio for Strings

Copland Appalachian Spring Duke Ellington The River

Bernstein West Side Story - Concert Suite – Clark Rundell conductor Cynthia Erivo singer Jason Denton vocalist –

Sponsored by

Big music for a big country, as conductor Clark Rundell gets back to his roots with a star-spangled, all-American road-trip of a concert. Clark and the Orchestra drive deep into the heart of the American Dream, from Michael Torke’s dazzling opening-shot for the Atlanta Olympics, through Barber’s poignant Adagio and the green hills of Aaron Copland’s Appalachia, to the mean streets of Duke Ellington’s Harlem – great composers in pursuit of life, liberty and unforgettable melodies. Finally, to top it all, comes Leonard Bernstein’s finger-snapping, street-dancing Broadway classic West Side Story. Maria, Somewhere, One Hand, One Heart…you already know the tunes. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 ‘Attended Holst’s The Planets at Liverpool Philharmonic last night. Words cannot describe how alive I feel now.’ @cbjules Julia W

Pops

A Night at the Oscars Award-winning film music from Hollywood Saturday 22 October 7.30pm Richard Kaufman conductor Kirby Hughes soprano – Sponsored by

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This concert is linked to:

Discover the Classics Saturday 15 October 11am-1pm Let Classic FM’s Creative Director and Presenter, Tim Lihoreau, take you on a relaxed, enjoyable learning journey on Saturday mornings. Ahead of A Night at the Oscars, we’ll look at the A-list composers who wrote for the movies – AND… the ones who didn’t: the composers who had their music smuggled into some of our favourite screen moments! See page 36 for more information

Kirby Hughes soprano

It’s Oscar night! Roll out the red carpet, and put the champagne on ice as award-winning American movie conductor Richard Kaufman, direct from Hollywood, sweeps you down Hollywood Boulevard in this glamorous tribute to some of the silver screen’s greatest scores. Thrill to Lawrence of Arabia, The Magnificent Seven and Ben Hur! Dream along to When You Wish Upon a Star, Out of Africa and Meet Me in St Louis. Fall in love all over again with Dr Zhivago, Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Gone with the Wind. All these and many more are brought to you in glorious widescreen sound by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Classic FM Series

Saturday Series

German Masters Wednesday 26 & Thursday 27 October 7.30pm

Missa Solemnis Saturday 5 November 7.30pm

Wagner Prelude to Die Meistersinger Schumann Piano Concerto

Brahms Symphony No.4 – Nikolaj Znaider conductor Saleem Abboud Ashkar piano

When a great instrumentalist picks up a conductor’s baton, they bring a new dimension to everything they perform. Tonight, we’re delighted to welcome back the legendary violinist Nikolaj Znaider for his first Liverpool appearance as a conductor, in a programme drawn from his own, deeply romantic musical passions. He’ll bring an insider’s insights into Brahms’ impassioned Fourth Symphony, real bravura in Wagner’s majestic overture, and a very special kind of intimacy in Schumann’s tenderhearted love-song of a Piano Concerto. Prepare to be charmed, too, by the Liverpool debut of Saleem Abboud Ashkar – the dynamic Middle-Eastern pianist who, according to the critics, already plays like an old master. Two great musical personalities in three evergreen classics. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Beethoven Missa Solemnis – Vasily Petrenko conductor Sarah-Jane Brandon soprano Wilke te Brummelstroete mezzo-soprano Peter Hoare tenor Andrew Foster-Williams bass Huddersfield Choral Society ‘Off to a classical concert at Liverpool Philharmonic tonight, bit of Beethoven, as David Brent would say ‘He's the best one isn't he’’ @JonathanYoungs

“From the heart – may it go straight to the heart”. Ludwig van Beethoven worked for five whole years at his Missa Solemnis. He believed it was the single greatest work he ever composed, and he might just have been right. It’s not just one of the mightiest and most ambitious Mass settings in existence, it’s the supreme spiritual vision of one of the greatest creative artists who ever lived: an intimate self-portrait of a human soul, profoundly beautiful and almost unbearably moving. This performance is a labour of love for Vasily Petrenko; he’s assembled a masterly team of soloists and the superb Huddersfield Choral Society (the concert will also be performed in Huddersfield) for what should be the emotional summit of our Essential Beethoven. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Nikolaj Znaider conductor

Sunday Afternoon Classics

Henry E Rensburg Series

Fire and Ice Sunday 13 November 2.30pm

Nordic Landscapes Thursday 10 November 7.30pm Grieg Symphonic Dances Carpenter Bassoon Concerto (World premiere)

Sibelius Symphony No.5 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Alan Pendlebury bassoon – Sponsored by

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Classic Intro 6pm Composer Gary Carpenter talks about his Bassoon Concerto, which receives its first performance tonight.

“Some composers mix colourful cocktails” said Jean Sibelius. “I offer pure, cool water”. Certainly, you’ll never hear anything purer or more invigorating than his majestic Fifth Symphony: beginning with a northern sunrise, inspired by a flight of swans and ending with a tune so great and so simple that once you’ve heard it, you’ll never forget it. It’s a true modern classic – and we hope that Gary Carpenter’s brand new concerto for the Orchestra’s Principal Bassoon Alan Pendlebury will be one too. Knowing Carpenter, surprises should come thick and fast! Grieg’s delightful Symphonic Dances, meanwhile, aren’t so much cocktails as delicious musical canapés.

Grieg Symphonic Dances

Mozart Piano Concerto No.27 in B flat, K595

Sibelius Symphony No.5 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Kathryn Stott piano

Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Kathryn Stott piano

“Some composers mix colourful cocktails” said Jean Sibelius. “I offer pure, cool water”. Certainly, you’ll never hear anything purer or more invigorating than his majestic Fifth Symphony: beginning with a northern sunrise, inspired by a flight of swans and ending with a tune so great and so simple that once you’ve heard it, you’ll never forget it. Pianist Kathryn Stott brings her special brand of poetry to Mozart’s noble final piano concerto. Grieg’s Symphonic Dances, meanwhile, aren’t so much cocktails as delicious musical canapés – a rarely-heard (and wonderfully catchy) treat for anyone who loves his music for Peer Gynt.

Saturday Series

Henry E Rensburg Series

Requiem Saturday 19 November 7.30pm

Schubert’s ‘The Great’ Thursday 24 November 7.30pm

Elgar Wand of Youth Suite No.2

Coleridge-Taylor The Song of Hiawatha: Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast

Fauré Requiem – David Hill conductor Alison Hill soprano Thomas Randle tenor George Humphreys baritone Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir

Still waters run deep. Gabriel Fauré was a quiet man, but the sheer beauty of his music can’t conceal a world of heartfelt emotion. There’s no anger or fury in his haunting Requiem, just some of the most transcendent choral music ever written, and its famous Pie Jesu will stay with you forever. Back on this side of the channel, Elgar’s touching set of childhood miniatures uncovers hidden feelings of a very British kind. And renowned choral conductor David Hill and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir rediscover one of the smash-hits of Edwardian England: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s fabulously entertaining Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast. Audiences of thousands used to turn up to hear this piece wearing full Native American head-dress – and we’re certainly not going to stop you! Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

David Hill conductor

Beethoven Leonore Overture No.3 Prokofiev Violin Concerto No.1

Schubert Symphony No.9 ‘The Great’ – Andrew Manze conductor James Ehnes violin –

Sponsored by

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This concert is linked to:

Discover the Classics Beethoven I Van the Man: 3 is a Magic Number! Saturday 19 November 11am-1pm Let Classic FM’s Creative Director and Presenter, Tim Lihoreau, take you on a relaxed, enjoyable learning journey on Saturday mornings. In this session, as well as looking at the Leonore Number 3, we’ll be digging into the Symphony No. 3 hearing the stories behind the ‘Eroica’. See page 36 for more information

Some listeners call it the “Great C major”. Musicians call it the “Great C monster”! But both are agreed: there’s nothing in all music to compare with Schubert’s mighty final symphony. Hear it as a summer journey through a sunlit world of melody, or as a twentysomething genius throwing down a challenge to Beethoven himself. Just make sure you hear it, because under historic-performance specialist Andrew Manze (making his Liverpool debut) you’ll never experience it played with more energy – or joy. First, though, Beethoven’s Leonore No.3 sets a tale of heroism and adventure to music of epic power, while Prokofiev’s gorgeous First Violin Concerto sets a virtuoso violinist loose in a fairy-tale dreamworld. The superb Canadian violinist James Ehnes is your guide. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Classic Intro 6pm Conductor Andrew Manze talks about the works in this evening’s concert.

Sunday Afternoon Classics

Eroica Sunday 27 November 2.30pm Beethoven Leonore Overture No.3 Prokofiev Violin Concerto No.1

Beethoven Symphony No.3 ‘Eroica’ – Andrew Manze conductor James Ehnes violin – This concert is linked to:

Discover the Classics Beethoven I Van the Man: 3 is a Magic Number! Saturday 19 November 11am-1pm Let Classic FM’s Creative Director and Presenter, Tim Lihoreau, take you on a relaxed, enjoyable learning journey on Saturday mornings. In the first session on Beethoven, as well as looking at the Leonore No.3 (and finding out what made it third time lucky for Ludwig), we’ll be digging into the Symphony No.3 hearing the stories behind the ‘Eroica’. See page 36 for more information James Ehnes violin Photography © Benjamin Ealorega

Two mighty chords shatter the silence, and Beethoven’s Third Symphony explodes into the world. Beethoven wrote his “Heroic” symphony as a tribute to a great revolutionary warrior – but when those ideals were betrayed, he slashed the score in a fit of rage. Conductor Andrew Manze has devoted his career to the music of the 18th century; so he’s just the man to bring this instalment of our Beethoven Edition biting and kicking into the 21st – and to capture the heart-stopping thrills of Leonore No.3, an overture so dramatic that it had to be dropped from its own opera! Prokofiev’s dreamy Violin Concerto No.1 provides some relief from all the action, with the superb James Ehnes as soloist. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 ‘Mendelssohn’s violin concerto brought the other treat of the night - soloist James Ehnes.The Canadian delivered a lustrous, lyrical performance, eking the sweetest of tones.’ Catherine Jones, Liverpool Echo, 2010

Classic FM Series

Henry E Rensburg Series

Pictures Wednesday 30 November & Thursday 1 December 7.30pm Borodin Polovtsian Dances Glazunov Violin Concerto

Kodály Dances from Gálanta

Mussorgsky/Ravel Pictures at an Exhibition – Michal Dworzynsky conductor Eugene Ugorski violin

Mahler 9 Thursday 8 December 7.30pm A hut on hen’s legs, dancing slave-girls, luminous skulls… sounds spectacular? It’s amazing what Mussorgsky achieves with a head full of stories, an ear for musical colour, and a few shots of vodka! In his first Liverpool appearance, the acclaimed Polish conductor Michal Dworzynsky unlocks a real Russian jewel-box of a concert. Whether it’s Borodin’s dangerously seductive dances, Mussorgsky’s fantastic gallery full of musical pictures, or Glazunov’s sumptuous forgotten gem of a violin concerto (with a passionate soloist), you’re guaranteed one thing: terrific tunes in fabulous colours. Kodály’s feisty set of Hungarian folkdances might come from further west, but they’ve got fire to spare. There’ll be no letting-up! Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Eugene Urgorski violin

Mahler Symphony No.9 – Vasily Petrenko conductor – Sponsored by

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Classic Intro 6pm Norman Lebrecht, one of the most widely-read commentators on music, culture and politics, regular presenter on BBC Radio 3 and author of Why Mahler?, speaks about the composer’s Ninth Symphony.

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‘Vasily Petrenko’s ranting, brutal interpretation of the Sixth – a high point of Liverpool Philharmonic’s anniversary cycle – was driven by a strong sense of the prophetic: political as well as aesthetic… I doubt whether anything so provocative has been done with the piece for ages…’ The Guardian Tim Ashley, March 2011

When Gustav Mahler began his Ninth Symphony, he knew that he was living on borrowed time. But that wasn’t going to hold him back, and he poured everything he had into some of the most poignant, powerful and heartbreakingly sincere music ever written. As we reach the end of our critically-acclaimed Mahler Edition, there’s no better way to bring this extraordinary journey to a close than with the ultimate romantic symphony – in every sense. Vasily Petrenko guides us through a glowing world of hymns, Viennese waltzes, halfremembered songs and distant trumpets, before the sun sets on Mahler’s very own last word: a long, final fade to silence. Unforgettable. Please note no interval. Tickets £16, £21, £28, £33, £40

Pops

Special

The Best Christmas Sing-along Ever! Saturday 10 & Saturday 17 December 7.30pm

Spirit of Christmas 7.30pm

Carl Davis CBE (Hon) conductor Mary Carewe soprano – Liverpool Philharmonic Training Choir and Melody Makers –

Friday 16 December Tuesday 20 December Wednesday 21 December Thursday 22 December Friday 23 December – John Suchet presenter Tine Thing Helseth trumpet Ian Tracey conductor – Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir Simon Emery Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir director –

When Carl Davis promises the best Christmas sing-along ever, he delivers! Join Carl, the Orchestra and star soprano Mary Carewe as they crack open their musical selection box for a Christmas party like no other. Whether it’s the serenity of Bach and Tchaikovsky or such all-time family favourites as Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer, White Christmas and Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Carl knows exactly how to get an audience into the Christmas spirit – and don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of chance to join in too!

‘Amazing performance of the Spirit of Christmas @liverpoolphil tonight, feel so christmassy now!’ @NikkiGirvan

Tickets £16, £21, £28, £33, £40

Liverpool Philharmonic’s traditional celebration of Christmas has been much loved by generations, and this year is just as you remember it, full of glorious music and favourite readings that capture the magic and mystery of the festive season. John Suchet, one of the UK’s best-known newscasters and journalists, Beethoven scholar, and now the voice of Classic FM’s morning show is our presenter this year. Making her Liverpool Philharmonic debut, playing the instrument that possibly above all others conjures up visions of snowy Christmas mornings and Yuletide cheer, is the 23-year-old Norwegian trumpeter, Tine Thing Helseth, whose album, My Heart is Ever Present, a collection of her favourite Christmas songs, went ‘gold’ in the Norwegian classical chart. The “full bodied and stirring” (Liverpool Echo) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir stars. Tickets £16, £21, £28, £33, £40

Tine Thing Helseth trumpet

Pops

The Wizard of Oz with Live Music Friday 30 December 2.30pm & 7pm

New Year’s Eve Saturday 31 December 7.30pm

John Wilson conductor –

John Wilson conductor Clare Teal vocalist –

We all remember the moment in The Wizard of Oz when black and white transforms into colour. And you’ll never forget hearing those glorious songs performed live, with the classic movie, by a full symphony orchestra. Forget that scratchy old soundtrack – for the first time, you’ll hear Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Follow the Yellow Brick Road and the whole of the score in full orchestral Technicolor. Whether you’re introducing your children or grandchildren to The Wizard of Oz for the first time or – like conductor John Wilson – you know every line and still can’t get enough of it, this is the ultimate seasonal family treat.

‘@liverpoolphil Fantastic John Wilson concert last night;the man deserves a knighthood. Why is there not more of this sort of music around?’ aaa@Ruffordman

See in the New Year with a swing, as bandleader extraordinaire John Wilson transforms the Orchestra into the ultimate big-band. It’ll be a night of pure showbiz glamour, all silky strings, blaring brass and swooning saxes as midnight draws closer; a glittering hit-parade of jazz standards by Gershwin, Porter and Irving Berlin in arrangements by Nelson Riddle and Billy May, as well as toe-tapping dance numbers and classic showtunes. No-one does it quite like John Wilson. He’s joined by Clare Teal, one of the UK’s most successful British jazz singers. Bring in 2012 in unforgettable style! Tickets £16, £21, £28, £33, 40

Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36, Children £7

The Wizard of Oz

Clare Teal vocalist

Special

Classic FM Series

Messiah Saturday 7 January 7pm (note start time)

Beethoven’s ‘Pastoral’ Wednesday 11 & Thursday 12 January 7.30pm

Handel Messiah – Paul Agnew conductor Klara Ek soprano Iestyn Davies countertenor Allan Clayton tenor Roderick Williams bass – Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir

Handel’s Messiah isn’t so much an oratorio as a national institution. Everyone knows the Hallelujah chorus, but if that’s all you know, you’re in for a wonderful revelation – because every note is just as inspired. Whatever your beliefs you’ll be stirred by some of the most uplifting music of all time, including Ev’ry Valley, I Know That My Redeemer Liveth and For Unto Us A Child is Born. It’s a New Year tradition in Liverpool, and this year, early music expert Paul Agnew and a top-notch team of singers take it to the next level, with a rare performance of Messiah the way it was done at the great Birmingham Festival of 1784 – bigger, brassier, and more glorious than ever. Tickets £16, £21, £28, £33, £40

Beethoven Overture, Prometheus Beethoven Piano Concerto No.4

Beethoven Symphony No.6 ‘Pastoral’ – Vasily Petrenko conductor Nikolai Lugansky piano – This concert is linked to:

Discover the Classics Beethoven II Au Naturel Saturday 7 January 11am-1pm Let Classic FM’s Creative Director and Presenter, Tim Lihoreau, take you on a relaxed, enjoyable learning journey on Saturday mornings. Session II on Beethoven sees the composer ‘au naturel’ – or at least, out in the countryside. See page 36 for more information

One great composer: three incredible worlds. From blazing joy to blinding rage, no composer captured human emotion with more passion - or poetry than Ludwig van Beethoven. Tonight's concert squeezes a lifetime of feeling into two extraordinary hours - from the brilliant sunshine of the ‘Prometheus’ overture to Beethoven’s Fourth piano concerto, which so transfixed the 26year-old Robert Schumann upon first hearing that he “sat in my place without moving a muscle or even breathing." The great Russian virtuoso Nikolai Lugansky brings all his mastery to bear – before Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestra set out on a cheerful ramble across the woods and fields of Beethoven’s lovely ‘Pastoral’ symphony. Hear it as the most serene of all Romantic symphonies, or simply relax by Beethoven’s brook and listen to the birdsong. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Henry E Rensburg Series

Sunday Afternoon Classics

Enchantment Thursday 19 January 7.30pm

Leningrad Sunday 22 January 2.30pm

Adams The Chairman Dances

Qigang Chen Enchantements oubliés (UK premiere)

Shostakovich Symphony No.7 ‘Leningrad’ – Vasily Petrenko conductor –

We are delighted to welcome to this concert delegates from the Association of British Orchestra’s annual conference, held in Liverpool this year.

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Sponsored by

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Classic Intro 6pm David Fanning, professor of music at the University of Manchester and expert on the music of Dmitri Shostakovich, and his wife, Michelle Assay speak about Shostakovich’s ‘Leningrad’ Symphony.

As Hitler’s armies surrounded the city of Leningrad, Dmitri Shostakovich sat down and composed his Seventh Symphony. Written for massed battalions of musicians, this is music from the front line – a spectacular hymn of defiance from an unbreakable city. It’s a long-awaited landmark in Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestra’s acclaimed Shostakovich symphony cycle, and it’ll leave you reeling. But first, witness history in the making, as Liverpool hears the UK premiere of Enchantements Oubliées by the extraordinary Chineseborn composer Qigang Chen. Chen was the composer behind the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, so prepare to be astonished – and to hear sounds like you’ve never heard before. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Adams The Chairman Dances Hindemith Nobilissima visione

Shostakovich Symphony No.7 ‘Leningrad’ – Vasily Petrenko conductor

As Hitler’s armies surrounded the city of Leningrad, Dmitri Shostakovich sat down and composed his Seventh Symphony. Written for massed battalions of musicians, this is music from the front line – a spectacular hymn of defiance from an unbreakable city. It’s a long-awaited landmark in Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestra’s acclaimed Shostakovich symphony cycle, and it’ll leave you reeling. First, though, two modern masters tweak the whiskers of tyranny: Hindemith’s feisty ballet-suite was banned by the Nazis, while John Adams “foxtrot for orchestra” turns communist propaganda into high camp. Political scandals weren’t meant to be this much fun! Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Saturday Series

Classic FM Series

Schubert’s Unfinished Saturday 28 January 7.30pm

Burleske Wednesday 1 & Thursday 2 February 7.30pm

Schubert Symphony No.8 ‘Unfinished’ Bruckner Symphony No.9 – Tomáš Netopil conductor

Why add to perfection? Neither Franz Schubert or Anton Bruckner managed to finish their greatest symphonies, but no true music-lover would have it any other way. Schubert’s Eighth symphony packs a whole lifetime of hope, suffering and joy into just two perfect movements. And the final instalment of Bruckner’s life-long quest for the eternal is all the more powerful for ending in a mighty cry of unanswered longing. From towering opening to heart-rending finish, Bruckner’s Ninth is one of music’s most compelling spiritual journeys; our series of great Ninth Symphonies wouldn’t be complete without it. The young Czech conductor Tomáš Netopil, returning to Liverpool for the second time, shows why he’s already attracted the admiration of Sir Simon Rattle. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Tomáš Netopil conductor

Beethoven Overture, Leonore 2

Richard Strauss Burleske for piano and orchestra Wagner Sigfried Idyll

Beethoven Symphony No.1 – Leo Hussain conductor Francesco Piemontesi piano – This concert is linked to:

Discover the Classics Beethoven III Composer, 29. Bad sense of humour, own teeth, WLTM… Saturday 28 January 11am-1pm Let Classic FM’s Creative Director and Presenter, Tim Lihoreau, take you on a relaxed, enjoyable learning journey on Saturday mornings. Our final session on Ludwig’s theme looks at the composer approaching a significant birthday (30) and breaking his symphonic duck with an absolute corker. See page 36 for more information

You’re not meant to begin your first symphony with the wrong chord. and a piano concerto shouldn’t begin with an outrageous drum solo. Wrong on every score, as Beethoven and Strauss simply cut loose and let fly in a concert without a dull note in it. It’s an uproarious Liverpool debut for two of the most brilliant rising stars on the current scene: the British conductor Leo Hussain, and 28-year-old Swiss pianist Francesco Piemontesi – whose playing was described by one critic as “a small musical miracle”. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Pops

Henry E Rensburg Series

The Film Music of John Williams: 80th Birthday Celebration Saturday 11 February 7.30pm

Petrenko’s Shostakovich Thursday 16 February 7.30pm

Carl Davis CBE (Hon) conductor –

Classic Intro 6pm Dr. Giles Hooper, Head of the School of Music at University of Liverpool, talks about the film music of John Williams.

No-one writes a big film theme like John Williams: that’s why he’s the world’s most popular living classical composer. And if you think his music is thrilling on the big screen, just wait until you hear it played live! Join film-music maestro Carl Davis and the Orchestra for a blockbuster 80th birthday tribute to John Williams and the legendary movie composers who inspired him. It’s just hit after hit after hit, including Star Wars, Schindler’s List, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Superman, E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jaws, Citizen Kane, Star Trek, The Magnificent Seven – and a multiplex-load more!

Shostakovich Three Poems for chorus

Tickets £16, £21, £28, £33, £40

‘Listened to Shostakovich 10 by @liverpoolphil & Petrenko for 1st time driving down M6. Nearly crashed in excitement.’ @drbhind Liz Hind

Shostakovich Symphony No.9

Wagner Symphonic Excerpts from Parsifal – Vasily Petrenko conductor Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir – Sponsored by

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“In this realm, time becomes space…” From CS Lewis to Terry Gilliam, Wagner’s Parsifal has been an inspiration to the very greatest creative artists. But if you don’t have the time (or inclination) for four hours of German opera, this extraordinary ‘Parsifal Symphony’ weaves all the visionary beauty of Wagner’s final masterpiece into one sumptuous orchestral tapestry. First, though, comes the perfect antidote to seriousness. The Soviet authorities thought that Shostakovich’s Ninth was too entertaining to be a ‘proper’ Ninth Symphony – though if you’ve been following our critically acclaimed series of Shostakovich recordings, you’ll know that Petrenko and the Orchestra should uncover some powerful hidden depths. Meanwhile, three rarely-heard Shostakovich miniatures offer a striking showcase for our famous Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir. Tickets £16, £21, £28, £33, £40

Sunday Afternoon Classics

Petrenko’s Parsifal Sunday 19 February 2.30pm Weber Overture, Oberon Beethoven Symphony No.4

Wagner Symphonic Excerpts from Parsifal – Vasily Petrenko conductor

“In this realm, time becomes space…” From CS Lewis to Terry Gilliam, Wagner’s Parsifal has been an inspiration to the very greatest creative artists. But if you don’t have the time (or inclination) for four hours of German opera, this extraordinary ‘Parsifal Symphony’ weaves all the visionary beauty of Wagner’s final masterpiece into one sumptuous orchestral tapestry. Vasily Petrenko loves it, and you will too. Certainly, it’s all a world away from the swashbuckling brilliance of Beethoven’s exuberant Fourth Symphony, the latest instalment in our Beethoven series, and arguably the most entertaining! Weber’s fairy-tale overture brings these two worlds together, in a concert that begins with a magic horn-call and ends with the discovery of the Holy Grail itself. Hearing is believing... Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Han-Na Chang conductor Photography © Sheila Rock and EMI

Henry E Rensburg Series

Classic FM Series

Northern Lights Thursday 1 March 7.30pm

Tchaikovsky’s Romantic Violin Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 February 7.30pm Glinka Overture, Ruslan and Ludmilla Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto

Beethoven Symphony No.7 – Han-Na Chang conductor Valeriy Sokolov violin

Who said genius had to be misunderstood? When Beethoven’s Seventh was played for the first time, the audience immediately demanded an encore! From that night in Vienna, to its recent appearance in the film The King’s Speech, Beethoven’s exuberant, perennially fresh Seventh has never stopped bringing audiences cheering to their feet. It should make a thrilling Liverpool debut for the young Korean cellist-turned-conductor Han-Na Chang, and with Glinka’s flamboyant Ruslan and Ludmilla topping the bill, and the 26-year-old Russian virtuoso Valeriy Sokolov tackling Tchaikovsky’s effervescent Violin Concerto, this should be one roof-raising celebration of youthful energy – and talent! Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Nielsen Helios Overture

Sandström Echoes of Eternity for trombone and orchestra (UK premiere)

Sibelius Symphony No.2 – Christian Lindberg conductor Simon Cowen trombone –

Sponsored by

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This concert is linked to:

Discover the Classics Scandinavia ‘Above the clouds, the sky is always blue’ Saturday 25 February 11am-1pm Let Classic FM’s Creative Director and Presenter, Tim Lihoreau, take you on a relaxed, enjoyable learning journey on Saturday mornings. Taking its title from an old Scandinavian saying, we spend a session looking at the trio of Nielsen, Grieg and Sibelius.

Christian Lindberg isn’t just the world’s greatest living trombonist – he’s one of the greatest musicians on earth, full stop. “You could put a kazoo in his hands and he’d sell the concert hall out” exclaimed one critic. So we’re thrilled to welcome him to Liverpool as a conductor, in a stirring all-Scandinavian programme. Carl Nielsen’s Helios Overture is a bracing salute to the rising sun; while Sibelius’ Second Symphony begins in the peace of the Finnish forests, and ends in a hymn of triumph. But there’s a sensational bonus, as Lindberg takes up his trombone to join the Orchestra’s very own Principal Trombone, Simon Cowen, in the UK premiere of the spectacular Echoes of Eternity, by his fellow Swede Jan Sandström. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

See page 36 for more information

Sunday Afternoon Classics

Grieg’s Piano Concerto Sunday 4 March 2.30pm Nielsen Helios Overture Grieg Piano Concerto

Sibelius Symphony No.2 – Christian Lindberg conductor Alessandro Taverna piano – This concert is linked to:

Christian Lindberg conductor

Think of Scandinavia and you think of fresh air, glowing skies, and natural beauty on a truly majestic scale. And that goes for Scandinavian music too. Carl Nielsen’s Helios Overture is a bracing hymn to the rising sun; while Sibelius’ Second Symphony begins in the peace of the Finnish forests, and ends in a mighty flood of patriotic emotion. Stirring stuff – especially with one of Sweden’s greatest living musicians. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Henry E Rensberg Series

Sunday Afternoon Classics

Beethoven’s Eighth Thursday 15 March 7.30pm

Bruch’s Violin Concerto Sunday 18 March 2.30pm

Beethoven Coriolan Overture

Shostakovich Violin Concerto No.1 Shostakovich Ballet Suite No.2, ed. Lev Atovmyan

Beethoven Symphony No.8 – Alexander Shelley conductor Simone Lamsma violin – Sponsored by

Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony might not be his longest, but it packs a terrific punch. It’s a dangerously funny musical firecracker, and it’s the explosive climax of this latest instalment in our Essential Beethoven, which pairs the tense drama of Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture with one of twentieth-century music’s great political thrillers: Shostakovich’s searing First Violin Concerto. Dutch violinist Simone Lamsma and British conductor Alexander Shelley are both rising stars of the concert scene, and they bring total commitment to everything they perform. Expect passion, expect power – and after the interval, expect something completely different, in Shostakovich’s delightfully daft Second Ballet Suite. Serious fun.

Beethoven Coriolan Overture

Bruch Violin Concerto No.1 Shostakovich Ballet Suite No.2 ed. Lev Atovmyan

Beethoven Symphony No.8, – Alexander Shelley conductor Simone Lamsma violin

Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Alexander Shelley conductor

Good things come in small packages! Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony might not be his longest, but it packs a terrific punch. It’s a real musical firecracker, and it’s the hilarious climax of this latest, tune-packed instalment in our Beethoven series. Conductor Alexander Shelley knows how to make things fizz, so there’ll be rapid-fire wit in Beethoven’s dramatic Coriolan Overture, and knockabout farce in Shostakovich’s delightfully daft Second Ballet Suite – a musical raspberry in the face of anyone who still thinks that Shostakovich didn’t know how to have fun! As for Bruch’s First Violin Concerto, there’s a reason why it’s the world’s best-loved violin concerto. But you’ll never hear anyone play it with more panache – or romance – than Simone Lamsma. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Simone Lamsma violin

Classic FM Series

Saturday Series

Dream Team Wednesday 21 & Thursday 22 March 7.30pm

European Opera Centre: The School for Fathers Saturday 31 March 7.30pm

Debussy Rondes de Printemps Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No.2

Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique – Vasily Petrenko conductor Simon Trpčeski piano

There’s something about French composers! When Hector Berlioz wanted to impress a girl, he couldn’t just write her a simple love song. His Fantastic Symphony is just that, a headlong, opium-fuelled fantasy of obsessive love, violent betrayal, satanic rites and death on the guillotine. It’ll knock you sideways. By comparison, Camille Saint-Saëns led a blameless life, but that didn’t stop one critic saying that his Second Piano Concerto “begins in church and ends in a bordello!” Whatever; it’s almost indecently entertaining, and when the worldbeating dream-team of Vasily Petrenko, the Orchestra and Simon Trpčeski come together again, there’ll be no shortage of je ne sais quoi. Debussy’s sensuous Rondes de Printemps gets the sap rising. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Simon Trpc˘eski piano & Vasily Petrenko conductor Photography © Mark McNulty

Wolf-Ferrari I Quattro Rusteghi (The School for Fathers) – Vasily Petrenko conductor Bernard Rozet director Soloists from the European Opera Centre –

Classic Intro 6pm Kenneth Baird, director of the European Opera Centre, speaks with the director of tonight’s performance about the background and preparation of the opera.

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The European Opera Centre is supported by the European Commission and The Royal Bank of Scotland.

Four stupid old men, a boy disguised as a girl, and a shed-load of great tunes. Wolf-Ferrari’s I Quattro Rusteghi might just be the most brilliant comic opera you’ve never heard! Take a generous dose of Italian farce, throw in a spoonful of Gilbert & Sullivan, add a splash of Puccini: you’ll soon realise why Gustav Mahler was one of Wolf-Ferrari’s greatest fans. For this semi-staged performance, Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestra are joined by sparky young soloists from the European Opera Centre – and if you saw their uproarious performance of Wolf-Ferrari’s Susanna’s Secret and Mendelssohn’s The Wedding of Camacho in recent seasons, you’ll be ready for an evening of unbeatable operatic fun. Sung in Italian with English surtitles Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Pops

Special

This Sporting Life Music inspired by sport Saturday 14 April 7.30pm

St Matthew Passion Wednesday 4 April 7pm (note start time) Bach St Matthew Passion – Vasily Petrenko conductor Andrew Staples Evangelist Iain Paterson Christus Malin Christensson soprano Helena Rasker alto Ben Johnson tenor Konstantin Wolff bass – Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Choristers of Liverpool Cathedral – Thanks to the Kenneth Stern Trust and performed in Ken’s memory

Filled with emotion, a survivor of great and terrible events tells his tale. As he sings of his friend’s betrayal and killing, the ancient tragedy comes startlingly alive. Other voices tell their stories, a great chorus becomes an angry crowd, and even the listeners become part of the unfolding drama. This is Bach’s St Matthew Passion, and it’s simply overwhelming. Whatever your own beliefs, trust us: you’ve never heard sacred music like this. It’s more like a Shakespeare tragedy than anything you’ll find in a hymn book. Join us, and open your heart to one of western music’s most powerful – and transforming - experiences.

Carl Davis CBE (Hon) conductor Jesus Leon tenor

As the UK takes the Olympic starting block, the Orchestra prepares to go for gold! Our premiership team of musicians, captained by the inimitable Carl Davis, tackles some of the all-time champion sporting themes. From fan favourites like Nessun Dorma, Jerusalem and We Are the Champions to TV and movie classics, including Chariots of Fire, Rocky and The Impossible Dream, it’s a line-up to have you cheering from the terraces! Get behind Davis and the Orchestra as they play for England in the stunning art deco Liverpool Philharmonic Hall our very own field of dreams. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Tickets £16, £21, £28, £33, £40

Carl Davis CBE (Hon) conductor

Saturday Series

Pops

John Wilson’s Yeomen of the Guard Saturday 21 April 7.30pm Gilbert & Sullivan The Yeomen of the Guard – Cast includes

Simon Butteriss Jack Point Sarah Fox Elsie Maynard Jill Pert Dame Carruthers Richard Angas Wilfred Shadbolt Andrew Kennedy Fairfax Heather Shipp Phoebe Meryll – John Wilson conductor Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir – This concert is linked to:

Discover the Classics William and Arthur No More Mr Nice Guy! Saturday 21 April 11am – 1 pm Let Classic FM’s Creative Director and Presenter, Tim Lihoreau, take you on a relaxed, enjoyable learning journey on Saturday mornings. A look at the topsy-turvy world of William (Gilbert) and Arthur (Sullivan) with a particular delve into their only opera with a serious ending – shock, horror! See page 36 for more information

Great British Film Music Saturday 28 April 7.30pm “I have a song to sing, O…” Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Yeomen of the Guard is one of the best-loved of British comedies, packed with mock-Tudor wordplay, topsy-turvy plot-twists, and infectiously hummable tunes. Yet with its story of love and loss under the shadow of the executioner’s block, it’s actually the pair’s darkest show, with a bittersweet sting in the tail. It might just be the greatest British opera of the 19th century – and with John Wilson on the podium, we think you’ll be bowled over. Whether you’re a lifelong Savoyard or a G&S virgin, this semi-staged performance (in full costume) should be a magnificent salute to a true British masterpiece. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Walton Battle in the Air: Battle of Britain Lambert Anna Karenina

Benjamin Waltz and Gallop: An Ideal Husband Vaughan Williams Prelude: The 49th Parallel

Walton Two movements from Henry V: II Passacaglia: The Death of Falstaff, III ‘Touch her soft lips and part’ Addinsel Warsaw Concerto: Dangerous Moonlight

Ireland March: the Overlanders Arnold Suite: Hobson’s Choice

Hess Theme: Ladies in Lavender Rogers Theme: Carry on Up the Khyber R.R. Bennett Love Theme: Yanks, Suite: Murder on the Orient Express

Williams Harry’s Wondrous World

Coates March: The Dam Busters – John Wilson conductor Ian Buckle piano –

Film music doesn’t have to mean Hollywood – in fact, from the wartime thrills of The Dam Busters and Dangerous Moonlight to the risqué high-jinks of the Carry Ons, some of the most memorable film scores are as British as bangers ‘n’ mash. John Wilson and the Orchestra take a nostalgic journey to a world where Shakespearean kings jostle with clogwearing Lancastrians, where ladies in lavender take tea on board the Orient Express, and where Spitfires soar over Hogwarts Castle. These great British tunes are the soundtrack to all our yesterdays. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Special

The Cunning Little Vixen Sunday 29 April 4pm Mussorgsky Night on a Bare Mountain Dukas The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Janáček The Cunning Little Vixen Animated film with live orchestra – Laurent Pillot conductor –

The animated version of The Cunning Little Vixen was commissioned by BBC Television and co-produced with Opus Arte and Los Angeles Opera with the co-operation of the European Opera Centre

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‘...The film is absolutely enchanting, and it does add to its appeal to have it on a big screen and with a live orchestra.’ Manchester Evening News ‘Kids should see it’ Los Angeles Times

When the gamekeeper brings home a rescued fox cub, he unleashes a force of nature! Sharp-Ears the Vixen is the ultimate free spirit, and Janáček’s vibrant tale of life and love in the Bohemian forests is simply one of the liveliest, quirkiest and most entertaining operas ever written – a joyous fairy-tale for children from 8 to 80. This shortened, animated version captures all its magic, and with the full Orchestra playing Janáček’s enchanting score in synch with the film, it’ll never sound more gloriously alive. And just to get you into the mood for fairy stories, conductor Laurent Pillot gives us two more – which you might just recognise from Disney’s Fantasia.

A great concert for older (7+) children and their families! Please note gunshot in film Tickets £16, £18, £22 £7 children

Cunning Little Vixen

Classic FM Series

Saturday Series

Beethoven’s Fifth Wednesday 2 May & Thursday 3 May 7.30pm

New World Saturday 12 May 7.30pm

Brahms Piano Concerto No.1

Beethoven Symphony No.5 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Andreas Haefliger piano

“Thus Fate hammers on the door!” declared Beethoven. And with just four explosive notes, he changed the course of musical history. Our Beethoven series wouldn’t be complete without Beethoven’s Fifth – and if all you know of it is that incredible beginning, Vasily Petrenko is set to reveal its full glory. Brahms’ First Piano Concerto isn’t quite what you expect either, especially if you think of Brahms as a bearded old gent who wrote lullabies! This is the passionate cry of a young artist crushed by a hopeless love; huge in scale, stupendously difficult, and driven by an almost volcanic passion. With the great Andreas Haefliger at the keyboard, you’ll be gripped.

Smetana Wallenstein’s Camp

Mozart Piano Concerto No.24 in C minor, K491 Dvořák Symphony No.9 ‘New World’ – Jakub Hrůša conductor Yevgeny Sudbin piano

Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Andreas Haefliger piano

With its glorious tunes, grand emotions and sweeping drama, Dvořák’s Ninth Symphony has long been a Liverpool favourite. But there’s always something magical about hearing it performed by a Czech conductor. Jakub Hrůša might barely be into his 30s, but he’s got this music in his blood, and for his Liverpool debut he’s also bringing us a real Czech rarity; a stirring patriotic masterpiece by Dvořák’s great hero Smetana. Add the astonishing 31-year-old Russian virtuoso Yevgeny Sudbin, making his Liverpool debut in Mozart’s darkest piano concerto, and this concert looks set to be a real highlight of the season.

Jakub Hru˚ša conductor

Henry E Rensburg Series

Fountains of Rome Thursday 17 May 7.30pm Brahms Academic Festival Overture Glazunov Symphony No.9

Respighi The Fountains of Rome Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.3 – Ilyich Rivas conductor Stephen Hough piano –

Sponsored by

We’ve often welcomed youthful soloists to Liverpool – but a teenage conductor is a phenomenon indeed! That’s exactly how critics around the world are describing Ilyich Rivas, the latest star to emerge from Venezuela’s inspirational music education system. See what all the fuss is about, as he takes the Orchestra through three showstoppers: Brahms’ salute to student drinking songs, Respighi’s technicolor postcard from the Eternal City, and the rarely-heard, unfinished Ninth Symphony by Rachmaninov’s friend Alexander Glazunov. And then sit back and enjoy the fireworks as he is joined by Wirral-born keyboard megastar Stephen Hough – in the ultimate romantic piano concerto. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Stephen Hough piano

Sunday Afternoon Classics

Classic FM Series

Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3 Sunday 20 May 2.30pm

Boléro Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 May 7.30pm

Brahms Academic Festival Overture Dvořák Symphonic Variations Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.3 – Ilyich Rivas conductor Stephen Hough piano

It’s been called the Everest of piano concertos, and fans of the film Shine will know that it’s broken many a lesser pianist. But Rachmaninov’s Third Piano Concerto is also Imperial Russia’s last great showpiece, glowing with emotion and surging with Rachmaninov’s incomparable romantic tunes. And if any pianist alive can scale its peaks, it’s the incredible Stephen Hough – who’s been hailed as the world’s most brilliant keyboard virtuoso. Today, though, he meets another phenomenon – the astonishing teenage conductor Ilyich Rivas, the latest star to emerge from Venezuela’s inspirational music education system. Dvořák’s lovely, neglected Symphonic Variations and Brahms’ riotous Academic Festival Overture should let him stretch his wings. Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Ilyich Rivas conductor

Ravel Daphnis and Chloe, Suite II Poulenc Concerto for Two Pianos Bizet Symphony in C

Ravel Boléro – Kazushi Ono conductor Katia and Marielle Labèque pianos – This concert is linked to:

Discover the Classics Bolero A Certain ‘Je Ne Sais Quoi’ Saturday 19 May 11am -1pm Let Classic FM’s Creative Director and Presenter, Tim Lihoreau, take you on a relaxed, enjoyable learning journey on Saturday mornings. In the final session, we dig into the Bolero and look at how it nearly never was, how the snare drummers need to work out, and how it managed to beat Bizet’s Symphony in C to a premiere. See page 36 for more information

“So much glamour and charm surrounds the Labèque sisters, it’s hard not to drown in misty-eyed admiration.” Critics tend to lose their heads over Katia and Marielle Labèque. When these extraordinary French sisters take the stage, you’re guaranteed dazzling piano playing, sparkling wit and an unmistakably Gallic joie de vivre. Add Poulenc’s fizzy Concerto for Two Pianos, and you can double the fun! And that’s just the mouth-watering entrée in tonight’s French feast; also on the menu is a sunny little symphony by the teenage Bizet and the ravishing Second Suite from Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé. Guest conductor Kazushi Ono knows exactly how to make these scores – and your spines – tingle. Anything for afters? Well, only the smouldering passion of Ravel’s Boléro! Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Special thanks to the Grodner Family

Saturday Series

Beethoven’s Ninth Saturday 9 June 7.30pm Britten National Anthem Maxwell Davies Symphony No.9 (World premiere)

Beethoven Symphony No.9 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Katarzyna Dondalska soprano Sarah Richmond alto Paul Charles Clarke tenor Gidon Saks bass – Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir – Classic Intro 6pm Composer Sir Peter Maxwell Davies discusses his new Ninth Symphony.

When Ludwig van Beethoven composed his Ninth symphony, he threw down an enduring musical challenge. With its epic emotions, and tremendous final ‘Ode to Joy’, it’s the Ninth Symphony by which all others are measured – and one of those pieces that everyone needs to hear before they die. So join Vasily Petrenko, the full Orchestra and Choir, and a world-class team of soloists, and witness a landmark in the history of British music, as Master of the Queen’s Music Sir Peter Maxwell Davies reaches his own Ninth Symphony. Dedicated to the Queen as a Diamond Jubilee tribute, and commissioned by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, he’s told us that the symphony will be inspired by the events of her long reign. Tickets £16, £21, £28, £33, £40

Katia and Marielle Labèque pianos

Behind the Music at Liverpool Philharmonic Discover the Classics Let Classic FM’s Creative Director and Presenter, Tim Lihoreau, take you on a relaxed, enjoyable learning journey on Saturday mornings. You’ll discover the musical, social and historical stories behind some of the superb music and composers from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2011/12 season. The seven sessions will feature commentary by Tim animated with short musical extracts performed by a musician from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, plus opportunities for questions, discussion and fun, lively debate. A great way to spend your Saturday mornings! Sessions take place on Saturdays from 11am – 1pm in the Rodewald Suite at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Tea and coffee provided. 36

Hollywood! Saturday 15 October

Ahead of A Night at the Oscars, we’ll look at the A-list composers who wrote for the movies – AND… the ones who didn’t: the composers who had their music smuggled into some of our favourite screen moments!

Linked to 22 October programme page 12

Beethoven I Van the Man: 3 is a Magic Number! Saturday 19 November

In the first session on Beethoven, as well as looking at the Leonore Number 3 (and finding out what made it third time lucky for Ludwig), we’ll be digging into the Symphony No.3 hearing the stories behind the ‘Eroica’. Linked to 24/27 November programme page 15/16

Beethoven II ‘Au Naturel’ Saturday 7 January

Session two on Ludwig van Beethoven sees the composer ‘au naturel’ – or at least, out in the countryside. Symphony No.6 – The Pastoral – is under the spotlight, and we discover the yin to its yang. Linked to 11/12 January programme page 20

Beethoven III Composer, 29. Bad sense of humour, own teeth, WLTM... Saturday 28 January

Our final session on Ludwig’s theme looks at the composer approaching a significant birthday (30) and breaking his symphonic duck with an absolute corker. And we discover – who was the Orange Baron and how important was he to our hero. Linked to 1/2 February programme page 22

Scandinavia ‘Above the clouds, the sky is always blue’ Saturday 25 February

Taking its title from an old Scandinavian saying, we spend a session looking at the trio of Nielsen, Grieg and Sibelius, including the stories behind Grieg’s wonderful Piano Concerto. There’s Norway you can afjord to miss it!

William and Arthur No More Mr Nice Guy! Saturday 21 April

A look at the topsy-turvy world of William (Gilbert) and Arthur (Sullivan) with a particular delve into their only opera with a serious ending – shock, horror! As well as a quick dip into Gilbert & Sullivan on film, we’ll see how Sullivan surpassed himself with his stout Yeomen. Linked to 21 April programme page 30

Boléro A Certain ‘Je Ne Sais Quoi’ Saturday 19 May

In the final session, we dig into the Boléro and look at how it nearly never was, how the snare drummers need to work out, and how it managed to beat Bizet’s Symphony in C to a premiere. Linked to 23/24 May programme page 34

Linked to 1/4 March programme page 25/26

Tickets £15 per session £90 per series (7 sessions) Concessions (Claimants / Students) £10 per session £60 per series (7 sessions)

Lunchtime Learning

Autumn Series

Winter Series

Spring Series

Whether you are new to classical music or a regular concert goer, join composer and lecturer Ian Stephens for a daytime series of inspiring music and relaxed learning.

Schubert Octet Lunchtime concert Thursday 6 October 12pm

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Leningrad Rehearsal visit Tuesday 17 January 1pm

Serenade Rehearsal visit Wednesday 12 October 1pm

All Around the Bass Lunchtime concert Marcel Becker and Genna Spinks Thursday 3 May 12pm

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Each series includes three events: a mixture of Lunchtime Concerts performed by musicians of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and opportunities to experience full orchestra rehearsals at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Each event also includes a 45 minute interactive workshop in the Rodewald Suite exploring the music to be featured in the concert/rehearsal. Workshops include discussion, music activities and opportunities to socialise. Tea and coffee provided. Please note that Orchestra rehearsals may not cover all listed repertoire

Music of Holst, Walton and Elgar John Wilson conductor Jonathan Aasgaard cello

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Nordic Landscapes Rehearsal visit Monday 7 November 1pm

Music of Grieg, Carpenter and Sibelius Vasily Petrenko conductor Alan Pendlebury bassoon

Music of Shostakovich Vasily Petrenko conductor Ballet for Brass Lunchtime Concert Thursday 2 February 12pm

Ballet music by Tchaikovsky, Delibes and Prokofiev, arranged for and played by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s brass principals.

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Dream Team Rehearsal visit Tuesday 20 March 1pm

Music of Debussy, Saint-Saëns and Berlioz Vasily Petrenko conductor Simon Trpčeski piano

Virtuoso chamber music for double bass

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Fountains of Rome Rehearsal visit Wednesday 16 May 1pm

Music of Glazunov and Respighi Ilyich Rivas conductor

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Cerberus Trio Lunchtime concert Thursday 24 May 12pm

Music of Beethoven and Brahms

Tickets Each series is £45 per person Concessions £30 per person (Claimants / Students) and community groups (minimum of 5 people) 37

The Liverpool Philharmonic Experience

SuperSing! SuperOrchestra!

The perfect introduction to Liverpool Philharmonic, we offer guided tours of the unique art deco Liverpool Philharmonic Hall as well as the chance to watch a rehearsal by the awardwinning Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Refreshments are provided. The experience lasts approximately 3 hours.

Your chance to perform on stage at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall! These exciting events promise to be challenging and great fun, providing opportunities to work with top class conductors and perform alongside professional musicians.

Tour dates are published on liverpoolphil.com from the following dates:

Booking open 1 August 2011 September – December 2011 Booking opens 1 December 2011 January – March 2012 Booking opens 1 March 2012 April – July 2012

Tickets Available at a reduced rate of £7 per person for groups or individuals living within the Liverpool City Council district. Tickets for groups and individuals based outside of Liverpool are £15 per person (discounts for groups of 30 or more). Tours are available on selected dates only and must be pre-booked in advance. Special rates for tours and music making workshops are available for educational groups. Tours can be booked by calling 0151 709 3789 or online at liverpoolphil.com

SuperOrchestra!

Orchestral musicians of Grade 4 standard and above are invited to take part in this unique event where you’ll rehearse and perform well-known orchestral works alongside musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Saturday 16 June Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Morning Sectional rehearsals Afternoon Full rehearsal Early evening Concert

Booking Information Participant places and audience tickets can be booked through Box Office on 0151 709 3789 or online at www.liverpoolphil.com/superorchestra. Audience tickets for the concert are £3. Participant fee £27 Concessions £13.50 (Claimants only)

SuperSing!

Previous singing experience is not required but energy and enthusiasm are essential! Rehearsals will take place over a period of six sessions, so you’ll have plenty of time to get to know the music and really impress your friends and family. For the final concert you’ll be joined by an accompanying ensemble of professional musicians.

Two SuperSings! are available in 2012. Each will focus on a different genre of music which will be announced when booking opens in September. Participant places and audience tickets can be booked through Box Office on 0151 709 3789 or online at www.liverpoolphil.com/superorchestra. Audience tickets for the concert are £3. Participant fee £50 Concessions £25 (Claimants only)

SuperSing! 1 Rehearsals Thursdays 10, 17, 24, 31 May Thursday 7 June Liverpool Philharmonic at the Friary Evening soundcheck Thursday 14 June Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Early Evening Concert Saturday 16 June Liverpool Philharmonic Hall SuperSing! 2 Rehearsals Tuesdays 15, 22, 29 May Tuesdays 5, 12 June Liverpool Philharmonic at the Friary Evening soundcheck Thursday 14 June Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Early Evening Concert Saturday 16 June Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Please note repertoire and genres will be announced when booking opens 1 September 2011. 39

Classic Intros Our pre-concert talks and interviews with visiting artists and scholars are a great way to get more from the performance.

The talks, with the exception of 7 September, are free.

In Conversation with Vasily Petrenko Wednesday 7 September 6pm page 07

Beginning his fifth season as Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vasily Petrenko talks with Darren Henley, Managing Director of Classic FM about the forthcoming season, his musical passions and the joys and challenges of being a conductor. Tickets £5 (free for members and subscribers – tickets required) – The Romantic Loner: An Introduction to William Walton's concertos Humphrey Burton, CBE Thursday 13 October 6pm page 11

Emmy-award winning classical music presenter, broadcaster, director and author of William Walton: The Romantic Loner, Humphrey Burton discusses William Walton’s concertos in this one-hour talk.

Thursday 10 November 6pm page 14

Saturday 11 February 6pm page 23

Conductor Andrew Manze talks about the works in this evening’s concert. – Thursday 8 December 6pm page 17

Kenneth Baird, director of the European Opera Centre, speaks with the director of tonight’s performance about the background and preparation of the opera, The School for Fathers. – Saturday 9 June 6pm page 35

Composer Gary Carpenter talks about his Bassoon Concerto, which receives its first performance tonight. – Thursday 24 November 6pm page 15

Norman Lebrecht, one of the most widely-read commentators on music, culture and politics, regular presenter on BBC Radio 3 and author of Why Mahler?, discusses the composer’s Ninth Symphony. – Thursday 19 January 6pm page 21

David Fanning, professor of music at the University of Manchester and expert on the music of Dmitri Shostakovich, and his wife, Michelle Assay, discuss Shostakovich’s ‘Leningrad’ Symphony.

Dr. Giles Hooper, Head of the School of Music at University of Liverpool, talks about the film music of John Williams. – Saturday 31 March 6pm page 28

Composer Sir Peter Maxwell Davies discusses his new Ninth Symphony.

Ensemble 10/10

Carpenter at 60 Wednesday 16 November 7.30pm The Cornerstone, Liverpool Hope University

Gary Carpenter One Million Tiny Operas About Britain

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s contemporary music group

Gary Carpenter Azalias

Detlev Glanert Contemplated by a Portrait of a Divine Hans Abrahamsen Two songs without words: Herbstlied, Liebeslied Larry Goves I wear you on my sleeve

New works by Stephen Pratt and Graham Warner

Ensemble of the Year 2009 Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards (Shared with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra)

Concert Series of the Year 2009 Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards

– Clark Rundell conductor Emma Morwood soprano Louise Ashcroft mezzo-soprano (World premieres)

This is a programme that celebrates all that is good about Ensemble 10/10, pitching the wide ranging talent of local composers against the established names of Europe. Danish maverick Hans Abrahamsen’s music often takes on epic qualities despite its brevity, whilst German Detlev Glanert creates pieces of exquisite scope and sumptuous colour. At home Stephen Pratt and Larry Goves will supply pieces of vividly contrasting textures and effortless forms. But the floor belongs to Gary Carpenter’s original voice as the group perform two pieces as a birthday present; a repeat of his outstanding music theatre piece of 2010 (based on the cult miniature scenes about British life devised by Guardian columnist Craig Taylor) and his earlier Azalias. The concert opens the 2011 Cornerstone Festival. Tickets £10

Sonic Tapestries Wednesday 25 January 7.30pm

Music Theatre Night Wednesday 7 March 7.30pm

The Cornerstone, Liverpool Hope University

Osvaldo Golijov Ayre

Ian Gardiner Spinning and Weaving

(Commissioned by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic)

Enrico Chapela Irrational

Andrew Norman Try

(Jointly commissioned by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Philharmonic)

Conlon Nancarrow arr. Gardiner Study #6

New work by Alessio Ferrante – Clark Rundell conductor Loré Lixenberg mezzo-soprano Katherine Lacy bass clarinet

Contemporary Urban Centre

Born in Argentina, grounded in his Eastern European Jewish roots, but totally at home on the streets of Manhattan, Osvaldo Golijov effortlessly crosses cultural boundaries with his vibrant, warm-blooded music. His 2004 songcycle Ayre is already a modern classic, joyously veering (as one critic put it) “from danceable laptop-powered grooves to radiant slow songs full of yearning”. The sensational mezzo Loré Lixenberg – star of Jerry Springer: The Opera – will turn it into a riotous onewoman drama. Fellow South American Enrico Chapela crosses different musical boundaries with his brilliant Irrational, and regular 10/10 collaborator Ian Gardiner has his successful Spinning and Weaving unfurled in its newly extended tapestry. Alessio Ferrante’s piece is the first piece to be performed this season out of the new European composer mentoring scheme made in collaboration with the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and the groups Nieuw Ensemble (Holland) and Icarus (Italy). Tickets £10

Adam Gorb new one-act opera (World premiere)

Ailís Ní Ríain In Sleep...

New works by Richard Whalley (World premiere) and Yu Oda – Clark Rundell conductor Soloists from the Royal Northern College of Music

Adam Gorb is one of the most imaginative and accessible British composers of his generation and his inspiration is global with his own personal recipe for sonic discovery. The world premiere of his new one-act opera, written for 10/10 to a libretto by Ben Kaye, will deal with urban life with Eastern Eurpean resonances. Music theatre dominates this programme as Ailís Ní Ríain’s luminous 2010 10/10 commission is repeated adding her own sound worlds to the dramatic anticipation of the evening. Manchesterbased Richard Whalley describes composing as a bit like juggling whilst riding a unicycle, but he will let the music take the stage here. Yu Oda is the second composer to gain a performance from our European composer mentoring scheme. Tickets £10

Pathfinders Wednesday 18 April 7.30pm

Race against Time Wednesday 13 June 7.30pm

The Cornerstone, Liverpool Hope University

Luigi Dallapiccola Piccola Musica Notturna Martijn Padding Slow March to Moscow David Horne Restless Feeling

Louis Andriessen Zilver

works by Giovanni Sollima and Gaetano Nenna – Clark Rundell conductor

Contemporary Urban Centre

Composers from Holland and Italy have taken some startlingly different routes through the contemporary music scene. Master craftsmen from different generations and differing languages are showcased in this concert. Luigi Dallapiccola’s night is a darkly troubled dream, whilst the legendary Louis Andriessen is both starkly powerful and surprisingly gentle in Zilver. Giovanni Sollima usually soothes and challenges in equal measure and Martijn Padding often takes a more intricate but equally direct approach. In the midst of these contrasts, former Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Composer in Residence David Horne does something totally unexpected with his favourite Velvet Underground songs. Gaetano Nenna is another composer from the European composer mentoring scheme putting his own voice amongst his illustrious Italian colleagues. Tickets £10

Clark Rundell conductor

Emily Howard Zatopek! (World premiere)

(Commissioned by Second Movement with support from New Music 20x12*)

Bohuslav Martin˚u Concertino for cello, winds, piano and percussion Leoš Janáček Říkadla

György Ligeti Chamber Concerto

New works by Ondřej Kyas and Hui Tak Cheung – Clark Rundell conductor Members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Members of Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir

In 1954, the Czech athlete Emil Zátopek shattered a world record by running 5000 metres in just over 13 minutes. In 2012, on the eve of the Olympics, Liverpool-born composer Emily Howard has got just 12 minutes to tell his story in a pocket-size opera commisioned for the 2012 Olympic celebrations. Martinu’s jazzy concerto and Janáček’s delightfully silly set of children’s rhymes are Czech mini masterpieces both. These and a new work by contemporary Czech composer Ondřej Kyas surround this celebration of a Czech hero. Ligeti’s famous and virtuosic masterpiece provides an extra and contrasting major focal point to the evening. Hui-Tak Cheung is another young composer from our mentoring scheme. Tickets £10

*New Music 20x12 is an independent commissioning programme initiated by Jillian Barker and David Cohen and delivered by PRS for Music Foundation in partnership with the BBC, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games and Sound and Music.Special thanks to Jerwood Charitable Foundation for making this New Music 20x12 commission possible.

Chamber Music Rodewald Concert Series 100 Years of Chamber Music in Liverpool

October 2011 will see the 100th anniversary of the Rodewald Concert Series, a series which continues to bring the finest string quartets, vocalists and recitalists to Liverpool. The series started in 1911 in memory of Alfred E. Rodewald, the celebrated Liverpoolbased benefactor and conductor. Alfred Rodewald was a close friend of Elgar. Paul Lewis piano

Paul Lewis piano The Complete Schubert Cycle

Paul Lewis piano Mark Padmore tenor

Tuesday 27 September 7.30pm

Tuesday 1 November 7.30pm

Four Impromptus D935 Moments Musicaux D780 Fantasy in C ‘Wanderer’ D760 – Monday 26 March 7.30pm German Dances D783 Sonata for Piano No.14 in A minor D784 Allegretto in C minor D915 Sonata for Piano No.16 in A minor D845

Die Schöne Müllerin – Tuesday 7 February Winterreise

‘And the listener must wait, out of respect to this marvellous partnership of Mark Padmore and Paul Lewis, until time can be taken for it alone and uninterrupted, to accompany them on the journey through to its unearthly end.’ Gramophone Magazine Dreamer, poet, radical, and visionary, Franz Schubert was a composer who stood between worlds. In his short life, he wrote music as epic as Beethoven and as perfect as Mozart; music that could bubble with life and joy and yet probe the darkest depths of the human soul – or distil both experiences into pure, haunting beauty. Schubert’s music defined the Romantic age and Paul Lewis’s astounding performances are coming to define the way our age hears Schubert. In barely a decade, Lewis has emerged as one of the great musical thinkers of our time, and his relationship with Schubert is at the very heart of his artistry.

Now, at the climax of a two-year exploration of Schubert’s late piano music, Lewis returns to his home city for a series of concerts that explore the full range of Schubert’s mature genius; from deceptively simple miniatures to such groundbreaking romantic masterpieces as the Wanderer Fantasy and the late piano sonatas. He also resumes his acclaimed partnership with tenor Mark Padmore, in performances of two of Schubert’s great song-cycles: Die Schöne Müllerin and the devastating Winterreise. Whether you hear the whole series, or just one concert, make sure you experience what promises to be one of the artistic events of the decade. Tickets £25

Belcea Quartet The Complete Beethoven String Quartets

Tuesday 4 October 7.30pm String Quartet Op.74 in E flat major ‘ Harp’ String Quartet Op.18 No.3 in D major String Quartet Op.130 with finale in B flat major – Monday 28 November 7.30pm String Quartet Op.95 in F minor ‘Serioso’ String Quartet Op.18 No.6 in B flat major String Quartet Op.127 in E flat major – Friday 20 January 7.30pm String Quartet Op.18 No.2 in G major String Quartet Op.59 No.2 in E minor String Quartet Op.131 in C sharp minor

Tuesday 13 March 7.30pm String Quartet Op.18 No.1 in F major String Quartet Op.59 No.3 in C major String Quartet Op.132 in A minor – Tuesday 24 April 7.30pm String Quartet Op.59 No.1 in F major String Quartet Op.18 No.4 in C minor String Quartet Op.135 in F major – Tuesday 12 June 7.30pm String Quartet Op.18 No.5 in A major String Quartet Op.130 with fugue in B flat major

“What do I care for your wretched fiddle when I am speaking to my God?” Ludwig van Beethoven never compromised. Even today his string quartets are amongst the highest challenges for any ensemble. They’re also one of the greatest musical journeys any listener or performer can ever undertake. From the explosive humour of Op.18 – where Beethoven takes on Mozart and Haydn, and blows them both sky-high – through to the transcendent final vision of the late quartets, they range from mighty symphonic dramas to some of the most intimate, and heart-rending, moments in all of western music. Since their debut in 1994, the Belcea have established themselves as one of the most accomplished and imaginative string quartets on the international scene. Now, in the wake of their awardwinning recording of the complete Bartók string quartets, they tackle the summit of the string quartet repertoire, performing all seventeen of Beethoven’s

quartets over six carefully-planned concerts. Hear one, or hear them all; each promises to offer a gripping insight into the heart and mind of music’s ultimate revolutionary. It’s a special occasion for the Belceas. And it’ll be a special occasion for anyone who loves string quartets, who loves Beethoven – or who simply loves great music, whatever its form.

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Tickets £25

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‘They are pre-eminent in this repertoire – so supple in their expressivity, so magically blended and balanced, so pristine in their intonation and confident in articulation and colouration... this was sublime playing.’ The Independent

Belcea Quartet

Sacconi String Quartet Wednesday 12 October 7.30pm

Haydn String Quartet No.66 in G major, Opus 77 No.1 McCabe Quintet for Horn and String Quartet (World premiere)

Schubert String Quartet in D minor, D810, 'Death and the Maiden' – David Pyatt horn

Joglaresa Saturday 3 December 7.30pm

John McCabe is a Liverpool legend, and his music just gets fresher with age. Tonight, the Sacconi Quartet join forces with the celebrated principal horn of the London Symphony Orchestra to give the world premiere of McCabe’s brand new Horn Quintet, written specially for them at the request of the Rodewald Concert Society. Expect bravura performances by this superb young British team. Tickets £22 ‘The festival sensation, the young Sacconi Quartet completely bowled over a packed audience.The chemistry between these four young players is tangible and magical’ The Scotsman

Sacconi Quartet

On Yoolis Night

An evening of Medieval Christmas Carols, from instrumental dances to Middle English lullabies – ‘Joglaresa sing and play straight from the breast-bone’ The Independent

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‘I was blown away by their charm and originality’ The Scotsman

Ever felt that Christmas just gets more commercial every year? Then throw off the trappings of modern life, turn back the clock, and get ready to party like it’s 1399 with Joglaresa – the incredible medieval band that brings the sounds of another age back to vibrantly entertaining life in a fully costumed performance. Brace yourselves for riotous dance tunes, traditional carols and old English lullabies, and swap Slade and The X Factor for the ravishing sounds of vielles, harps, voices and bells as Joglaresa get “strictly medieval” on the festive season. This is Yuletide, the really old-fashioned way! Tickets £22

Danel String Quartet Wednesday 9 May 7.30pm

Schubert String Quartet No.13 in A minor, ‘Rosamunde’ Emily Howard Clarinet Quintet (World premiere)

Mozart Clarinet Quintet, K.581 – Danel String Quartet Nicholas Cox clarinet –

‘They deliver readings of fabulous clarity, discipline and tonal character... The unanimity of teamwork, the individuality of the solos, suggest a quartet that knows and likes itself, and isn’t shy about personality or projection.’ Musicweb International

Katona Twins guitars Tuesday 19 June 7.30pm

Fresh, colourful and powerfully imaginative, the music of Wirral composer Emily Howard has been one of the real discoveries of recent seasons. Don’t miss this first ever performance of her latest major work, specially commissioned for the Orchestra’s principal clarinet Nicholas Cox and the acclaimed Danel String Quartet. Two 24-carat classics provide the setting: Schubert’s gloriously tuneful ‘Rosamunde’ quartet, and Mozart’s gorgeous Clarinet Quintet – even by his standards, some of the most ravishingly beautiful music he ever wrote. Tickets £22

Works by Vivaldi, Boccherini , Paganini, Piazzolla and some Katona Twins original compositions and arrangements – Katona Twins guitars – ‘Very talented twins… The Katonas play marvellously, with a glorious sound and irrepressible rhythm.’ American Record Guide

Twin brothers Peter and Zoltán Katona were born in Hungary, trained in Germany and live in Liverpool. But their spectacular brand of guitar playing has made a splash around the world! From orchestral favourites in jaw-dropping arrangements to contemporary classics of the guitar repertoire, there’s no limit to what the Katonas can do with their guitars – and they deliver it all with irresistible flair. Join them in their adopted home town for an evening of Vivaldi, Boccherini, Paganini and Piazzolla (and a few surprises), and witness the phenomenon for yourself. Tickets £25

Family Concerts Liverpool Philharmonic Family Concerts bring children and adults together to experience the thrill of a full symphony orchestra playing live. These one-hour concerts are a great introduction to classical music for children aged 4-10 and their families. Each concert has a theme and you’re invited to join in by wearing fancy dress. Fidgeting is allowed so come along and give it a try! Children are invited to have a go on a variety of instruments from 2pm prior to each concert at our Instrument Petting Zoo!

Spooktacular! Sunday 30 October 2.30pm

Programme to include:

Music from Harry Potter and Ghostbusters, as well as Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre. – Alasdair Malloy presenter/soloist Michael Seal conductor –

Add some musical mystery to your Halloween weekend! This spine-tingling selection of sensational music will leave you giddy with goose bumps. Wear your favourite halloween costume and arrive by 2pm if you’d like to enter our costume competition with prizes! Tickets £10, £14 £6 children

The Snowman

XX 50

The Snowman plus Santa’s Sing-along

Saturday 17 December 2.30pm Sunday 18 December 11.30am and 2.30pm

Thursday 22 December 11.30am and 2.30pm – Alasdair Malloy presenter/soloist Timothy Henty conductor – Join us for our annual holiday extravaganza for the whole family, this year featuring the film The Snowman by Raymond Briggs, accompanied by the full orchestra. As usual you’ll be invited to singalong to your Christmas favourites and Santa will make a special appearance. A high-energy treat to get everyone in the mood for Christmas! www.thesnowman.co.uk Tickets £12, £15 £8 children

Pops

The Wizard of Oz with Live Music Friday 30 December 2.30pm & 7pm John Wilson conductor –

Family Film Favourites Sunday 5 February 2.30pm

Science Fiction Classics Sunday 6 May 2.30pm

Alasdair Malloy presenter/soloist –

Dress up as a character from your favourite film, and come along to our concert featuring music from the bestloved family films of all time, including Fantasia, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Pirates of the Caribbean, Sound of Music, Toy Story, Lion King, E.T. and more! There’ll be prizes for the best costume, so arrive by 2pm if you’d like to take part in our competition! Tickets £10, £14 £6 children Special

The Cunning Little Vixen Sunday 29 April 4pm The perfect concert to introduce children aged 7+ to classical music See page 31 For details

A fantastic adventure through Time And Relative Dimensions In Space as our very own Time Lord Alasdair Malloy has close encounters with out of this world favourites from large and small screens.

The programme includes music from Dr Who, a musical tribute to Star Trek, as well as music from Star Wars. Mankind’s giant leap is remembered and we pay a visit to our nearest planetary neighbour with a movement from Holst’s Planets Suite. Come in your best outer space gear for a truly intergalactic experience! Best of all – come to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall from 1.30pm to meet all your favourite Dr Who and Star Wars characters! Tickets £10, £14 £6 children

Lunchtime Concerts A musical interlude to your busy day...

The concerts feature musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philahrmonic Orchestra. The concerts start at 1.05pm and last about 45 minutes.

Schubert’s Octet Thursday 6 October

Kiryl Keduk piano Thursday 17 November

Schubert Octet – Concettina del Vecchio violin Kate Marsden violin Rebecca Walters viola Hilary Browning cello Marcel Becker double bass Katherine Lacy clarinet Gareth Twigg bassoon –

Chopin 4 Mazurkas, Op.24

Tickets £6

Ensemble of St. Luke’s Thursday 27 October Shostakovich String Quartet No.8 – Alexander Marks violin Kate Marsden violin Robert Shepley viola Gethyn Jones cello – Tickets £6

Chopin Fantasy in F minor, Op.49 Paderewski Nocturne, Op.16 No.4

Paderewski Caprice (in the style of Scarlatti) Op.14 No.3 Debussy Three Preludes from Book 1 Nos 3, 4, 5

Stravinsky Three Movements from Petrushka – Kiryl Keduk was winner of the RNCM James Mottram International Piano Competition 2010

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Tickets £6

Fusion: Music from the Mediterranean Thursday 1 December Giulio Briccialdi Wind Quintet No.1, Op.124

De Falla, arr. Wayne Peterson Spanish Pieces Berio Opus Number Zoo

Eurico Carrapatoso Cinco Elegias

Ibert Trois Pièces Breves – Cormac Henry flute Rachael Pankhurst oboe Katherine Lacy clarinet Sarah Whibley bassoon Tim Jackson horn –

Ballet for Brass Thursday 2 February

Gold and Silver Thursday 22 March

All Around the Bass Thursday 3 May

Rhys Owens trumpet Tim Jackson horn Simon Cowen trombone Robin Haggart tuba –

Ian Clarke Maya

Marcel Becker and friends –

The Orchestra’s brass principals don their tights and tutus for an entertaining programme featuring music from the world of ballet. The concert will include works by Tchaikovsky and Delibes, as well as music from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet arranged for brass by principal horn Tim Jackson.

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Tickets £6

Perchance to Dream The Musical World of Ivor Novello Thursday 23 February

Adi Brett violin and Ian Buckle piano Thursday 12 January

Including Novello favourites such as Shine Through My Dreams, When the Gypsy Played, My Dearest Dear, The Leap Year Waltz, We’ll Gather Lilacs, Love is My Reason, Fly Home Little Heart

Sonatas by Elgar and Janáček – Tickets £6

Frank Martin Ballade

Birtwistle Duets for Storab Messiaen Le Merle Noir

Doppler Andante and Rondo – Cormac Henry and Fiona Paterson flutes Ron Abramski piano – Tickets £6

Marcel Becker, Principal Double Bass of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra presents virtuoso chamber music for the double bass. The highlight will be the Passione amorosa for two double basses by Giovanni Bottesini, where Marcel will be joined by Orchestra double bass player Genna Spinks.

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Tickets £6

Cerberus Thursday 24 May Beethoven and Brahms Trios Katherine Lacy clarinet Ian Bracken cello Ian Buckle piano – Tickets £6

– James Clark violin Ian Buckle piano Alison Barton mezzo-soprano – Tickets £6

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Sir Simon Rattle Patron

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra offers young musicians from the region exceptional orchestral training and performance experience. As the youth orchestra of the Liverpool

Philharmonic, its members benefit from a prestigious association with one of the UK’s premier symphony orchestras and concert halls. For more information visit liverpoolphil.com/ joinyouthorchestra.

Sunday 20 November 7.30pm Weber Overture, Der Freischutz Beethoven Symphony No.2

Hindemith Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes by Weber – Tickets £9 adults £6 children (under 25s)

Sunday 25 March 7.30pm

Debussy Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune Liszt Piano Concerto No.1 Honegger Pastorale d’ete

Stravinsky Firebird Suite (1919 version) – Yuanfan Yang piano RNCM James Mottram International Piano Competition, Junior Category Winner 2010

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Tickets £9 adults £6 children (under 25s)

William Marshall Crossfire

National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain Thursday 5 January 7.30pm

Vaughan Williams Symphony No.2 ‘London’ – Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir Simon Emery Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir Director –

Elgar Cello Concerto

Vivaldi Gloria

Tickets £9 adults £6 children (under 25s)

Sunday 27 May 7.30pm

Walton Symphony No.1 – Paul Daniel conductor Natalie Clein cello –

Tickets £20, £17, £14, £11, £8 All seats £5 for under 25s Special offer £2 off top 3 ticket prices for Liverpool Philharmonic subscribers

These are exciting times not only for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra but also for Rensburg Sheppards, as after almost 150 years of having the name of our founder, Henry E Rensburg in our name, June 2011 will see us change our name to Investec Wealth and Investment following the acquisition of the business by Investec. Whilst the name is changing, the core business values remain the same, client centred, highly professional wealth management solutions provided by a stable team of colleagues. Put simply the name may change but the culture of our business remains the same.

To reflect our commitment to the Orchestra and Liverpool and to ensure that the long standing commitment that we as a business have had to the Orchestra and the arts nationally we are delighted to announce that we are launching the Henry E Rensburg Series of concerts for the 2011/12 season. We are proud of our support of the Orchestra, proud to celebrate the heritage of our business and its roots in Liverpool by supporting the Henry E Rensburg Concert Series and look forward to building on these successes with our new name, Investec Wealth and Investment.

Henry E Rensburg Series 13 October, 20 October, 10 November, 24 November, 8 December, 19 January, 16 February, 1 March, 15 March, 17 May

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Introducing Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Henry E Rensburg Concert Series

Investec Wealth and Investment Directors

Jon Seal and David Owen, pictured with Liverpool Philharmonicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chief Executive Michael Eakin, Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko and members

of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Join us! The generosity of our supporters enables us to continue our work both on the stage and in the community. If you would like to support the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, there are many ways to get involved andwe are grateful for your support at any level. If you would like to learn more about how to support the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic in any capacity, please call 0151 210 2921, email fundraising@liverpoolphil.com or visit liverpoolphil.com.

Bronze £32.50 From

Priority booking privileges + Subscription to Encore Magazine + Invitations to the Annual General meeting

Silver £100+

Gold £400+

Platinum £1000+

Bronze Membership benefits + Invitations to Open Rehearsals + Membership to the Private Patrons Bar + Invitations to exclusive events + No booking fees and free ticket exchange*

Silver Membership benefits + Invitations to exclusive VIP events + Launches throughout the season + Invitation to annual Christmas Supporters’ event

Gold Membership benefits + Invitation to an intimate annual dinner with Chief Conductor and senior management at Liverpool Philharmonic + A dedicated member of the fundraising team to manage your ticket requests + Highest priority booking + Ability to book car park space on concert nights

*Fees will apply to online orders

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Access

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall provides a range of facilities for disabled customers, including: > Level access is available to the foyer and box office. > Passenger lift and level access is available to stalls / boxes in the concert hall and to the Grand Foyer Bar. > Public phone (situated by the lift in the Foyer) and the box office counter are also accessible to wheelchair users. > Spaces for wheelchairs plus companions are available in boxes 7 and 16, in the front and rear stalls and the restaurant. > A unisex WC is available in the outer corridor of the auditorium close to Box 7. > Fully trained front of house staff are always available to help with special requirements. > An infra-red hearing system is available. Contact the Box Office in advance.

Available for hire Large print versions of the brochure are available from the marketing department by calling 0151 210 2895.

Guide dogs are welcome throughout the building. Please advise the box office when purchasing your ticket if you are bringing a guide dog. Please let the box office know of your specific requirements when booking your tickets in order to make best use of the facilities.

Hall Information

All areas of the building are non-smoking, including the bars. Alcohol and glassware are not permitted in the auditorium (including the boxes) at any time. The auditorium usually opens 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance. Please ensure that all mobile phones, and other communications devices are switched off before entering the auditorium. Flash photography or recording of any

performance in any format is strictly prohibited. Stewards and trained first aid personnel are on duty during any performance to assist you if required. Baby Changing Facilities Baby changing facilities are now available in the WC in the outer corridor of the auditorium close to Box 7.

The Main Auditorium, Rodewald Suite, Green Room and other spaces at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall are available to hire for your prestigious event.

These spaces are ideal for concerts, lectures, prize-giving ceremonies, conferences and other events. Additional facilities such as box office service, technical equipment and staff and marketing are also available. We tailor our offer to suit your event. Generous discounts are available for education and community groups. For further information and to discuss how we can help your event, call Moira Hall on 0151 210 2896.

How to find us Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Public Transport

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall is within walking distance of Lime Street and Central Stations. We are also on the frequent 86 bus route. Merseytravel.gov.uk has comprehensive transport information and a ‘Journey Planner’ service, or you can call Traveline on 0871 200 2233.

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Directions from the M62

Continue along the motorway until its end and then follow the signs for the city centre, cathedrals and universities (c.3 miles). Turn left at the Metropolitan Cathedral and head past the Everyman Theatre along Hope Street (see map). If lost, use this maxim: find one cathedral, head for the other. Liverpool Philharmonic Hall is halfway between the two.

St George’s Hall Concert Room

St George’s Hall is on William Brown Street in Liverpool city centre, directly opposite Lime Street Station. Access to the Concert Room is via the entrance on William Brown Street at the north end of the building. By car on entering the city follow signs for Lime Street railway station.

There are a number of nearby car parks, including Queen’s Square Car Park, and limited parking for Blue Badge holders at St. George’s Hall. By public transport Queen's Square Bus Station and Lime Street Station are both less than 5 minutes walk away.

Liverpool Hope University The Cornerstone

The entrance to Liverpool Hope University, The Cornerstone, is from Shaw Street, opposite the Collegiate.

There is car parking available on the campus from 45 minutes prior to evening performances. Please note that parking is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. Cost £3 You can also park at the 24-hour Q-Park on Epworth St. Pick up a voucher at the campus for a discounted rate of £1.90 for up to 5 hours.

Contemporary Urban Centre

The Contemporary Urban Centre is situated on Parliament Street, opposite Cains Brewery. Access to the centre is on Greenland Street, off Jamaica Street. There is only on-street car parking available at the centre. Postcode Navigation > L1 0BS

Postcode Navigation > L3 8QB

Postcode Navigation > L11JJ

Postcode Navigation > L1 9BP

Please note that car parks 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 are not operated by the Liverpool Philharmonic. Times/prices were correct at time of print. Please check opening and closing times and prices of these car parks before parking.

Where to park for Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

1 Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Situated on Caledonia Street, this car park is open from 8.30am until 15mins after the end of concerts. Please note that parking is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. Cost > £5

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Situated on Falkner Street, this car park is open on concert nights from 5.30pm, until 20 mins after the end of concerts. Please note that gates will be locked after this period. Please note do not use this car park if unstaffed. Cost > £5

University of Liverpool Visitor car parking 3 Cambridge Street

Situated opposite the Cambridge pub, this car park is available Monday - Friday after 5.30pm, and all day on Saturday and Sunday. Take ticket on entry at the barrier, and pay with ticket at pay machine before leaving. Cost > £2 up to 3 hrs £3 over 3 hrs

University of Liverpool Visitor car parking 4 Mount Pleasant

Situated opposite Metropolitan Cathedral, this car park is available Monday - Friday after 5.30pm, and all day on Saturday and Sunday. Take ticket on entry at the barrier, and pay with ticket at pay machine before leaving.

Cost > £2 up to 3 hrs £3 over 3 hrs

5 Liverpool Cathedral

Generally open on concert nights from 5.30pm. Secure parking with CCTV monitoring and manned patrols. Cost > £3 On production of your concert ticket. Please ensure that concert tickets are produced and payment for car park is made at the Constable's Lodge on arrival.

6 Myrtle Street / Hope Street

Situated opposite Philharmonic Pub Secure all day parking. Cost > £5

Booking Information When to book Friday 6 May Postal booking opens for renewing subscribers, members and groups. Tuesday 31 May

Subscription Booking Morning

Join us from 9.30am – 1 pm for coffee, tea and muffins in the Grand Foyer Bar. Our expert staff will be on hand to take your order and answer any questions you have. Wednesday 1 June Telephone and in person booking opens for renewing subscribers, members and groups. Monday 13 June Booking opens for new subscribers Friday 24 June Public Booking Opens All Tickets On Sale!

How to book Online liverpoolphil.com Post/In Person Box Office, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BP Telephone 0151 709 3789 Subscriptions can be booked only by telephone (0151 709 3789), in person or by post. Please note your credit card is charged when your order is received. Subscription tickets will be posted out in June. Direct Debits will be processed on the date specified on your form. Opening Hours Opening hours are from 9.30am (telephone bookings) and 10am (in person) until 5.30pm Monday – Saturday and for counter bookings up to 15 mins after the start of the performance on concert nights.

Open 12-5pm on Sundays for telephone bookings only and for counter bookings from 5.30pm on concert nights.

Booking Fees Credit and debit card bookings are subject to a £1.50 per ticket service charge. Cheques are subject to a £1 per order fee. There is a .75p per order charge to post tickets. £1.50 per ticket is charged for reprinting lost tickets. Group tickets (10+) are subject to a 50p per ticket service charge. Subscription orders are subject to a £5 per order service charge (no per ticket fee applies).

Save on booking fees by becoming a member!

Booking fees DO NOT apply to Silver Members (£100 per year), and you’ll enjoy a host of other benefits as well. For more information on membership see page 56.

Ticket Exchange

Subscribers and members can exchange their tickets against any other Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concert in the same season at Philharmonic Hall. Single ticket buyers may exchange tickets for a service charge of £2 per ticket. All exchanges must be made 24 hours in advance by post or in person.

Discounted Tickets Concessions Under 25s, students and claimants can purchase tickets for just £7 on production of appropriate identification (subject to availability and seating locations may be limited). Concession tickets do not apply to Mahler 8, Family Concerts, Lunchtime Concerts, New Year’s Eve, and Messiah concerts and may be limited for other concerts. Young Musicians Pass Under 18, live in Liverpool and play a musical instrument? You can attend concerts for just £2! Call our box office on 0151 709 3789 for details. Tickets are offered subject to availability and no other discounts apply. Standby Tickets On the day of a concert, Senior Citizens may purchase half-priced tickets in person only at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Limit of 2 per person. Tickets can be purchased from 10am to 6.30pm only and are subject to availability. Not available for Lunchtime, Spirit of Christmas, New Year’s Event, Messiah and Family Concerts.

Ticket Prices Flexible Series

Make up your own package and save! You can include any concert in this brochure (excluding Lunchtime and National Youth Orchestra) in your series. Book 4 –6 Book 7–11 Book 12–19 Book 20 or more

Save 10% Save 15%* Save 20%* Save 25%*

Book 7 or more concerts and get a free ticket to a Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra concert of your choice. See page 3 for more information on the benefits of subscribing! Please note your credit card is charged when your order is received. Subscription tickets will be posted out in June. Direct Debits will be processed on the date specified on your form.

Marathon Series 48 concerts (save 30%)

£465.80

£636.80

£848.40

£1009.40

£1257.60

Saturday Series 9 concerts (save 15%)

£104.55

£142.80

£190.40

£228.65

£282.20

Henry E Rensburg Series 10 concerts (save 15%)

£115.60

£158.10

£210.80

£253.30

£312.80

Classic FM Series 9 concerts (save 15%)

£99.45

£137.70

£183.60

£221.85

£275.40

Sunday Afternoon Classics 7 concerts (save 15%)

£77.35

£107.10

£142.80

£172.55

£214.20

Pops 7 concerts (save 15%)

£85

£114.75

£153

£182.75

£224.40

Family Concerts 6 concerts (save 10%)

£63.90

£68.40

£75.60

£80.10

£103.50

Rodewald Chamber Music Concerts 14 concerts (save 20%)

£272.80

Ensemble 10/10 5 concerts (save 10%)

£45

Discover the Classics 7 sessions

£90

Fixed Series

children

£38.70

Lunchtime Learning 3 sessions (Autumn / Winter / Spring) £45

(all seating areas)

Please note You can download a complete numbered seating plan by logging on to our website: liverpoolphil.com

Seating Plan Fixed Series Classic FM Series 5/6 October, 26/27 October, 30 November/1 December, 1/2 February, 22/23 February, 21/22 March, 2/3 May, 23/24 May

O N M L K J H G

1 1 1 1 1 1

Henry E Rensburg Series 13 October, 20 October, 10 November, 24 November, 8 December, 19 January, 16 February, 1 March, 15 March, 17 May Saturday Series 10 September, 24 September, 5 November, 19 November, 28 January, 31 March, 21 April, 12 May, 9 June Sunday Afternoon Classics 13 November, 27 November, 22 January, 19 February, 4 March, 18 March, 20 May Pops Series 22 October, 10/17 December, 30 December, 31 December, 11 February, 14 April, 28 April

F E D C B A

X W V U T S

1 1 1 1

1 1

1 1 1

1 1

50 48 48 48 50 50 46 46 46 38 38

P O N M L K J H G F E D C B A

48 48 48

50 50 50

P O N M L K J H G F E D C B A

O N M L K J H G

F E D C B A

X W V U T S

GRAND CIRCLE

F E D C B A X W V U T S

X W V U T S

N M L K J H G

UPPER CIRCLE

F E D C B A

N M L K J H G MID/REAR CIRCLE

N M L K J H G

X W V U T S

44 44

44 44 44

44 44 42

42 42 42

40 40 40

STALLS 22

Principal Funders

Supported by

LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL Principal Partner

Higher Education Partner

Media Partner

Other Public Funders