Encore Winter 2013

News from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Winter 2013

encore www.liverpoolphil.com

Christmas Cracker!

Liverpool Philharmonic’s celebration of Christmas has been much-loved by generations, and this year’s sledge-full of festive concerts at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and St. George’s Hall Concert room attracted sold-out audiences with over 25,662 tickets compared to 23,489 in 2011.

Two Wonderful Christmastime concerts of seasonal classics were conducted by the inimitable Carl Davis; our Spirit of Christmas carol concerts were a great opportunity to hear the combined musical forces of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir and Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir, with guest soloist, the dynamic young Mexican tenor, Jesús León and the return of Classic FM’s John Suchet as presenter. Frosty and Friends offered family audiences an hour of sing-a-long fun; while John Wilson conducted three concerts, one celebrating Viennese waltz music, one exploring the music of Frank Sinatra, and one bringing in the New Year with a hit parade of jazz and swing favourites.

Wirral Symphony Orch @WirralSymph Wonderful family concert @liverpoolphil. Two VERY happy 3 year olds singing & dancing along! @Lannylea Great show @liverpoolphil tonight!

Christmas spirit and indoor snow with @johnsuchet1 @Sailorcharlie70 Time to go find that #christmas spirit @liverpoolphil

‘These concerts do bring enormous pleasure to so many people’ Spirit of Christmas audience member ‘The Youth Choir deserve special mention – a credit to their conductor and the Phil family – beautiful singing and perfect diction – WELL DONE!! Roll on next year!

Spirit of Christmas audience member ‘I don't often send emails like this but felt compelled to do so ...

Absolutely brilliant concert last night, the best yet. I've attended all of them and I didn't want this one to finish!’

Spirit of Christmas audience member

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“Tinsel-trimmed violins, falling snow, stained glass illuminations and a mariachi Jesus? The Phil has certainly risen to the challenge of Liverpool’s most frantic festive season for years…this year’s programme confidently treading a fine line between the ecclesiastical – a collection of some of the prettiest carols I’ve heard in several years – and a sense of light-hearted fun.”

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reviews Spirit of Christmas 2 encore liverpoolphil.com

News

Liverpool Philharmonic’s annual performance of Handel's Messiah concluded our festive season with Baroque music expert, Laurence Cummings conducting our Orchestra and Choir and a cast of superb singers in this timeless masterpiece.

“ “We will be booking in for Frosty next year and encouraging everyone we know to do the same - you may need to plan more dates!!!!!”

Feedback from an audience member at Frosty and Friends

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Jazz It Up! persented a festive lunchtime concert, and young folk stars Kerfuffle performed songs from their acclaimed Christmas album Lighten the Dark as part of the After 8 series in the Rodewald Suite at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, St. George’s Hall Concert Room was the venue for Liverpool Philharmonic’s presentations of medieval dance band Joglaresa as part of our regular chamber music series and renowned folk singer Maddy Prior and The Carnival Band, each with their own musical take on the festive season.

“Songs of sin and subversion, yuletide carols, and European and Arabic music filled a beautiful programme of age-old compositions played and sung by the extremely talented Joglaresa... Their renditions of well-known and lesser known carols and festive music enthralled and intrigued the full house..”

Click Liverpool reviews Joglaresa

↓ Joglaresa

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Gary Barlow Kicks off the New Year at Liverpool Philharmonic The Take That band member, award-winning singer-songwriter and XFactor judge got 2013 under way in spectacular style bringing his acclaimed solo show, touring nationally, to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 2 January.

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“On a rainy night in Liverpool …Philharmonic Hall shimmers as the lights fade, and then the screaming starts. And here he is. It's 2013's Gary Barlow, black-suited and booted like a groovy undertaker, his chin gently drizzled with eight o'clock shadow...

Barlow reminds us that he's a great songwriter. Twenty years on, A Million Love Songs has become a perfectly judged ballad about how hopeless boys can be.

The choruses of The Flood and Patience overflow with euphoria, while 1995's Back For Good, as we know, is fantastic. ...The encore brings Never Forget – confetti falling from the rafters on to the sequins below – and even louder screams. A video of Take That through the years plays as Barlow sings, – a reminder of just how different things used to be. But that's Gary for you.

Everything changes but him.”

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Jude Rogers

Gary Barlow @GBarlowOfficial Thank you Liverpool ! Wow ! What a crowd #gbtour Normsi @Normsi2 Thanks @GBarlowOfficial for an #OffTheScale evening at @liverpoolphil ! What a venue & what an atmosphere! #YouRocked Loved it! Xx Clare Crook @Clearps @liverpoolphil Thankyou sooooo much for bringing @GBarlowOfficial to my hometown #bestconcertever such an intimate venue!

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News

Y Viva Espana!

News

Playing for Liverpool on the World Stage Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra completed a 4-concert date of Spain in October 2012, to critical acclaim and playing to over 7,000 people in concert halls in Alicante, San Sebastian, Pamplona and Zaragoza.

The distinguished Spanish pianist Joaquin Achúcarro joined the tour to play Brahm’s Piano Concerto No.2, in a programme that also included Petrenko and the Orchestra’s award-winning interpretation of Shostakovich’s Symphony No.10. The same concert was played at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall just before the tour, where Achúcarro first played in 1959 in the Liverpool International Piano Competition, which he won. Now 79 years old, winning the Liverpool competition was the beginning of an illustrious international career for Achúcarro stretching over half a century and across the globe, playing in 58 countries and with 206 orchestras.

← Vasily Petrenko, Joaquin Achúcarro and musicians of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra backstage at the Auditorio de la Diputación, Alicante

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Hillsborough Charity Single Makes Christmas No.1!

The “closest ever” battle for top spot on the official Christmas singles chart was won by the Hillsborough charity single, He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother.

Recorded by The Justice Collective, a starstudded line up of top recording artists including Robbie Williams, Mel C, Paloma Faith, Holly Johnson, Beverley Knight, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko. The Orchestra and Vasily recorded their contribution to the single at Liverpool’s Parr Street Studios with world renowned producer and songwriter Guy Chambers, whose father Colin was a former Principal Flute of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

All artists involved gave their time for free, and all proceeds from the sale of the single will go towards the Hillsborough Families’ legal costs. →↓ Recording the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s contribution to the Hillsborough Charity Single at Liverpool’s Parr Street Studios

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Vasily Petrenko, Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra “We are proud to be part of this fantastic effort by so many artists to support the Hillsborough families. It’s a very powerful song and one that’s familiar to many people, so I think Guy (Chambers) and everyone involved in the single have done a great job with this new interpretation.”

↑ L to R: Thelma Handy, Joint Leader of the Orchestra, Vasily Petrenko, Guy Chambers, and Steve Rotheram, MP for Liverpool Walton, who initiated the Hillsborough Charity Single project.

Thelma Handy, joint leader of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra said: “I think all our musicians felt it was important for us to contribute to the single and support the Hillsborough families.

There was a lovely coincidence too in that producer Guy Chambers’ dad Colin was Liverpool Philharmonic’s Principal Flute for many years, and there are still musicians in the orchestra, me included, who worked with Colin, who retired in 1999.”

Gethyn Jones, (sub-principal cello) said:“I've been a member of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra for 28 years and a Liverpool football fan since I was a little boy. For me, this is a very special moment, to play on this wonderful recording and by doing so, contribute in some small way to helping the Hillsborough families."

Hilary Browning (cello) said:“I took part in recording the single because I wanted to show my support for the Hillsborough families in their quest for justice. On a more personal note, I was at college with Guy (Chambers) and haven’t seen him for some time so it was really interesting to work with him on the single.

And my kids are dead impressed!”

Rebecca Walters (viola) said: “I have friends who were there that day, and friends who lost friends. It was an honour to contribute to the single and the finished result is awesome; it moves me every time I hear and watch it, the whole team have done a beautiful job.”

James Pattinson (violin) said: “Athough I was only 8 in the year of the disaster, I'm often reminded of it by the connection between my home town of Nottingham and now working in Liverpool. It's extraordinary that so many people got involved in the single and it was a privilege to be able to contribute to such a worthy cause.”

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Fantastic Feast!

News Hope Street

In September, Liverpool Philharmonic’s Open Day was again at heart of the 7th family-friendly Hope Street Feast.

A host of FREE activities throughout Liverpool Philharmonic Hall included 3 performances by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vasily Petrenko, performances by Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Youth Choir, In Harmony Liverpool’s West Everton Super Strings, a preview of the Irish Sea Sessions 2012, and a tribute to the late Jon Lord by Liverpool Philharmonic’s principal cellist Jonathan Aasgaard and Liverpool musician and actor Mike Neary. In the venue’s Rodewald Suite, BBC Radio Merseyside’s Angela Heslop hosted ‘In Conversation With’ sessions throughout the day, including with Liverpool Philharmonic’s associate leader Miranda Playfair and Principal Oboe, Jonathan Small and BBC Radio Merseyside personalities Billy Butler, Spencer Leigh and Roger Hill. Classic FM’s Tim Lihoreau presented taster sessions of his Discover the Classics series.

The After 8 stage on Myrtle Street showcased some of the artists, including Mercury Prize nominee Sam Lee, in Liverpool Philharmonic’s popular folk, jazz and roots strand. Record numbers of visitors enjoyed Hope Street’s annual street party packed full of music, theatre, dance, great food, drink and local produce.

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wins Great Street Award

Visitors are increasingly seeing Hope Street as an essential part of their visit to the City, and now, the location of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall has been awarded The Great Street Award in the national Urbanism Awards 2013.

The awards chosen by the Academy of Urbanism recognise the best examples of urban places in Europe and promote best practice in planning and urbanism. The award joins a growing collection of regional, national and international awards attracted by Hope Street’s organisations, businesses and attractions recognising the excellence of their cultural, tourism, food and dining offers.

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall refurbishment moves a step closer The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic has been successful in its application to go forward to Stage Two of Arts Council England’s (ACE) large capital grants funding programme. ACE has proposed investment of up to £7.5 million towards the refurbishment of the Grade II* listed Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, which sees its 75th anniversary year in 2014.

The proposed investment is the largest amongst the successful Stage Two applicants announced

by ACE. In Spring 2012, ACE awarded seed funding of £634,000 to enable Liverpool Philharmonic to appoint architects Caruso St. John to lead a design team in the first steps towards a major refurbishment of the 1939 venue, which is the home of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and one of the UK’s premier arts and entertainment venues.

Liverpool Philharmonic has set an ambition for the refurbishment project of up to £12 million and Stage Two of the capital funding programme will require the organisation to submit plans at a detailed stage of design and development to ACE.

In September 2012, Liverpool City Council’s mayoral cabinet endorsed the refurbishment plans for Liverpool Philharmonic Hall by agreeing a capital contribution of £2 million that will include modernising and refreshing the current building lease on the City Councilowned building. The City’s contribution is contingent on the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic successfully attracting the additional investment from ACE, and a range of other, private funding sources to meet the £12 million cost of the planned refurbishment project.

Subject to securing the required investment for the refurbishment, works to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall will commence in Spring 2014, with the venue undergoing a period of closure until the end of October 2014. The full programme of works will be completed during 2015, the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

Lorraine Rogers, Chairman of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic said: “We are grateful to Arts Council England for this significant expression of their confidence in us. We are ambitious to continue to grow the success, reputation, and wide impact of our artistic and learning programmes and the refurbishment works will help us to fulfil this.

As we plan the celebrations to mark our two forthcoming anniversaries, we will ensure that we enhance, protect and cherish Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, one of the great buildings in Liverpool, for future generations.”

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On the Record

The latest CD releases from Liverpool Philharmonic Rachmaninov Symphony No. 2

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Vasily Petrenko conductor “This is Petrenko’s best recording to date.

Without stretching the tempo, indulging in sentiment or clogging the textures, he captures the full romantic flavour of this glorious symphony. The melodies sing.

Petrenko adds ever-so-subtle portamento, completely within the style of the music, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic again proves itself the best interpreter of Russian music outside Russia.”

The Financial Times ★★★★★

Benjamin Grosvenor Rhapsody in Blue

Benjamin Grosvenor piano James Judd conductor Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra “… one of the most dazzling records to come my way for many years.”

Gramophone Magazine on the Orchestra’s recording with 20-year-old pianist Benjamin Grosvenor (his first concerto disc ) recorded at Liverpool Philharmonic at the Friary in 2012

Carl Davis Ballade for Cello and Orchestra Jonathan Aasgaard cello Carl Davis conductor Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

“The brilliant cellist Jonathan Aasgaard, principal of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, asked me to write for him after performing my score for Garbo's sensual silent film Flesh and the Devil and Liverpool Philharmonic commissioned it. Thanks to you both.” Carl Davis

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All CDs can be purchased from the online Shop at liverpoolphil.com and on Orchestra concert nights from the Information Desk in the Grand Foyer Bar at Liverpool Philharmonic

Irish Sea Sessions 2011

‘The missing link between sea shanties and John Lennon's Working Class Hero’ Belfast Telegraph Bernard O'Neil Music Director (Syriana, Quicksilver, Sinead O'Connor, June Tabor) Damien Dempsey, Alan Burke, Niamh Parsons, Jennifer John, Ian Prowse vocalists Gino Lupari bodhran Terry Clarke Coyne flutes and whistles Dave Munnelly button accordionist John McSherry piper Meabh O'Hare fiddler Graham Dunn guitar Stevie Dunne banjo Mary McGuiggan sean-nós dancer. Released on Liverpool Philharmonic’s own label.

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What they said ...

The new, fragile tremor in his voice adds gravitas to a 90-minute journey through a remarkable life. He offers slow-paced songs rich in elemental imagery … American history in song. Me and Bobby McGee and Sunday Morning Coming Down demonstrate the breadth of his impact. The wisdom and sincerity is humbling, but the septuagenarian retains his wit.

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A unique collection of contemporary and traditional music that captures brilliantly the incredible atmosphere of the 2011 sessions, devised and produced by Liverpool Philharmonic for Liverpool Irish Festival 2011, followed by a tour to Derry/Londonderry and Belfast.

reviews Kris Kristofferson at Liverpool Philharmonic

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News

In Harmony Liverpool

Bringing an incredibly busy and successful 2012 to a close, In Harmony Liverpool hosted the new In Harmony programmes from across the country at Liverpool Philharmonic at the Friary at which West Everton Children’s Orchestra and West Everton Super Strings performed.

Children enjoyed master classes and coaching and performances with visiting artists to Liverpool Philharmonic including Norwegian trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth, cellist and chairman of In Harmony Sistema England, Julian Lloyd Webber and violinist Tasmin Little.

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In the lead-up to Christmas, In Harmony Liverpool ensembles, all of which have emerged from West Everton Children’s Orchestra, performed concerts in community settings throughout West Everton.

81% of In Harmony Liverpool primary school leavers are continuing to learn their instrument from entering secondary school in September 2012, up from 70% in 2011.

←↗↓ West Everton Children’s Orchestra and West Everton Super Strings rehearse side by side with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Vasily Petrenko.

What they said ...

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Ensemble 10/10 drew a responsive crowd to Liverpool's beautiful new Epstein Theatre ...

Dead Elvis features a bebopping solo bassoon as Elvis. Liverpool Philharmonic’s principal bassoon Alan Pendlebury gave himself up to the part, even dressing in white Elvis suit and wig and managing to play on bended knee. I hope they paid him appropriately.

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Side by Side with the Vasily and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

With 2013 In Harmony Liverpool music-making well underway, West Everton Children’s Orchestra and West Everton Super Strings were excited to take part in a side-by-side rehearsal with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 17 January. In Harmony Liverpool Artistic Director Rod Skipp directed the Children’s Orchestra, and Vasily Petrenko conducted West Everton Super Strings in The Can Can (Infernal Galop from Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld and Praeludium from Grieg’s The Holberg Suite.

In Harmony Liverpool 4 Years Celebration Coming Soon

The annual celebration of the achievements of the young musicians of In Harmony Liverpool will take place at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Friday 22 March at 1pm.

Sunday 17 March 7.30pm Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra with Vasily Petrenko Michael Torke Bright Blue Music Prokofiev Selections from Cinderella Suite Prokofiev Violin Concerto No.2*

Dane Lam principal conductor of the Youth Orchestra Vasily Petrenko conductor* Callum Smart violin BBC Young Musician of the Year 2010 string finalist

Tickets £9 adults / £6 under 25s £2 Liverpool Young Musician Pass holders

What they said ...

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By all accounts Van Morrison likes playing at the Philharmonic. And while he's not someone who exactly wears his heart on his sleeve you could be quietly confident he enjoyed last night's gig. And certainly so did the full house that awaited his every note, mumble and wail….no-one was in any doubt that they were in the presence of a true master of his craft, he had the hall in the palm of his hand.

10/10 review of Van Morrison

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Tickets are FREE from Liverpool Philharmonic Box Office 0151 709 3789. Collect in person or a postal charge of 50 pence applies if you require tickets to be posted.

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News

Glittering Prizes In recent months, Liverpool Philharmonic was proud to add a number of prestigious awards to our trophy cabinet!

Classic BRIT Awards 2012

Best Male Artist Vasily Petrenko

Recognising the following recordings with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra; Rachmaninov Piano Concertos No.1 & No.4; Simon Trpčeski piano (AVIE)

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Vasily Petrenko, Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra with his Classic BRIT Award

Rachmaninov Symphony No.3 (EMI Classics)

Shostakovich Symphony No.1 & No.3 with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, Ian Tracey chorusmaster; Shostakovich Symphony No. 6 & No.12; Shostakovich Symphony No.2 with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, Ian Tracey chorusmaster; & No. 15 (Naxos) German ECHO Klassik Awards 2012

Young Talent Vasily Petrenko

For the recording of Rachmaninov’s Symphony No 3 with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (EMI Classics)

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The Liverpool Post Leaders Awards 2012

Vasily Petrenko

Cultural Leader of the Year in the inaugural awards presented by Liverpool’s weekly newspaper.

British Composer Awards 2012

Chamber Music Award

Ian Gardiner Spinning and Weaving Commissioned by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. World premiere performance performed by Ensemble 10/10 on 25 January 2012.

OBE Award for Classic FM’s Darren Henley

Our congratulations to Classic FM's Managing Director Darren Henley, who received an OBE for his services to music in the 2013 New Year Honours.

Liverpool City Region Annual Tourism Awards 2012

Culture & Heritage Experience of the Year Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

Recognising the excellence of Liverpool Philharmonic’s extensive programme of over 400 concerts and events at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and other venues in the City and its contribution as key to Liverpool city region’s cultural economy; the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s unique ambassadorial role for the city region when on tour; and Liverpool Philharmonic’s commitment to ensuring an excellent customer experience.

What they said ...

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Cormac Henry (Principal Flute) opened on the mellow alto flute for a mystic first movement in which his notes seemed swept up on a breeze, before swapping to the standard instrument for the livelier movements, performed with the lightest of touch...

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reviews the world premiere of Kurt Schwertsik’s Flute Concerto

Darren started at the station when it launched 20 years ago as a journalist and overnight newsreader having previously worked at Invicta FM in 1989. He worked his way up to MD in 2006.

Darren commented, “I'm really very chuffed. For me, it’s the icing on the cake as we round off Classic FM’s 20th birthday year.”

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is Classic FM’s longest established arts partner. Now in its 12th year, our award-winning partnership with the most successful classical music radio station in the world continues to set standards in creative arts and business collaborations. Together we have successfully built new audiences for live classical music in Liverpool, sharing the music of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and showcasing Liverpool’s arts and culture with Classic FM’s 5.5 million listeners throughout the UK.

Darren was commissioned by the Government to undertake two reviews into Music Education, and Cultural Education in England. The author of numerous books about classical music, with Liverpool Philharmonic’s former archivist, Vincent McKernan, Darren wrote the first major hardback book about Liverpool Philharmonic, The Original Liverpool Sound: The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Story, available to buy from www.liverpoolphil.com. ↘ Classic FM’s Darren Henley

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Liverpool Philharmonic Schools Concerts Now on Sale

Liverpool Philharmonic believes every child should have the opportunity to experience world class live music during their time at school. Our concerts for Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 are an inspirational introduction for children and young people to orchestral music.

Devised and presented by Alasdair Malloy and performed by the award-winning Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, our Schools' Concerts are especially designed to enhance and enrich the music and wider school curriculum and include a FREE scheme of work on the concert theme and FREE CD of concert repertoire specially recorded by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

This years’ concerts bring magical tales to life with music inspired by famous characters including Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, and Harry Potter.

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→

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Schools Concert

Telling Tales Key Stage 2 Concerts

Monday 4 March 1.30pm Tuesday 5 March 10.30am & 1.30pm Wednesday 6 March 10.30am & 1.30pm*

*Both concerts on 6 March are reserved for Liverpool Support Service Wider Opportunities Premium Package pupils

Thursday 7 March 1.30pm Friday 8 March 10.30am & 1.30pm Monday 11 March 10.30am

Preston Guild Hall Tuesday 23 April 11.30am

Key Stage 3 Concert

Thursday 7 March 2012 10.30am

Dave and Phil’s Tale-telling Adventure Key Stage 1 Concerts

Monday 17 June 1.15pm Tuesday 18 June 10.15am & 1.15pm Wednesday 19 June 10.15am concert* *Reserved for Knowsley Music and Performing Arts Service pupils

Wednesday 19 June 1.15pm

Dave Benson Phillips presenter Alasdair Malloy conductor

An exciting musical adventure, and hear magical tales of well-loved characters brought to life by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

“A brilliant introduction to orchestral music in a wonderful setting.”

All concerts at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall unless otherwise stated. For further information or to book please contact us on 0151 210 2901 or email schoolsconcerts@liverpoolphil.com to request a booking form. Information and downloadable booking form also available at liverpoolphil.com

Thank you Thank you to all our donors who generously supported this year’s A Bright Future Through Music campaign. We have now raised a record £33,291 which will enable children from Liverpool city region to attend our Schools' Concerts for the first time in 2013. liverpoolphil.com encore 17

Stephen Gray OBE

Our Principal Partner, Investec Wealth & Investment Directors Jon Seal and David Owen with Liverpool Philharmonic’s Chief Executive, Michael Eakin, Chief Conductor, Vasily Petrenko and musicians of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Good Business

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s corporate partnerships with a wide range of businesses and organisations in the city region and beyond are central to our success and to supporting a thriving cultural life in Liverpool.

We are delighted to welcome Duncan Sheard Glass Chartered Accountants as new Silver Corporate Members. www.dsg.uk.com

Malmaison Liverpool hotel as in-kind sponsor. www.malmaison.com

Our thanks to both for their support along with the other businesses, organisations, trusts, foundations and private donors for their support of our artistic programmes and learning activities.

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All associated with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic were saddened to hear of the death on 30 November 2012, aged 89, of Stephen Gray OBE.

Stephen served as our General Manager from 1964 to 1987. During 23 years with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Stephen worked with 5 Principal Conductors of the Orchestra; Sir Charles Groves (19631977), Walter Weller (1977-1980), David Atherton (1980-1983), Marek Janowski (1983-1987), and Libor Pešek KBE (1987-1997); and he encouraged the musical talents of a young Simon Rattle, who is today, Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Berlin Philharmonic. All five principal conductors and Simon Rattle took part in a unique gala concert at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall to mark Stephen’s retirement in 1987.

In tribute to Stephen, Michael Eakin, Liverpool Philharmonic’s Chief Executive said; “In the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s 173-year history, Stephen left an indelible mark. He is, and will continue to be remembered with great respect and affection by colleagues, some of whom are still working at Liverpool Philharmonic today, and others who started their careers under his careful and generous guidance and who are now making their mark in classical music all over the world. Stephen will always be remembered here and we offer our condolences to his widow Frances and all his family.” ↓ Back row (left to right); Simon Rattle, Walter Weller, Brian

Pidgeon (general manager), Mark Janowski, David Atherton.

Front row; Sir Charles Groves, Stephen Gray, Libor Pešek KBE

News

Tall Tails!

Whilst attending a concert by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vasily Petrenko, Fatima offered to create a new piece of concert wear for Vasily, and in consultation with him over a period of three months, designed a hand-stitched evening tailcoat with matching dress shirt and trousers. Vasily hand-picked the fabrics, with the entire ensemble designed for maximum comfort when performing on stage.

Fatima, who is based at Il Palazzo on Water Street, Liverpool is delighted with the final product: “I wanted to create a suit that not only looked great, but would fit perfectly, in order to allow Vasily to enjoy his time on stage even more.”

Our thanks to Fatima and 19-EIGHTY-2 for a unique way of supporting Liverpool Philharmonic. Find out more about the company at www.19-eighty-2

↑ Fatima Ali, founder of 19-EIGHTY-2; Vasily Petrenko in the concert wear designed and made for him by 19-EIGHTY-2

What they said ...

“

We’re all aware that the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic has advanced to new levels under Vasily Petrenko’s rule. But it was still possible to be surprised by the fizz and finesse as the orchestra played Stravinsky’s The Firebird — the whole ballet, not the usual suites…. This was an incandescent performance of real beauty and power. I’m surprised someone didn’t call Liverpool’s fire brigade.

★★★★ review of Stravinsky's Firebird

“

Liverpool-based designer and tailor, Fatima Ali, is founder of one of Liverpool Philharmonic’s newest corporate members, 19-EIGHTY-2 which provides luxury gentleman’s bespoke tailoring.

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Find out more about the Lunchtime Learning

Discover the Classics

Merseyside-based composer and musician Ian Stephens leads our Lunchtime Learning series

Join Classic FM’s Creative Director and Presenter, Tim Lihoreau and discover the musical, social and historical stories behind composers with commentary by Tim, animated with short musical extracts performed by a musician from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Winter Series Petrenko’s Shostakovich, Rehearsal visit Thursday 7 February 2pm Shostakovich Symphony No.4

Vasily Petrenko conductor – Rehearsal visit Tuesday 12 March 1pm Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No.3 and Respighi’s La Boutique Fantasque Vasily Petrenko conductor Denis Kozhukhin piano

Spring Series Concerto for Orchestra Rehearsal visit Wednesday 17 April 1pm Mozart Piano Concerto No.25 in C K503

Ryan Wigglesworth conductor Paul Lewis piano – Ballet for Brass Lunchtime concert Thursday 16 May 12pm Ballet music by Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky – Tristan and Isolde, Rehearsal visit Thursday 6 June 1pm Music of Wagner Vasily Petrenko conductor

Tickets Each event is £15 per person Concessions £10 per person

(Claimants / Students and community groups (minimum of 5 people): please ring Box Office on 0151 709 3789 for discounted tickets)

Apple Pie for Orchestra Saturday 16 March

Discover the stories behind Gershwin’s great Piano Concerto in F. As well as its original name, we’ll find out just what it was, on Broadway, that held it up.

This event is linked to the Gorgeous Gershwin concert on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 April.

– 25 out of 27: A great score Saturday 13 April

Mozart’s 27 piano concertos are often called the backbone of his output. This session looks at number 25, one of Mozart’s longest concertos, and its frequently compared sister symphony, the Prague Symphony.

This event is linked to the Concerto for Orchestra concert on Thursday 18 April and Paul Lewis performs Mozart on Sunday 21 April.

– From Bodmin to Bayreuth with Crazy Dick!

Saturday 1 June

Richard Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde, one of history’s most enduring love stories is a tale which starts in Cornwall and ends in a purpose-built opera house in Bavaria.

This event is linked to the Entry of the Gods concert on Saturday 8 June.

Tickets £15 per session £10 per session

Concessions (Claimants / Students),

Full concert details at www.liverpoolphil.com 20 encore liverpoolphil.com

Box Office 0151 709 3789 liverpoolphil.com

music ...

Limited Availability

SuperOrchestra!

Saturday 15 June 2013 Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

9.30-11.30am Sectional rehearsals 12.30-3.30pm Full rehearsal 4.30pm Concert

SuperOrchestra! is your chance to rehearse and perform with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. If you are Grade 4 standard and above, you are invited to take part in this unique event led by a professional conductor where you’ll perform well-known orchestral works alongside players from the Royal Liverpool There are currently places available for double bass and percussion.

Tickets Participant fee £27 Concessions £13.50 (claimants only)

SuperSing! Classics FREE TASTER Session Saturday 13 April 2-5pm

Liverpool Philharmonic at the Friary (Everton)

Rehearsals Thursdays 16, 23, 30 May and 6 June 6.30-8.30pm Liverpool Philharmonic at the Friary (Everton)

Thursday 13 June 6.30-8.30pm Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Final performance at SuperConcert!

Saturday 15 June 4.30pm Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Be part of a massed choir on stage at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. For singers and non-singers alike. Led by highly skilled choral conductor Ian Chesworth, this event will give you the opportunity to learn and perform some of the greatest Classical choruses ever written. Scores will be provided, however you will not be required to read music in order to participate, and additional resources will be provided to help you learn your part. For the final performance you’ll be joined by an accompanying ensemble of professional musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tickets Participant fee £50 Concessions £25 (income support claimants only) Audience tickets £3

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What’s On...

Events to look out for at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and other venues

Brendan Cole Licence to Thrill

Saturday 23 February 7.30pm

Brendan Cole, one of Strictly Come Dancing's most charismatic choreographers and performers - along with his company of twenty musicians and dancers - treat you to an evening of Ballroom magic and Latin excitement in this live dance extravaganza.

Tickets £28.50, £32.50, £38.50

Ginger Baker's Jazz Confusion

Sunday 24 February 8pm

Ginger Baker is recognised as ‘one of Britain’s great drummers’ (Melody Maker) and was one third of 60s super-group Cream (with Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton). Ginger Baker’s Jazz Confusion, starring Pee Wee Ellis on sax, Alec Dankworth on bass and Abass Dodoo on percussion, made its 2012 debut at Ronnie Scott’s Club, selling out four times with its powerful fusion of Jazz and African rhythms.

Tickets £17.50, £19.50, £25.50

Ludovico Einaudi

Monday 15 April 7.30pm

Einaudi has become one of the UK's most popular composers. His music is ambient, meditative and often introspective. His sweeping compositions are deeply touching, and draw inspiration from classical and international music, minimalism, and contemporary pop, but always with the piano at the heart of the sound.

Tickets £24.50, £29.50, £34.50

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Nigel Kennedy presents Monday 29 April 7.30pm

The world's best selling classical violinist, Nigel Kennedy, with a typically maverick musical programme celebrating the music of Bach and Fats Waller. The concert begins with Bach Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin, after which he performs his own arrangements of the music of the legendary jazz pianist, organist, composer, singer, and comedic entertainer Fats Waller.

Tickets £22.50, £24.50, £29.50, £34.50, £39.50, £42.50

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Box Office 0151 709 3789 liverpoolphil.com

The Four Seasons Wednesday 20 & Thursday 21 February 7.30pm JS Bach Suite No.1 in C WF Bach Concerto in F minor for Harpsichord Vivaldi The Four Seasons Ottavio Dantone conductor/harpsichord Giuliano Carmignola violin Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 – 1 M The Beggar’s Opera AR C Friday 1 March 7.30pm & H SO LD Sunday 3 March 2.30pm OU T Epstein Theatre

BRITTEN C E N T E N A R Y

John Gay / Britten The Beggar’s Opera

Richard Farnes conductor Singers from the European Opera Centre and the Royal Northern College of Music Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

– Petrushka Wednesday 13 & Thursday 14 March 7.30pm

Respighi, after Rossini La Boutique Fantasque Prokofiev Piano Concerto No.3 Stravinsky Petrushka Vasily Petrenko conductor Denis Kozhukhin piano

Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Gorgeous Gershwin Friday 5 & Saturday 6 April 7.3pm

All-Gershwin programme: Cuban Overture / Piano Concerto in F* Girl Crazy Overture / Lullaby for string orchestra Variations on I Got Rhythm* / An American in Paris John Wilson conductor Artur Pizarro* piano

Tickets £16, £21, £28, £33, £40 – Petrenko’s Rachmaninov Wednesday 10 & Thursday 11 April 7.30pm Beethoven Violin Concerto Rachmaninov Symphony No.2 Vasily Petrenko conductor Viviane Hagner violin

Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 – Concerto for Orchestra Thursday 18 April 7.30pm

Chopin, orch. Stravinsky Grand Valse Brillante, Op.18 Nocturne, Op.32 No.2 Mozart Piano Concerto No.25 in C,K503 Bartók Concerto for Orchestra Ryan Wigglesworth conductor Paul Lewis piano

Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Sponsored by

↓ L to R: Ottavio Dantone, Benjamin Britten, Denis Kozhukhin, Artur Pizzaro, Viviane Hagner, Paul Lewis

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What’s On...

Paul Lewis performs Mozart Sunday 21 April 2.30pm

Principal Funders

Chopin, orch. Stravinsky Grand Valse Brillante, Op.18 Nocturne, Op.32 No.2 Mozart Piano Concerto No.25 in C, K503 Liadov Baba Yaga / The Enchanted Lake Mendelssohn Symphony No.4 ‘Italian’

Thanks to the City of Liverpool for its financial support

Ryan Wigglesworth conductor / Paul Lewis piano

Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 – Rossini’s Mass Saturday 27 April 7.30pm

Principal Partner

Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle

Ottavio Dantone conductor / Marina Bucciarelli soprano Anna Bonitatibus mezzo-soprano / Yijie Shi tenor Riccardo Novaro bass / Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 – Shostakovich’s Masterpiece: Symphony No. 14 Thursday 2 May 7.30pm

Britten Symphony for Cello and Symphony Orchestra Shostakovich Symphony No.14

Vasily Petrenko conductor / Daniel Müller-Schott cello Olga Mykytenko soprano / Alexander Vinogradov bass Tickets £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 Sponsored by

BRITTEN

Higher Education Partner

Media Partner

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society Founded 1840 A company limited by guarantee Registered in England number 88235 Registered charity number 230538

C E N T E N A R Y

– Ensemble 10/10 The Soldier’s Tale Wednesday 8 May 7.30pm

The Cornerstone, Liverpool Hope University Creative Campus

Stravinsky The Soldier’s Tale Emily Howard Settle**

*Anthony Marwood director / **Dane Lam conductor Tickets £10

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Welcome to ...

Nadia Alsafaar Development Assistant, Jon Corner Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society Board member (Jon is CEO of The Landing MediaCity UK and Chairman of the RiverMotion Group), Damien Rubido Gonzalez double bass Nicola Hopson Learning & Events Coordinator, Olga Muszynska violin, Paula Muldoon violin, James Pattinson violin, Beth Wells Marketing Manager Jacquie Wicks Learning & Ensembles Coordinator, Louise Williams HR Officer, Carrie Cushman & Irina Lebedeva Marketing team interns Paul Leach and Denis O’Meara Marketing team volunteers And our thanks and best wishes to all who have recently left Liverpool Philharmonic

Jayne Garrity, Head of Communications Email jayne.garrity@liverpoolphil.com Commissioned photography Mark McNulty Cover Photo Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra rehearse side by side with West Everton Super Strings. (see page 13 for details)