January to June 2014 What's On Guide by Liverpool Philharmonic

H al l L W ive rp Ja h nu at oo ar ’s lP y -J O hi n un lh e 20 ar 14 m on ic

Featuring Bobby Womack Kraftwerk Uncovered Beth Nielsen Chapman Transatlantic Sessions Russell Watson The Lightning Seeds with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Summer at St George’s Hall Concert Room

Box Office liverpoolphil.com 0151 709 3789 Image: Bobby Womack Page 4

Contents Contemporary Music Pages 4-10 After 8 Page 11-14 After 8: Watch this Space Pages 13-14 Family & Variety Pages 15-17 Learning Page 18 Classical Music Pages 19-27 Summer at St George’s Hall Concert Room Pages 28-29 Film Pages 30-31 Comedy & Spoken Word Page 32 Venue & Booking Information Pages 33-34 Diary Pages 38-39

Welcome

Welcome to a very special edition of our guide to What’s On at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, the Rodewald Suite, and the various other events we are presenting around the city.

Whereas we would usually bring you details of events between January and April, on this occasion we’ve extended the brochure to cover activities at the concert hall until 23 May, after which we begin a £12m refurbishment ready to reopen the main auditorium in late October.

Whilst we’re busy working on Liverpool Philharmonic Hall we will continue to present concerts in other venues, and you will find details of extensive activities in June and July at St George’s Hall Concert Room and Liverpool Cathedral. In producing the brochure for the period of May onwards this early there is increased likelihood of late changes and additional touring events that are only now being planned; more so than ever I recommend you to stay in touch via liverpoolphil.com, or on social media, for announcements and updates. We will provide alternative Box Office arrangements throughout the building closure period. This will

Principal Funders

be adjacent to the Hall and you will be able to come discuss your booking requirements with our staff as now. The Box Office telephone number and online booking will be unaffected. Another main aspect of the refurbishment sees the complete reconfiguration of the rear of the premises, on Sugnall Street. Thus in April we bring down the curtain on the Rodewald Suite, a room that wasn’t designed as a venue but which has now hosted more than 270 small-scale ticketed events, mainly as part of the After 8 series. The Rodewald Suite goes out in style with a number of returning and special guests, as we invite you to Watch This Space ... it will return in late Spring 2015 as a purpose-built, ground floor venue with its own dedicated entrance and bar accessed from Sugnall Street.

So these are very exciting times for Liverpool Philharmonic. Thanks especially to the support of Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council, and to you, our audiences, we are close to reaching the target for the refurbishment; if you value what we do and haven’t yet contributed you will find details opposite of how you can help. Thank you. Simon Glinn Executive Director, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and Events

Principal Partners

Media Partner

Thanks to the City of Liverpool for its financial support

Sponsors

Other Public Funders

Corporate Members

In-Kind Sponsors

Travel Partner

Hotel Partner

Higher Education Partner

In Harmony Liverpool The Kinder Trust Award | The Granada Foundation | Faith Primary School The Rayne Foundation | West Lancashire Freemasons Charity | anonymous donors

LOVE MUSIC THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE ROYAL LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC AN INSPIRING PLACE

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‘I knew as soon as I stepped foot into Liverpool Philharmonic Hall for the first time that it was an inspiring place, and also that it would need investment to meet the challenges of the future. The time for that investment has come. I hope that you will consider getting involved and giving your support to xxxxxxx our vision for the refurbishment of xxxxxx our beautiful home. We won’t be xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx able to realise our ambitious plans £xx for our future without your help.’ T OU

xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx – xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx

Vasily Petrenko xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Chief Conductor xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Royal Liverpool xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Philharmonic Orchestra xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxx Sponsored by

THE NEW SCHEME

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• New box office and refreshed foyer areas

We have raised 90% of our funding target of £12 million to complete the refurbishment with major support from our Principal Funders, Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council, and from other generous donors.

• Reinvigorated Grand Foyer Bar • New accessible seating in the Grand Circle of the auditorium • New lift linking all foyers and the auditorium • Improved backstage and production facilities for our resident musicians and visiting artists • An exciting new smaller scale venue for performances and our learning programme • Reduced energy consumption

We must raise a further £1 million to unlock that funding. If you are interested in supporting Love Music The Campaign for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, or in finding out more about the refurbishment, please contact one of our fundraising team by telephoning 0151 210 2921, or email fundraising@liverpoolphil.com To make an online donation please visit www.liverpoolphil.com/lovemusic

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

Bobby Womack

Sunday 26 January 7.30pm £34.50, £39.50, £45.50

Image:Bobby Womack

Friday 17 January 7.30pm £28.50, £33.50, £38.50

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plus support

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Paul Carrack

The former front man of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics returns to Liverpool Philharmonic with a back catalogue of hits including How Long, Tempted and The Living Years.

The Sensational 60s Experience Friday 24 January 7.30pm £24, £30

Original classics performed by four of the most popular artists of the 60s. The show stars The Marmalade, The Swinging Blue Jeans, Chris Farlowe, Steve Ellis’ Love Affair. All hosted by Alan Mosca from Freddie & The Dreamers.

This dynamic 60s line up is packed with nostalgia and hits such as, The Marmalade’s Ob La De Ob La Da, Falling Apart At The Seams, Reflections Of My Life, Cousin Norman, and

The Big Chris Barber Band and Mr. Acker Bilk & his Paramount Jazz Band

Sunday 2 February 7pm £22.50, £28.50

‘Living legends of the jazz world brought fond memories of nights at the Picton Hall and the Mardi Gras Club in fifties Liverpool’ Click Liverpool

Mr. Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band and The Big Chris Barber Band have enjoyed considerable success in their own rights since the mid 1950s, both in concert and on record. Now they join together in a rare appearance in one concert. Mr. Acker Bilk & his Paramount Jazz Band first gained worldwide fame with hit single Stranger On The Shore in 1962, Bilk and his band have

Radancer. The Swinging Blue Jeans’ Hippy Hippy Shake, You’re No Good, Good Golly Miss Molly and Don’t Make Me Over. Chris Farlowe’s Out Of Time, Handbags and Glad Rags, Let The Heartaches Begin and Reach out I’ll Be There. Steve Ellis’ Love Affair, Everlasting Love, Rainbow Valley, Bringing On Back Good Times and A Day Without Love. With over 25 hits performed by some of the most influential artists of their era, you’ll step back in time for an evening and relive the 60s when pop music was at its very best.

firmly established themselves as one of the most successful and best loved British jazz bands of all time. The Big Chris Barber Band also stand out as one of the finest of its kind anywhere in the world, deftly playing everything from New Orleans to blues to late 20s Ellington, with extraordinary panache and skill. Chris Barber OBE is an icon of traditional jazz.

The influential singersongwriter Bobby Womack has been an active recording artist since the early 1960s. He started his career as Sam Cooke’s backing guitarist (Cooke is considered to be one of the pioneers and founders of soul music). Womack wrote and originally recorded The Rolling Stones’ first UK No.1 hit It’s All Over Now. He also wrote songs for, and recorded with, Sly and the Family Stone, Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin. His career has developed over more than 50 years and spans R&B, soul, rock and roll and gospel. As a singer he is known for his hits Across 110th Street, Lookin’ For a Love, That’s The Way I Feel About Cha, Woman’s Gotta Have It, Harry Hippie and 1982 hit If You Think You’re Lonely Now. In 2009, Womack was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Recently he has collaborated with Todd Rundgren and Gorillaz and his 2012 album The Bravest Man in the Universe is his first album of original material since 1994. Produced by Damon Albarn, it has received widespread critical acclaim and the pair appeared at Glastonbury Festival together in the same year. This concert is one of only two UK dates. ‘[Womack] was lifted out of obscurity by Damon Albarn for his last Gorillaz album in 2010, and promptly went about shredding the urban electro setting with three decades’ worth of pent up emotion… Singing as if his life depends on it. We are in the presence of mad, brilliant, soulful genius and there is no choice but to surrender.’ The Telegraph

Contemporary Music | 5

Kraftwerk Uncovered A Future Past

Wednesday 5 February 8pm £19.50, £25

Transatlantic Sessions

Tuesday 4 February 7.30pm £25, £27.50, £33.50

The Transatlantic Sessions makes its Liverpool debut with a mouth-watering cast of Scottish, Irish and US roots music maestros settling into the onstage ‘green room’. That is, of course, when they’re not joining in with newly arranged and rehearsed - or sometimes completely impromptu collaborations on one another’s material, an experience often as revelatory for the artists, whether performing or listening from the couch, as it is for the audience. Appearing in her first Transatlantic Sessions, US singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin was originally spotted singing harmonies on Suzanne Vega’s hit Luka, before winning a Grammy for her 1989 debut Steady On. She remains among the leading luminaries of that 1980s generation, continuing to evolve her intensely personal, elegantly polished alloy of folk and pop. Multitalented new-

David Gest’s Legends of Soul Live Concert

Tuesday 11 February 7.30pm £26, £36, £46, £56, £95

acoustic prodigy Sarah Jarosz may well choose a track or two from her stunning new third album, Build Me Up From Bones, which alchemises bluegrass elements with boundless musical imagination, plus the vocal and technical chops to match. Fellow Americana virtuosi and Transatlantic regulars Darrell Scott and Tim O’Brien are return visitors, especially having just released a long-anticipated duo album, Memories & Moments, the concert’s Scottish vocal ambassadors include Julie Fowlis and Kris Drever. Double bass icon Danny Thompson again graces the all-star house band, along with musical directors Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas, Phil Cunningham, Russ Barenberg, Mike McGoldrick, John Doyle, John McCusker, James Mackintosh and Donald Shaw. ‘A night of wonderful musical teamwork and star solo moments’ The Telegraph ‘Traditional music’s foremost multi-artist love-in… radiates warmth and wit’ The Guardian TV reality star and music producer David Gest returns as host for a brand new show. This fabulous legends of soul concert features all the classic hits performed by the original artists in a historic all-star lineup including The Temptations Review featuring Grammywinning lead singer Dennis Edwards, Candi Staton, Percy Sledge, The Three Degrees’ Sheila Ferguson, Cece Peniston, the original Rose Royce lead singer Gwen Dickey, Grammy winner and original Shalamar vocalist Jody Watley and Little Anthony all on the same bill!

Icebreaker performs new work by J. Peter Schwalm, with film by Sophie Clements and Toby Cornis. Following their successful performances and album release of Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois’ Apollo, Icebreaker are turning their focus on another contemporary icon – Kraftwerk. Since their formation in 1970 the German group’s output has revolutionised music and influenced scores of musicians. For this project, composer, producer and sound-scapist J.

The Classic Rock Show

Friday 7 February 7.30pm £22.50, £27.50, £32.50

The classic rock fan’s ultimate live juke box! After the success of their critically acclaimed 2013 UK tour and as a testimony to the immense popularity of classic rock music, The Classic Rock Show is back – bigger and even better! Featuring the music of The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, Meat Loaf, AC/DC, Supertramp, The Who, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac and many more! A virtuoso band of musicians perform an amazing mix of selected tracks from the best rock bands of all time with extra songs added for 2014! - two and a half hours of classic rock’s best moments.

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

Peter Schwalm re-imagines tracks from a range of Kraftwerk albums to show off the group’s many different sounds – from early acoustic tracks to the now iconic synthesized tunes.

Visual artists Sophie Clements and Toby Cornish create a new video work for this piece. A purposeful departure from the high-tech graphics of the current Kraftwerk shows, Clements and Cornish represent Kraftwerk’s vision in the language of an earlier era of avant garde film that wondered in the new aesthetics of technological and industrial innovation. A nostalgic vision of a ‘future’ now passed, and a modern reworking of a lost utopian dream.

From Dire Straights’ Money For Nothing through to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird, via Meat Loaf’s Bat Out Of Hell and Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb, let this show take you on a tour of top notch, full throttle, air punching, guitar rocking, chorus singing, foot stomping sonic excitement with a climax to the show that is not to be missed. Sore throat guaranteed.

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

6 50th Anniversary Tour

Beth Nielsen Chapman

Ultimate Rhythm & Blues

plus Red Sky July

Monday 17 February 7.30pm £19.50, £23.50, £29.50

Considered by many to be one of the finest singer/songwriters of her generation, Chapman has penned hits for artists including, Emmylou Harris, Bette Midler, Elton John, Neil Diamond, Roberta Flack, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Willie Nelson. In concert her songs are interwoven with wonderful story telling, all rooted in folk and Americana traditions, adding to the emotion and magic of the experience. On her new album, Uncovered, Chapman’s prowess at writing in a wide range of styles shines through, from infectious pop sensibilities to strains of bluegrass and country, the true thread that runs through it all is a her great passion for the well written song. It is also clear that she has a blast performing these songs.

Featuring The Zombies, The Animals, The Yardbirds, Spencer Davis, Maggie Bell Saturday 1 March 7.30pm £25, £27.50, £33.50

Shane Filan

Thursday 20 February 8pm £31.50, £37.50

Shane Filan embarks on his first ever solo tour, starting here in Liverpool. Following the success of the Westlife star’s debut single Everything To Me, his next single About You, was released on 3 November, a day before his debut solo album You & Me. The new solo album sees him emerge as a pop writer to be reckoned with, produced in collaboration with his old Westlife writer/ producer team Steve Mac & Wayne Hector, plus Nick Atkinson (Gabrielle Aplin), Nexus (Lana Del Rey), Paul Barry & Patrick Maskell (Enrique Iglesias’ Hero) and Nashville songwriters Kylie Sackley and Brandon Hood (LeAnn Rimes, Faith Hill). It’s produced by Martin Terefe (Train, Jason Mraz) and Steve Mac.

With this amazing line-up, that between them had 37 hit records in the UK charts for over 300 weeks, you are guaranteed an unforgettable night. Come and celebrate 50 years of Rhythm and Blues with the artists that shaped music for generations to come. This is your chance to hear live the musical revolution of 1964.

Rat Pack Live The swingsational Dean, Sammy and Frank spectacular Friday 7 March 7.30pm £25, £31

During their 50s and 60s heyday they were the definition of cool. The Rat Pack combined big band swing with charisma, panache and swagger. This show’s Dean played Dino in the

Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac Fleetwood Mac Forever World Tour 2014

Richard & Adam The Impossible Dream

Monday 24 February 7.30pm £24.50, £26.50, £32.50

Millions watched last summer as singing brothers from Holywell, Wales, wowed the nation with their sensational singing on Britain’s Got Talent. Tenor Richard and baritone Adam perfected their skills watching Pavarotti master classes online. Their hard work and dedication paid off because

they have now signed a multialbum deal with Sony Music. Their debut album The Impossible Dream has classical crossover appeal, for music lovers both young and old. In this concert, singing a wide variety of songs from classic love songs to the powerful The Impossible Dream, Richard and Adam perform glorious harmonies and stunning vocals that will send shivers down your spine.

Saturday 8 March 7.30pm £22.50, £32.50

The ultimate tribute to one of rock n roll’s most remarkable stories. From the 60s’ Peter Green era, through the band’s decade-defining album of the 70s, Rumours, to becoming one of rock’s most successful supergroups the Fleetwood Mac story is a musical journey of quite epic proportions. Having received Mick Fleetwood’s golden seal of approval no less Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac replicate perfectly the power and subtlety of Fleetwood Mac at

West End, Sammy starred at the New York’s Rainbow Rooms and our Frank also gained rave reviews as Ol’ Blue Eyes in West End hit Rat Pack Confidential. In an evening featuring all the patter and razzamatazz of the Rat Pack’s infamous live stage show, join the UK’s number one Dean, Sammy and Frank and prepare to experience the definition of cool. their brilliant best, let timeless classics such as Black Magic Woman, Albatross, Go Your Own Way, Dreams, Gypsy, Say You Love Me, Sara, Oh Diane, Little Lies, Everywhere and many more, take you on a nostalgic evening of outstanding musicianship. A must-see for any discerning disciple of this most iconic of rock institutions.

Contemporary Music | 7

Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker & John Doyle

Saturday 8 March 7.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £16

Three of the finest Celtic musicians share the stage together as the trio return to St George’s Hall Concert Room after their triumphant February 2012 concert there. All three are long-serving central members of the star littered band behind The Transatlantic Sessions. McGoldrick is a founding member of Flook and Lunasa and a current member of Capercaillie. Regarded as one of the greatest flute players of all time, he has toured with Mark Knopfler, Afro Celt Sound System, RTE Orchestra and Kate Rusby, and is a previous BBC Radio 2 Folk Musician of the Saturday Night At The Movies

The Overtones

Monday 10 March 7.30pm £21.50, £28.50, £38.50, £45

Following the release of their third album Saturday Night At The Movies, The Overtones bring their tight vocal harmonies and easy-going charm back to Liverpool Philharmonic.

Mary Black & Clannad

Wednesday 19 March 7.30pm £28.50, £32.50, £37.50

Two of Ireland’s musical icons share the stage, performing both separate sets and together, in this unique concert that will delight fans of both artists. Clannad, the Irish family group responsible for the timeless music Theme From Harry’s Game, In A Lifetime and I Will Find You, recently celebrated forty years in the business. Their music entwines the traditional and the modern and with their haunting songs, mesmerizing vocals and captivating sound the group has sold over 15 million records worldwide.

Year winner. McCusker’s unique fiddle playing has earned him a worldwide reputation as one of the most gifted and versatile musicians of any genre. He spent over a decade as a member of the now legendary folk outfit Battlefield Band and has worked with artists including Paulo Nutini, Jools Holland, Steve Earle and Rosanne Cash. Doyle has played an essential role in the ongoing renaissance of Irish traditional music. He is musical director for Joan Baez and a founding member of the internationally acclaimed Irish group Solas. ‘His pedigree is immaculate and traditional music is very evidently in his blood. Yet in his swooping style there is also a very real sense of the impromptu and willingness to explore areas beyond the natural roots’ fRoots on Michael McGoldrick

For over a quarter of a century, singer Mary Black has been a dominant presence in Irish music, she has released 11 studio albums all of which achieved platinum sales status. Her music seamlessly blends traditional Irish folk, pop and rock, and country. Her enduring success has proven that her depth of talent and her love of singing transcend the generations, as well as national and musical boundaries too. She is indeed a real Irish treasure. ‘Black’s is a voice in the league of one of her own heroines, Sandy Denny, and other great female vocalists including June Tabor and Joan Baez’ Bright Young Folk

Saturday Night At The Movies is a celebration of some of the most loved songs in cinematic history. It finds The Overtones reinvigorating iconic songs from famous films such as Grease, Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman, Cocktail and The Jungle Book with their own timeless sense of style.

Russell Watson

Monday 31 March 7.30pm £25, £42.50, £60, £65 (£85 Up Close & Personal seats)

The UK’s best-selling classical artist Russell Watson returns to Liverpool Philharmonic following the release (in November) of his eagerly awaited new album Only One Man. The album and this concert features brand new songs, written specially for Russell Watson, by ClaudeMichel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, the phenomenally successful writers of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon. Watson has won four Classical BRIT Awards and has sold over eight million records worldwide.

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Tom Paxton & Janis Ian (With Robin Bullock) Together At Last Saturday 22 March 7.30pm £26.50, £32.50

Two of America’s greatest folksongwriters visit Liverpool Philharmonic together. Each with ties to the classic Greenwich Village folk scene Tom Paxton and Janis Ian are nearly a generation apart yet share a slew of folk influences as well as an affinity for fearlessly tackling controversial issues. Paxton emerged in the days of hootenannies and wrote his share of ‘ protest songs’. He also wrote songs about love and humour too. Many became oftcovered standards, including Bottle of Wine, Ramblin’ Boy and The Last Thing on My

Mind. At 15, Janis Ian had a major pop hit with Society’s Child, a taboo-busting meditation on interracial romance. Her biggest hit, the reflective At Seventeen, won her a Grammy. Performing together in the UK for the very first time, Paxton and Ian sing all their best known songs plus a whole host more. They’ll take the stage together, stay onstage together most of the time, and sing on one another’s songs.

The Music of Ian Broudie:

Jack Bruce and his Big Bluesband plus support Nik Lowe and his band

Saturday 29 March 7.30pm £27.50, £29.50, £35

Bruce formed what was possibly the world’s first super group, Cream, with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker. He composed most of Cream’s hits, including I Feel Free, Sunshine

of Your Love, White Room and many others during the band’s meteoric career. In 1993 all the members of Cream were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2006, Jack Bruce was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award. The composer bass player, piano player, cellist, vocalist, writer and performer’s new album of original material, his first in nine years, is due for release early March.

A Life In Song Lyrics By Don Black With special guest artists to be announced

Sunday 6 April 7.30pm £22.50, £24.50, £29.50, £36.50, £42.50

A celebration of one of the world’s most versatile lyricists, the Oscar-winning Don Black, and his journey from Hackney

The Lightning Seeds and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra with very special guests Friday 4 April 7.30pm £27.50, £30, £32.50, £40

Please note: this concert will start promptly at 7.30pm. There is no support artist and latecomers may not be admitted.

This once-only event celebrates the music of Liverpool-born singer, songwriter, musician and record producer Ian Broudie, in arrangements prepared especially for performance by the Lightning Seeds with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

to Hollywood. Songs like Born Free, Diamonds Are Forever and musicals Sunset Boulevard, Billy and Aspects of Love have helped define popular culture. He has written many of the greatest and most instantly recognizable songs of the last 50 years including many James Bond themes.

conducted by Clark Rundell. The concert includes works by the Lightning Seeds and also explores Broudie’s extensive success as a producer, sometimes working under the name ‘Kingbird’, including songs by Echo and the Bunnymen, Miles Kane, Terry Hall, The Zutons, and The Coral, for each of which he will be joined on stage by very special guests. The Lightning Seeds were formed by Broudie in the late 1980s and scored an early hit with the song, Pure; they have produced six albums to date, and have enjoyed widespread mainstream success. Their football anthem, Three Lions, has twice been at number one in different versions recorded with Frank Skinner and David Baddiel.

To celebrate the milestone of 50 years in the business, A Life In Song – Lyrics By Don Black, with the backdrop of an orchestra, is a show paying tribute to Don’s career, telling the stories behind the music with special guest artists performing some of his best loved songs.

Contemporary Music | 9

The Solid Silver 60s Saturday 19 April 7.30pm £24, £26, £31

They say that if you remember the 60s you weren’t there! Fill that gap in your memory with The Solid Silver 60s Show and relive the 60s with original artists singing their greatest hits! Now in its 29th year the show reunites Brian Poole and The Tremeloes and features the unforgettable talents of Chris Farlowe, Chris Montez and Wayne Fontana, all backed by Vanity Fare. Hear the classic hits performed by the original hitmakers!

The Michael Nyman Band

Friday 25 April 7.30pm £22.50, £29.50, £35

Nyman is one of Britain’s most innovative composers. His works encompass opera and string quartets, film soundtracks and orchestral concertos. Far more than merely a composer, he’s also a performer, conductor, bandleader, pianist, author, musicologist, photographer and film-maker. Among his many achievements is his beautiful score written for Jane Campion’s film The Piano as

well as a commission for Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture year. His restless creativity and multi-faceted art has made him one of the most fascinating and influential cultural icons of our times. This show coincides with Michael Nyman’s 70th birthday and the 40th anniversary of the Michael Nyman Band. To celebrate these great milestones Nyman is writing new material especially for the show, his first appearance at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall since 2005. It offers a rare chance to see the master in action as he shares this monumental year with you.

Sunday 4 May 7.30pm £40, £47.50, £60

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The Seekers

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50th Anniversary The Farewell Tour

Please note: this event is the rescheduled Monday 23 September 2013 concert.

Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson Friday 2 May 7.30pm £26, £30, £36

The voice and flute behind celebrated band Jethro Tull is ‘as bawdy and bonkers as ever’ (The Scotsman) as he plays songs from Thick As A Brick and its sequel, Thick As A Brick 2 – Whatever Happened To Gerald Bostock? The show also features a selection from his

new concept album, due for release in 2014, together with a selection of Jethro Tull highlights. This new record release will feature heavier, less acoustic guitar sounds and more of Anderson’s trademark flute. Anderson was recently formally recognised as one of the foremost influencers in rock when he was named winner of the Prog God Award at this year’s Progressive Music Awards.

The Original line-up of The Seekers reunite for this 50th Anniversary Farewell show. The pop quartet comprising Judith Durham (vocals, piano, tambourine), Athol Guy (double bass, vocals), Keith Potger (guitar, banjo, vocals) and Bruce Woodley (guitar, mandolin, banjo, vocals) are the ONLY surviving chart-topping band from the 60s, anywhere in the world, with all the original founding members.

Elvis Presley On Stage Monday 5 May 8pm £29, £32, £38

What was it like to experience an Elvis concert in Las Vegas? Now, in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Elvis’ first recording session that led to the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, comes Elvis Presley - On Stage. Using the latest technology, Elvis sings lead vocals backed by a live band, singers and an orchestra. Together, this multimedia creation puts the audience inside an Elvis Presley concert presented exactly like one of his classic live performances in a Las Vegas showroom. The contemporary staging and overall production create the illusion that Elvis is on stage for one of his finest concert performances as seen in the epic music documentary filmed on location in Las Vegas, Elvis: That’s the Way It Is. Elvis started a rock ‘n’ roll revolution in 1954 and now, 60 years later he is once again shaking up the entertainment industry with this amazing show. This is what an Elvis concert was like, experience Elvis as you never have – and see why they call him the King.

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Rick Wakeman’s Journey To The Centre Of The Earth Friday 9 May 8pm £45, £51

2014 sees the 40th anniversary of the release of Rick Wakeman’s landmark concept album, Journey To The Centre Of The Earth based on the novel by Jules Verne. Wakeman with The Jules Verne Symphony

Michael Bolton Plus special guests

Saturday 10 May 7.30pm £25, £39.50, £55, £65

Over the course of his extraordinary career, singer/songwriter Michael Bolton has sold over 53 million albums world-wide. He has won two Grammy Awards for best male vocalist and has six American Music Awards among his many other accolades. His hits include When a Man Loves a Woman; How Am I Supposed to Live Without You; Time, Love and Tenderness; How Can We be Lovers; Georgia On My Mind and many more.

Orchestra and choir plus the English Rock Ensemble celebrate the anniversary with a state of the art, dramatic, live presentation of this epochal, classical-rock crossover work. This new show presents jawdropping visuals from creative mastermind Roger Dean as Rick Wakeman with his band, choir and narrators perform music from the classic 1974 album in a thrilling spectacle.

Don Williams

Monday 12 May 7.30pm £35, £40, £46

The American country singer, songwriter and 2010 inductee to the Country Music Hall of Fame Don Williams returns to Liverpool Philharmonic following his captivating sold out appearance here in 2012. With his hits Good Ole Boys Like Me, I Believe In You, Love Is On A Roll, Amanda and Tulsa Time, Williams is an American classic.

He has always had a knack for finding songs that touch people’s hearts. Enlisting the help of his accomplished road band, Williams creates the kind of music that speaks to everyone. There’s a broken-in familiarity among his players that can’t be recreated by others – and those lived-in grooves fit Williams like his trademark Stetson hat.

Priority Booking Beat the Crowds!

‘Since getting Priority Booking I get to see more great shows & have the best seats in the house... why wouldn’t you join?’

Did you miss out on tickets to see Ludovico Einaudi, Elvis Costello, Jools Holland, Gary Barlow or Richard Hawley? Then join the Liverpool Philharmonic Priority Booking Scheme! For just £30 a year members receive advanced email notification of every new show before it goes on sale and are able to book tickets up to 48 hours before everyone else!*

Mike, Priority Booking Member To sign up call 0151 210 2921, email fundraising@liverpoolphil.com or buy online at liverpoolphil.com/priority *Terms and conditions apply

After 8 | 11

AFTER 8 in association with

The series of select folk, roots, and unplugged gigs in the Rodewald Suite, a delightfully intimate space with its own entrance in Sugnall Street, with informal cabaret seating, an in-house bar and rooftop terrace. Image: Lucy Ward After 8 Triple Bill Womenfolk

Emily Portman, Emma Sweeney & Lucy Ward Ian McMillan’s Gruff Guide To Lost And Forgotten Writers with Clare Salaman nyckelharpa/hurdy gurdy

Friday 24 January 8pm £14

Poet, comedian and broadcaster Ian McMillan conjures a brilliantly comic journey of rediscovery of some of the world’s great Lost and Forgotten writers, accompanied by musician Clare Salaman and the audience. With music devised and performed by Salaman, storytelling and a warm dollop of audience interaction the show centres around the ‘vulgar species’ that is man from the classic novel by almost forgotten writer G.V. Desani and his eccentric novel All About H Hatterr. McMillan presents The Verb every week on BBC Radio 3 and is a regular on BBC Radio 4’s Pick of the Week, Last Word, You & Yours and was recently castaway on Desert Island Discs.

Sunday 2 February 8pm £12

An outstanding triple bill featuring three leading lights of British contemporary folk who are currently riding high on a wave of critical acclaim for their recent album releases and brilliant live shows. In their very different ways, they all embrace the traditional while taking the audience down new and intriguing paths. With their remarkable songwriting, pitch perfect delivery and mesmerising performances,

expect a modern twist on traditional stories, and the dark underbelly of folklore, from three of the UK’s finest new female singer-songwriters. We are delighted to announce that Emily Portman will return for the Irish Sea Sessions in 2014 while Emma Sweeney will make her debut in the project’s line up in October. ‘Brit folk’s most vibrant and forthright new talent’ Mojo on Lucy Ward ‘Eerily magnificent, bizarre and wonderful’ fRoots on Emily Portman ‘A thrilling study of modern tradition Irish music’ The Independent on Emma Sweeney

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

My Darling Clementine support Oliver James Lomax Thursday 6 February 8pm £12

Classic country band featuring Michael Weston King (ex-The Good Sons, and returning After 8 artist) and Lou Dalgleish, My Darling Clementine evokes the great duets of such icons as Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton, George Jones and Tammy Wynette but adds a touch of country soul to the mix bringing memories of the likes of Delaney and Bonnie, Donnie Fritts, Bobby Gentry and Dan Penn. ‘If anything is going to make country music hip again, this is it’ Maverick Magazine

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Paul Lamb & Chad Strentz

Saturday 8 February 8pm £12

Lamb is known by aficionados and music press around the world as one of the greatest blues harmonica players of our time. He, and his regular band The King Snakes, have won countless awards and Lamb has been inducted into the British Blues Awards Hall Of Fame alongside the likes of Peter Green, John Mayall and Alexis Korner. Making up this acoustic

duo is the talented blues singer and guitarist Chad Strentz who joined The King Snakes in 1991. ‘Lamb is a true ‘torch bearer’ for the British blues scene, and long may he and his fine band prosper’ bluesinthenorthwest.com

Henry Priestman Saturday 15 February 8pm £12

Priestman is the songwriter behind the chart topping bands The Christians and It’s Immaterial. With classic hits like Forgotten Town, Hooverville, When The Finger Points, Ideal World and Born Again, Henry wrote some of the most memorable hits of the late 80s and early 90s. More recently he found a whole new fanbase when he scored radio hits with his solo work Grey’s The New Blonde and Don’t You Love Me No More. He also penned the music for the hit musical Dreamboats and Petticoats.

Éamonn Coyne & Kris Drever

Wednesday 19 February 8pm £12

Coyne and Drever met and started playing together through the vibrant Edinburgh music scene but neither are Edinburgh natives; Éamonn is from Ireland and Kris is from Orkney. Guitarist and singer Kris Drever is one third of the astonishingly successful, multi-

award winning trio Lau. He also plays with The Kate Rusby Band, John McCusker, Eddi Reader, Roddy Woomble and Session A9. Coyne is a remarkable tenor banjo player who works with a host of luminaries of the Irish music scene and beyond including: Alison Brown, Altan, Kevin Doherty of Four Men and a Dog, Michael McGoldrick of Capercaille, and Tom Morrow (fiddle) of Dervish.

‘It’s the live immediacy of Coyne and Drever’s playing that grabs you first, closely followed by its immense yet ultra-supple sophistication… mutually attuned musicianship of the first order… a breath of fresh air.’ Songlines

Watch this Space | 13

WATCH THIS SPACE Miles Hunt & Erica Nockalls As work on the refurbishment of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall begins in May the Rodewald Suite will make way for an exciting new purpose-built performance space, and bar, with a new entrance on Sugnall Street. This fabulous new facility will open in 2015.

‘Watch This Space’ is our farewell to the Rodewald suite and is your last chance to enjoy the After 8 experience in its present form. Join us for this four week send-off featuring gigs by some of the After 8 series’ regular and most popular contributors representing the breadth and quality of the series.

Audiences and artists come together to celebrate the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new future... watch this space!

Image: Ian Prowse / Rodewald Suite

Dar Williams Friday 7 March 8pm £14

Williams has become a major force on the New England folk scene. An idiosyncratic singer, songwriter and guitarist who writes folk songs from a unique, insightful perspective, Williams takes pains to avoid the coy and the quirky; her songwriting and performing style has been compared to Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, but with a few acidic and at times hilarious twists. ‘Dar Williams, one of America’s very best singer-songwriters… Her songs are beautiful.’ The New Yorker

Tony McManus Sunday 9 March 8pm £12

McManus is recognised globally as one of the leading guitarists in Celtic Music. From early childhood his twin obsessions of traditional music and acoustic guitar have worked together to produce a startlingly original approach to this ancient art. In his hands the complex ornamentation

normally associated with fiddles and pipes are accurately and astonishingly transferred to guitar in a way that preserves the integrity and emotional impact of the music. To experience him perform this live is spellbinding. ‘This music is beyond beautiful, it’s... PERFECT’ Tommy Emmanuel

Wednesday 12 March 8pm £12

The front man of indy-alt-pop hitmakers The Wonder Stuff, Miles Hunt, with original Wonder Stuff violinist Erica Nockalls in a night of acoustic hits and feel-good folk. Firmly established After 8 favourites Hunt and Nockalls’ ongoing collaboration sees a mature musical journey producing a series of songs and albums that have received rave reviews, particularly live, and brought them a whole new generation of fans. Expect new works alongside stripped down versions of their much-loved greatest hits.

Eduardo Niebla

Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 March 8pm £12

A formidable flamenco-jazz guitar virtuoso, Niebla is technically superb and breathtakingly versatile. In this After 8 gig he showcases compositions from his eagerly awaited new album, as well as revisiting his back catalogue spanning over four decades and 23 albums: all performed with virtuosic brilliance, passion and verve. His style is one of intricately brilliant, passionate flamenco infused with a myriad of Eastern colours and Gypsyjazz. This is an opportunity to hear world class guitar playing at its very best. Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Will Pound Band Saturday 22 March 8pm £13

Pound is one of the world’s top harmonica players and a festival favourite. He’s taken the instrument to new places creating sounds not usually heard on this little instrument. He featured on the Justice Collective’s version of He Ain’t Heavy, last year’s Christmas No. 1 with Guy Chambers saying ‘Being able to play with someone like Will is such a

Rachel Sermanni Sunday 23 March 8pm £12

A straight-up storyteller with a voice to blow many others clean out of the water… 22-year-old Scottish singer-songwriter Sermanni packs an almighty punch with her earthy folk melodies and dextrous fingerpicking. She consolidated her growing reputation as one of folk’s bright new things with her 2012 debut album Under

Indeterminacy by John Cage with Stewart Lee Friday 28 March 8pm £12

Plus The Conspirators of Pleasure

Stand-up comedian and cowriter/director of the acclaimed stage show Jerry Springer - The Opera, Stewart Lee is also a lover of experimental music. Indeterminacy was originally recorded in 1959, with John Cage reading aloud 90 stories, each lasting one minute. For this show Lee assumes Cage’s role. With a stop watch running he is accompanied by fearless contemporary pianists Tania Chen and Steve Beresford improvising on the piano (and other things). ‘I read Cage’s stories in random order, and we all do our best to ignore each

buzz.’ For this show Pound is joined by a band featuring Chris Sarjeant on guitar and vocals (Jackie Oates band) Henry Webster on fiddle (2013 London Fiddle Convention Winner, Henry Webster Band) and John Parker on double bass (Nizlopi, Paper Aeroplane). They play a mix of English, Irish and Northumbrian tunes with jazz, bluegrass, blues, rock and funk rhythms.

after

8 Watch This Space: The Final After 8

‘Remarkable harmonica pyrotechnics’ Daily Telegraph Mountains, and riveting appearances at Celtic Connections and on the BBC Introducing Stage at the Reading/Leeds Festivals. She recently played support slots for Edwyn Collins, Elvis Costello and Ron Sexsmith as well as a spot here in Liverpool at the Hope Street Feast. Guy Garvey, the Elbow frontman and BBC 6 Music presenter describes her as ‘really, really something special.’ saying ‘she’s amazing. Listen to her voice its quite astonishing’. ‘Her voice is an instrument of incredible purity ... a folk noir gem ... a voice and songs to go stellar’ The Sunday Times ‘Folk of the highest order’ Time Out other…we are merely Cage’s zombie puppets.’ says Lee. The Conspirators of Pleasure is an improvisation ensemble with Poulomi Desai (sitar), Al-Dinja (software), Seth Ayyaz (Middle Eastern percussion and electronics) and Simon Underwood (bass, circuit bent instruments and electronics). This complementary performance explores similar themes to Indeterminacy such as chance, humour, improvisation and diverse cultural connections. ‘Humour and existentialist melancholy co-exist, perching on a knife-edge.’ Gramophone

Friday 4 April 8pm £15

Connie Lush

Saturday 29 March 8pm £12

Lush is officially one of the finest blues singers the UK has ever produced having won Best UK Female Vocalist at Blues In Britain five times and European Singer of the Year for three consecutive years. A stunning and talented blues vocalist, the Liverpool artist, recently toured with BB King throughout the UK, climaxing with a show at The Royal Albert Hall. With this rare intimate acoustic show she continues her love affair with audiences, bringing her enormous ‘Gusto’ for life and music wherever she goes. As BB King said ‘That Woman makes my heart sing!’

The final After 8 ever in the Rodewald Suite. One hundred lucky ticket holders will join our host for the evening Ian Prowse (Amsterdam/Pele), making his ninth After 8 appearance, as he leads a triumphant farewell celebration to the popular series. As well as Prowse’s rousing acoustic pop, music for the night is provided by a line up of special guests that represent After 8’s unique folk, roots, pop and unplugged programme since the series’ inception. There’s a distinctly Liverpool flavour too; John O’ Connell, also with eight previous After 8 shows in bag, is joined on a bill that features Lizzie Nunnery whose latest album Black Hand Howling attracted rave reviews, guitar pyrotechnics courtesy of Neil Campbell, and fresh from opening for Paul Carrack and his role in this year’s Irish Sea Sessions Rob Vincent, plus more guests to be announced. Back in December 2005 Dick Gaughan graced the Rodewald Suite’s stage for the first ever After 8 concert, 271 gigs later with almost 20,000 tickets sold, this is the final night!

Ian Prowse

Wednesday 2 April 8pm £12

Ian Prowse began his career back in 1991 with Polydor and his band Pele. His current band Amsterdam has recorded a duet with Elvis Costello which appears on the Liverpool Number Ones album and he also has a successful solo career. He releases Who Loves Ya Baby his first album of new songs in five years early in

2014. Indeed the likes of Costello, Mick Jones, the late John Peel and many others are members of his celebrity fan club. This show is a chance to hear songs from the entirety of Prowse’s extensive canon and the stories behind them.

Family & Variety | 15

FAMILY & VARIETY

League of Welldoers New Year’s Variety Benefit Concert Thursday 30 January 2pm £9.95

Join the Welldoers for a special concert featuring eight top class entertainers, with something for everyone. All proceeds will go to The League of Welldoers, one of Liverpool’s oldest independent charities.

Great Movie Themes

Saturday 8 February 7.30pm £17, £22, £29, £34, £40 £7 under 25s / students / claimants

Image: Kodo Drummers Film with Live Orchestra

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Friday 3 January 7.30pm & Saturday 4 January 2.30pm £17, £22, £29, £34, £40 (£7 children)

Richard Kaufman presenter Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Pirate Voices from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Contains moderate horror and action violence

Nicholas Dodd conductor Margherita Taylor presenter Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Shiver me timbers! Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the most enjoyable adventure movies of recent years – a fabulous, riproaring yarn of daring and devilry on the high seas, starring Keira Knightley, Orlando Bloom and of course Johnny Depp as the irrepressible Jack Sparrow. But we’ll bet you’ve never seen it like this, as Cap’n Jack and the crew of the Black Pearl set sail to the sound of Hans Zimmer’s and Klaus Badelt’s swashbuckling score, played live by a full symphony orchestra. All the action, all the fun…and all accompanied by the 80 musicians of the Orchestra.

Raymond Gubbay presents

Anton Du Beke Ballroom To Broadway with special guest Summer Strallen

Tuesday 28 January 7.30pm £26.50, £32.50, £44

The Nation’s favourite Ballroom dancer Anton Du Beke is back once again with a thrilling new show to wow audiences across the UK. Featuring memorable dances alongside sensational new choreography, timeless tunes and strictly dazzling costumes to conjure up the elegance of Ballroom at its best and the unmissable razzle dazzle of Broadway.

With music by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Jerry Herman & Andrew Lloyd Webber. Featuring classic hits You’re the Top, Anything Goes, Opus One, Rhythm of Life, Hushabye Mountain, Begin the Beguine and more!

The name’s Barry… John Barry. But this legendary British film composer was much more than just the man who gave a generation of James Bond themes style, swing and sexappeal. From the wide open spaces of Out of Africa to the soaring emotions of Born Free and Dances with Wolves, this concert celebrates some of the greatest movie music ever written – and savour again the sheer thrill of Goldfinger, From Russia With Love, Diamonds Are Forever, You Only Live Twice and many more. Expect silken strings, sassy brass and tunes that sound like a million dollars. With Classic FM’s Margherita Taylor as presenter, relax and enjoy... we have all the time in the world!

Lance Ellington guest singer Richard Balcombe conductor With world class ensemble dancers featuring Faye Huddleston and the Raymond Gubbay Big Band Orchestra

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

The Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band

Sunday 9 February 2.30pm £19.50, £25.50

Regarded by many as the best and most consistent public subscription band in the world, ‘Briggus’ was formed almost 130 years ago through public donations given by the townsfolk of the adjacent villages of Brighouse and Rastrick. A superb afternoon of entertainment beckons as this, possibly the country’s best loved, brass band join us for a matinee show playing a mixture of classical and popular favourites. New arrangements written for the band and some tremendous performances by the band’s principal soloists make this afternoon concert a celebration of all things brass!

A Fistful of Ukuleles

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

Tuesday 18 February 7.30pm £21, £27

In this show ‘The Ukes’ bring you a genre-crashing ride through popular music; a funny, virtuosic, twanging, awesome, foot-stomping obituary of rock and roll, and melodious light entertainment in a collision of post-punk performance and toetapping oldies. It is a rhythmic, joyous, thought-provoking journey through songs that

Family Concert

Magic Piano & The Chopin Shorts Sunday 23 February 2.30pm £10, £14 (£6 children)

Sing & Discover Movie Mania

Dinara Klinton piano

Saturday 15 February 7.30pm £14, £16, £16.50, £18.50, £19

Join Sing & Discover as they discover the world of movie music. They sing some of the best songs featured in some of the best films ever. Your favourite movie or favourite song is sure to appear in this show. This is your chance to dress up for the performance in big movie style! Steve Roberts is Musical Director, and the vocal coaches are Peter Wakefield, Richard Quarmby, Laura Taylor and Steve Roberts.

Kodo One Earth Tour: Legend

Wednesday 19 February 7.30pm £24.50, £27.50, £29.50, £35.50

Kodo One Earth Tour: Legend debuted in May 2012 and toured throughout Japan. On its USA tour in 2013, over 10,000 audience members came to watch the performances held in cities from Las Vegas to New York. Finally, this all new production travels to Europe and arrives here in Liverpool. Exploring the boundless potential of the ancient Japanese drum, the taiko, Japan’s most acclaimed performing arts group fuse traditional drumming with fresh global influences to create new musical expressions that are utterly unique in a spellbinding show of movement, music and drama.

Another production from Break Thru films who produced the Oscar-winning puppet animated film Peter and the Wolf, the delightful Magic Piano film (Shortlisted for Best Short Animation Academy Award) tells the story of young Anna and Chip-Chip, who embark on an adventure of

you’ve heard, songs you’ve forgotten, songs you’ve never heard, and songs you perhaps wish you hadn’t encountered, all transformed into a lively, headlong stream of transcendent sounds, musical delight and warm personality featuring only the ‘bonsai guitar’™ and a menagerie of voices. discovery aboard a magic, flying piano. The film is presented alongside The Chopin Shorts, four animated films with cute characters and slapstick humour. The Chopin Etudes that make up the soundtrack to both Magic Piano & The Chopin Shorts are performed live on stage by the wonderful young pianist Dinara Klinton. This is a wonderful opportunity for children of all ages to experience Chopin’s music alongside stunning animation.

Family & Variety | 17

In Harmony Liverpool Celebrating 5 Years

Tuesday 18 March 1pm Tickets are free (not available online) please call 0151 709 3789 (75p postage charge) or book in person at the Box Office at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

West Everton Children’s Orchestra and West Everton Super Strings, performing with musicians of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.West Everton Children’s Orchestra began in April 2009; one day after children had picked up an instrument for the first time. Just 12 weeks later, they performed for 600 friends and families at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. They now regularly perform to great

acclaim for audiences up to 1,000 people, and have performed at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall and Royal Festival Hall Clore Ballroom as part of a national In Harmony celebration. In Harmony is based at Faith School and all staff, including Head Teacher (double bass), teachers, school secretary and cook, learn an instrument alongside the children, strengthening relationships between child and teacher and developing the culture of the school as a learning community. Any child and young person living in West Everton can access the In Harmony programme, which currently includes children and young people from 7 primary schools and 5 secondary schools across the City.

70th Anniversary of D-Day Gala Concert Sunday 27 April 7.15pm £12, £17, £23, £25, £30

Family Concert

Saturday Afternoon at the Movies

Saturday 26 April 2.30pm £10, £14 (£6 children)

Richard Kaufman presenter Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Star Wars, Babe, Austin Powers, The Mighty Ducks… you’ve seen the movie, now hear the music! And if you enjoyed those great tunes in the cinema, just wait until you hear them played by the 80 musicians of the incredible Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. It’s the ultimate 3D experience, brought to you by Hollywood maestro Richard Kaufman and packed with hairraising thrills, catchy melodies, great stories and visuals from the films. So if you’ve bought your popcorn and found your seat… lights, camera, ACTION!

Compered by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Roger Phillips, celebrate the Anniversary of the ‘The End of the Beginning of the 2nd World War’ with onehundred and fifty voices of the D-Day Celebration Singers, British Champion of Champions Northop Silver Band, soloists, The White Cliffs of Dover Dancers, sound and lighting effects and a fantastic finale with representatives of our Armed Forces. The Programme will feature some of the best music evoking the 1940s including; The Great Escape, Wherever You Are (The Military Wives’ no.1 hit), A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, 633 Squadron, Battle Hymn of the Republic, Chattanooga choo choo, Dam Busters March and We’ll Meet Again plus many more. If you want to dress up in 1940s outfits or wear your battle dress and medals, please feel free to do so.

Gift Cards Liverpool Philharmonic Gift Cards are the perfect present for the music lover who has everything! Each card comes in a deluxe gift card holder with a space to write your message. Gift Cards are valid for all performances at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Available from Box Office, order online at www.liverpoolphil.com/giftcards or call 0151 709 3789

Choose from three different card designs and share the magic of Liverpool Philharmonic with your friends and family!

LEARNING

Lunchtime Learning

£15 per session, £40 per series of 3 sessions (Claimants/students £10 per session)

Image: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in rehearsal

Discover the Classics £15 per session (Claimants/students £10)

Discover the musical, social and historical stories behind the music, composers and artists from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2013-14 season. Discover the Classics sessions feature commentary by our host presenter, animated with short musical extracts performed by Liverpool Philharmonic musicians, plus opportunities for questions, discussion and fun, lively debate.

A great way to spend your Saturday mornings! Sessions take place on Saturdays from 11am to 1pm in the Rodewald Suite at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Tea and coffee is provided.

A Scouser Hero’s Life: Strauss Edition Saturday 18 January 11am

Does maestro Vasily Petrenko live ‘a hero’s life’? Jane Jones, presenter of Classic FM’s The Full Works Concerts and the Weekend Breakfast Show takes the Richard Strauss edition concerts as her starting point inspiration when she grills the honorary Scouse conductor about his love of the 20th century’s greatest musical picture painter.

All Points North Saturday 15 March 11am

Classic FM Creative Director and Breakfast Show host, Tim Lihoreau, interviews the composer and the conductor, Christian Lindberg. On the menu today are the stories of the Kalevala, the opera that never was, and the little piece of Norrköping, that will be forever… Peking.

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. Each event includes either a Lunchtime Concert performed by musicians of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra or the opportunity 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 comprise discussion, music activities and opportunities to socialise.

Tea and coffee is provided.

Lunchtime Concert Thursday 23 January 11.45am

String Sextets by Richard Strauss and Brahms – Performed by The Torchwood Ensemble, led by Joint Assistant Leader Rakhvinder Singh

Rehearsal Visit

Wednesday 26 February 12.45pm

Music by Rimsky-Korsakov, Panufnik and Richard Strauss – Vasily Petrenko conductor Vadim Repin violin Jonathan Aasgaard cello

Rehearsal Visit Friday 21 March 1.45pm

Music by Wilhelm Stenhammar, Rachmaninov and Sibelius – Christian Lindberg conductor Roland Pöntinen piano

Classical Music | 19

CLASSICAL MUSIC

Messiah

Saturday 11 January 7pm £17, £22, £29, £34, £40 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Handel Messiah – Ottavio Dantone conductor Lucy Crowe soprano Patrick Van Goethem countertenor Daniel Johannsen tenor Matthew Rose bass Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

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During 2014 the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Richard Strauss. Image: Vasily Petrenko Raymond Gubbay presents

Raymond Gubbay presents

New Year’s Day Prom

Johann Strauss Gala: A Viennese Party

Wednesday 1 January 2.30pm £17, £21.50, £24.50, £28.50, £33, £38

Ravel Bolero Sousa Liberty Bell March Strauss Die Fledermaus Overture Bizet Duet from The Pearl Fishers Mascagni Intermezzo from Cavelleria Rusticana Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Finale Elgar Nimrod Verdi La Donna e Mobile Rossini Largo al factotum Strauss Blue Danube Waltz Coates The Dambusters March ...and all your New Year’s Eve favourites Hornpipe, Rule, Britannia!, Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory, Nessun Dorma – John Pierce tenor Kevin Greenlaw baritone John Pryce-Jones conductor Manchester Concert Orchestra

Sunday 5 January 2.30pm £17, £23, £27.50, £29.50, £34

Messiah is one of those pieces that belongs to us all; it simply never gets any less fresh, less beautiful, or less stirring. And no-one knows how to make it dance like conductor Ottavio Dantone, the charismatic Italian baroque music expert who caused such a stir in Liverpool last season. Add the Choir, plus some of the liveliest soloists on the current scene, and this supreme classic should spring to life like never before. Hallelujah!

Johann Strauss Dancers in glorious costumes of the period and the Johann Strauss Orchestra Kristy Swift soprano

A Viennese romance starring irrepressible showman Rainer Hersch accompanied by dancers twirling and whirling in graceful union with billowing gowns and distinctive elegance. The programme includes all your favourite waltzes and polkas from the Strauss family and friends, including: Blue Danube Waltz, Radetsky March, Skater’s Waltz, Cuckoo Polka, Perpetuum Mobile, Roses from the South, Emperor Waltz, Il Bacio ‘The Kiss’, Vilja from the Merry Widow and Lucifer Polka.

All the fun of New Year’s Eve now on New Year’s Day in this special matinee performance to celebrate 2014 in style!

Henry E Rensburg Series

Beethoven’s Emperor

Thursday 16 January 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Hindemith Concert Music for Strings and Brass Op.50 Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5 ‘Emperor’ Brahms Symphony No.3 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Federico Colli piano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Sponsored by

‘Free but happy’ is the motto of Brahms’ Third Symphony, and it begins with all the exhilaration of a summer downpour. What comes next is one of the loveliest journeys in Romantic music, a world of rolling clouds, tender lullabies, and – at the end – a radiant sunset. Vasily Petrenko adores this music, and the Orchestra has been playing it since Brahms’ own lifetime. Let them weave its spell again, and enjoy a real Petrenko rediscovery: Hindemith’s bold and brassy Concert Music is a real showstopper from the Art Deco era. And the connection? A masterpiece that both Hindemith and Brahms knew and loved, Beethoven’s stirring ‘Emperor’ Concerto played by the spirited winner of the 2012 Leeds Piano Competition, Federico Colli.

Classic Intro 6.15pm Stephen Johnson talks about the programme. Stephen broadcasts frequently for BBC Radio 3, 4 and World Service and is the author of Bruckner Remembered and studies of Mahler and Wagner. He also presents BBC Radio 3’s Discovering Music and is a regular contributor to BBC Music Magazine.

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

20 Sunday Afternoon Classics

Concert Music

Sunday 19 January 2.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Hindemith Concert Music for Strings and Brass Op.50 Mozart Piano Concerto No.22 in E Flat, K482 Brahms Symphony No.3 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Nelly Akopian-Tamarina piano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

‘Free but happy’ is the motto of Johannes Brahms’ Third Symphony, and it begins with all the exhilaration of a summer downpour. What comes next is one of the loveliest journeys in Romantic music, a world of rolling clouds, tender lullabies, and – at the end – a radiant sunset. Vasily Petrenko adores this music, and the Orchestra has been playing it since Brahms’s own lifetime. Let them weave its spell again, and enjoy a real Petrenko rediscovery: Hindemith’s bold ‘n’ brassy Concert Music, a real showstopper from the Art Deco era. And the connection? A masterpiece that both Hindemith and Brahms knew and loved, Mozart’s majestic 22nd piano concerto, played today by a pianist with a lifetime of experience: the legendary Russian-born Nelly AkopianTamarina making her Liverpool debut.

A Hero’s Life

Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 January 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants Mozart Overture, Don Giovanni Elgar Enigma Variations Strauss Ein Heldenleben

Thursday 23 January 1.05pm £6

Strauss String Sextet from Capriccio Brahms String Sextet No.2 in G major – Rakhvinder Singh violin Paula Muldoon violin Catherine Marwood viola Robert Shepley viola Jonathan Aasgaard cello Alexander Holladay cello

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Sponsored by

Coffee Concerts

These are a series of informal concerts at midday lasting about an hour, featuring the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Enjoy a delightful combination of inspirational music and good company served with refreshments. The Orchestra will be in casual dress and the conductors will chat briefly about the works performed. These concerts take place from 12pm – 1pm (approx), preceded by complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits in the Grand Foyer Bar from 11am. A free programme is also included in the £15 ticket price. Why not visit Rubato, our Café Bar, for lunch afterwards? Clark Rundell conducts Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with Michel Camilo, piano – Friday 28 February 12pm £15

Torchwood Ensemble

What’s your idea of a hero? A great artist, vanquishing his critics and reaching for the stars? A bad boy heart-throb with a dangerous glint in his eye? Or just nextdoor’s pet bulldog? This concert has got them all, from Mozart’s dashing seducer to Elgar’s “friends pictured within” (including the four-legged variety). Vasily Petrenko brings a wonderful new energy to the Enigma Variations, before a super-sized Orchestra launches itself headfirst at Richard Strauss’s barnstorming Ein Heldenleben - in which the hero is (you guessed it) the composer himself. And he didn’t hold back: titanic battles, roof-raising triumphs and a steamy love-scene.

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Friday 31 January 12pm £15

Lunchtime Concert

Vasily Petrenko conductor James Clark violin Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Vasily Petrenko conducts Strauss’ Don Quixote with Jonathan Aasgaard, cello – Thursday 24 April 12pm £15

Richard Kaufman conducts the opening of Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra, Tchaikovsky’s Waltz from Sleeping Beauty and the second movement from Hanson’s Symphony No.3 In association with

Classical Music | 21 Henry E Rensburg Series

Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto Thursday 6 February 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Chamber Music

Emerson Quartet

Sunday 26 January 6.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Mozart String Quartet No.16 in E flat major, K428 Shostakovich String Quartet No.15 Beethoven String Quartet No.9, Op.59 No.3

One of the most respected names on the international scene, the Emerson Quartet is a byword for committed, authoritative artistry, coupled with the kind of ensemble playing that comes from a lifetime of shared music-making. This concert finds them pairing two of Mozart’s and Beethoven’s most far-reaching quartets with the more recent insights of Shostakovich’s haunted last quartet. Music of timeless power and relevance, played by some of its very greatest living interpreters: this concert is practically self-recommending.

Stravinsky The Song of the Nightingale Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.2 Brahms Symphony No.2 – Eivind Gullberg Jensen conductor Denis Kozhukhin piano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

There’s a good reason why Rachmaninov’s Second is Britain’s favourite piano concerto – and at this concert you’ll get far more than a brief encounter! Pianist Denis Kozhukhin comes from the same Russian tradition as Rachmaninov himself, and there’s no-one right now who’s better equipped to unleash the concerto’s fire – and feeling. He’ll be an inspirational partner for the Norwegian conductor Eivind Gullberg Jensen, who makes his Liverpool debut with Stravinsky’s flamboyant oriental fairytale before showing his own romantic credentials in Brahms’ expansive Second Symphony. Brahms never wrote anything lovelier than his Second: big, tuneful, and glowing with summer sunshine, it’s the perfect escape from a February night in Liverpool. Sponsored by

Rhapsody in Blue

Saturday 1 February 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Copland El Salón México Camilo Piano Concerto No.2 ‘Tenerife’ UK premiere

Ginastera Four Dance Episodes from Estancia Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue – Clark Rundell conductor Michel Camilo piano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Michel Camilo in a rare UK appearance, the Dominican-born composer, pianist and allround genre-crossing phenomenon, equally entertaining in jazz, classical or Latin music gives the first UK performance of his Tenerife concerto – before showing all his sensational keyboard skills in the work that won him a Latin Grammy, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Clark Rundell gets the party started with a shot of neat musical tequila: Copland’s El Salón México. Sponsored by

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Great Movie Themes

Valentine’s Classics

From the wide open spaces of Out of Africa to the soaring emotions of Born Free and Dances with Wolves, this concert we celebrates some of the greatest movie music ever written – and savour again the sheer thrill of Goldfinger, From Russia With Love, Diamonds Are Forever, You Only Live Twice and many more. See page 15 for details.

Chabrier España Bizet Carmen Suite Rodrigo Fantasía para un Gentilhombre* Falla The Three Cornered Hat, Suite No.1 Chabrier Habanera Ravel Boléro – Jaime Martin conductor Miloš Karadaglic guitar* Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 8 February 7.30pm £17, £22, £29, £34, £40 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Thursday 13 & Friday 14 February 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Chamber Music

Quartetto di Cremona Tuesday 11 February 7.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Friday 14 February sponsored by

This Valentine’s Day, give your special someone a treat they’ll never forget: a romantic break for two, as maestro Jaime Martin and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra sweep you to Spain. Eyes flash and passions rise; you can almost feel the warmth of the sun and smell the scent of orange blossom in Chabrier’s España and Bizet’s Carmen Suite. Guitarist Miloš Karadaglić – making his first Liverpool appearance – whispers sweet nothings in Rodrigo’s tender Fantasía para un Gentilhombre. And then we turn the temperature right up with Falla’s sultry Three Cornered Hat and classical music’s last word in slow-burn seduction: Ravel’s Boléro. A spectacular climax to an unforgettable day in the sun – and all without leaving Hope Street!

Paganini String Quartet No.1 in D minor Kreisler String Quartet in A minor Schubert String Quartet in D minor D810 ‘Death and the Maiden’

Cremona is the home of Stradivari, and the birthplace of the violin. So this lively young Italian quartet devotes the first half of their programme to two of the greatest violinists of all time. Kreisler was famous for his Viennese sweetness; Paganini, meanwhile, was supposed to have sold his soul to the devil! But each of them showed a very different side in their chamber music. And then the Quartetto turns to Schubert’s dark and dangerous Death and the Maiden – maybe the most popular string quartet in the entire repertoire.

The Creation

Saturday 22 February 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Lunchtime Concert

Victoria Sayles & Jack Liebeck, violins

Thursday 13 February 1.05pm £6

Mozart Duo for Two Violins Prokofiev Sonata for Two Violins Schnittke Moz-Art à la Haydn

A musical interlude to your busy day as the husband and wife team performs a special Valentine’s programme.

Haydn The Creation (sung in German) – Roland Böer conductor Jacquelyn Wagner soprano Ben Johnson tenor Florian Plock bass Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra ‘When I think of God, I can only write joyful music’ said Joseph Haydn. And music simply doesn’t get any more joyful than Haydn’s Creation. Inspired by Handel’s Messiah and written specially for British audiences, it’s two hours of sparkling wit, stirring choruses and bright-as-a-button melodies: complete with tigers, earthworms, hailstorms…and even the Big Bang itself! Operatic maestro Roland Böer makes a welcome return to Liverpool; he’ll bring out all the drama and fun, as the Orchestra, the Choir and a spirited team of soloists perform the only religious masterpiece guaranteed to send you home whistling the tunes! Sponsored by

Classical Music | 23

Fire and Ice

Petrenko’s Elgar

Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet, Fantasy Overture Sibelius Violin Concerto Strauss Don Quixote* – Vasily Petrenko conductor Vadim Repin violin Jonathan Aasgaard cello* Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Mahler Blumine Strauss Horn Concerto No.2 Elgar Symphony No.2 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Timothy Jackson horn Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Sunday 2 March 2.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Don Quixote

Thursday 27 February 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Rimsky-Korsakov Capriccio Espagnol Panufnik Violin Concerto Strauss Don Quixote* – Vasily Petrenko conductor Vadim Repin violin Jonathan Aasgaard cello* Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Richard Strauss claimed that he could depict even a knife and fork in music. So when he turned his imagination to the tale of Don Quixote, the results were… well, hear for yourself, as Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestra summon up sorcerers, knights, windmills and a whole flock of bleating sheep! It’s a musical shaggy-dog story with the warmest of hearts, and a great showcase for the Orchestra’s principal cello, Jonathan Aasgaard. First, though, Rimsky-Korsakov pops open the musical Cava, before we welcome a true living legend of the violin, as Vadim Repin makes his Liverpool debut in the sparky, songful concerto by the great Polish-turned-British composer, Andrzej Panufnik, whose centenary we celebrate. Classic Intro 6.15pm Stephen Johnson talks about the programme. Stephen broadcasts frequently for BBC Radio 3, 4 and World Service and is the author of Bruckner Remembered and studies of Mahler and Wagner. He also presents BBC Radio 3’s Discovering Music and is a regular contributor to BBC Music Magazine.

As part of the Strauss 150th anniversary celebrations Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestra perform one of Richard Strauss’ most famous and imaginative tone poems. Don Quixote depicts the hero of the famous Spanish novel, with the knightly character himself portrayed by the Orchestra’s very own Principal Cello Jonathan Aasgaard. The star-crossed lovers of Tchaikovsky’s ballet Romeo and Juliet open the concert, before we welcome multi-award winning Russian-born violinist Vadim Repin in his first visit to Liverpool with the ice and fire of Sibelius’ spectacular, atmospheric concerto. Serious fun – and real passion. Post Concert Discussion (Starts 15 minutes after the concert ends). Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko, violinist Vadim Repin, and Principal Cello Jonathan Aasgaard, answer your questions about the performance, in the Grand Foyer Bar.

STRAUSS E

Wednesday 5 & Thursday 6 March 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

‘Rarely, rarely, comest thou, Spirit of Delight!’ Edward Elgar headed his Second Symphony with a line from Shelley – and then launched it in a mighty surge of golden sound. So begins one of the richest, darkest, and most heartbreakingly beautiful journeys in all romantic music. Is this the greatest symphony ever written by an Englishman? Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestra will make a passionate case, and they set the mood with rarely-heard gems by two of Elgar’s greatest European admirers - Mahler and Richard Strauss.

STRAUSS E

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Lunchtime Concert

Abramski Trio

Thursday 6 March 1.05pm £6

Glinka Trio Pathétique William Hurlstone Trio in G minor Mendelssohn Concert Piece No.2 in D minor – Thomas Verity clarinet Rebekah Abramski bassoon Ron Abramski piano

STRAUSS E

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24 Henry E Rensburg Series

From the New World Liverpool Philharmonic

ARTISTS in RESIDENCE

Swedish composer, conductor and trombone legend Christian Lindberg (dubbed the ‘Paganini of the trombone’), is one of four Artists in Residence, new for the 2013/14 season. Lindberg has worked with practically every major orchestra and conductor in the world today. For a trombonist to achieve all this before turning 50 is, to say the least, remarkable. He now combines his position as Chief Conductor of the Arctic Symphony Orchestra with guest conducting the foremost international orchestras and working on composition commissions from international orchestras, ensembles and instrumentalists. Following his previous exhilarating performances in Liverpool, he returns this year as an Artist in Residence. Read more about his residency at liverpoolphil.com/artistsinresidence

Thursday 13 March 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Lindberg Peking Twilight Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story Dvořák Symphony No.9 ‘New World’ – Christian Lindberg conductor/trombone Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

You might have heard that Christian Lindberg is the world’s most sensational trombonist. But he’s also a brilliantly original composer, an inspiring conductor, and quite simply one of the most entertaining figures in classical music today. He’s always exploring new worlds. So what better way to launch his Residency with the Orchestra than with his gloriously refreshing take on a real Liverpool favourite – Dvořák’s New World Symphony? First, though, he sends up a volley of musical fireworks in Leonard Bernstein’s thrillingly physical West Side Story dances and the riotous fun of his own Peking Twilight. Hold onto your hats: Lindberg’s in town!

Classical Symphony

Sunday 16 March 2.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Prokofiev Symphony No.1 ‘Classical’ Falla El Amor Brujo Dvorak Symphony No.9 ‘New World’ – Christian Lindberg conductor/trombone Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony is a dazzling start to a concert that ends with Dvořák’s much-loved New World Symphony. And even though we all know that it’s so much more than the Hovis ad, just wait and see what happens when Lindberg’s electrical energy meets Dvořák’s glorious tunes. First, though – can a trombone really sing flamenco? When the trombonist is Christian Lindberg and the music is Falla’s El Amor Brujo, the answer is a resounding ‘¡Sí!’

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Post-concert Discussion (Starts 15 minutes after the concert) Conductor and Artist in Residence Christian Lindberg answers your questions about the concert in the Grand Foyer Bar.

Chamber Music

Los Bandidos

Saturday 15 March 7.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Lindberg Los Bandidos Schumann/Lindberg Fantasiestücke Scriabin Valse, Op. 38 Rachmaninov Mélodie Op.3, No.3 Mussorgsky (transcribed Rachmaninov) Hopak from Soronchintsky Fair Stravinsky/Lindberg Three movements from The Firebird Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition – Christian Lindberg trombone Roland Pöntinen piano

Here’s something you don’t hear every day: a trombonist playing chamber music. But then this is Christian Lindberg – conductor, composer, trombonist and self confessed “musical criminal”, joining forces with his compatriot and regular fellow -conspirator, pianist Roland Pöntinen, for a chamber programme that breaks all the rules. You might have heard Schumann’s Fantasy Pieces, Stravinsky’s The Firebird and Mussorgsky’s ever-popular Pictures at an Exhibition before but one thing’s for certain: you’ve never heard them sound quite like this.

Ensemble 10/10

Swedish Smorgasbord Tuesday 18 March 7.30pm The Epstein Theatre £10

Stravinsky Octet Jan Sandström Wahlberg Variations Lars Hollmer arr. Jarle G. Storløkken ‘Eyeliner’ Suite World Premiere Christian Lindberg Kundraan’s Karma Patrick Jones Unfurl World Premiere* – Christian Lindberg conductor/trombone

* From composer on the Sound and Music Portfolio scheme

Stravinsky wondered about rewriting Mozart… and then one night he had a dream. The Octet that resulted doesn’t sound much like Mozart, but then, Jan Sandstrom’s Wahlberg Variations don’t sound much like car crashes or apes either. And if Stravinsky was at the back of Christian Lindberg’s mind when he cooked up the devilish delights of his extraordinary Kundraan’s Karma, he’s not telling. After all, inspiration comes in many forms (and Lars Hollmer’s came from Swedish folk and rock music), when the most brilliant minds in modern music are quite simply having the time of their lives – and Lindberg himself is gleefully conducting, tromboning and storytelling? Total anarchy, under total control, breaks out.

Classical Music | 25

All Points North

Friday 21 March 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Wilhelm Stenhammar Excelsior! Op.13 Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Sibelius The Swan of Tuonela Sibelius Symphony N0.3 – Christian Lindberg conductor Roland Pöntinen piano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

When the piano whispers the opening of the 18th Variation of Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, it might just be the most romantic moment in any piano concerto, ever. In this grand finale to his Liverpool Residency, Christian Lindberg teams up with fellow-Swede Roland Pöntinen to offer an unmistakably personal take on this true romantic classic.

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra with Christian Lindberg

Sunday 23 March 2.30pm £9 adults/£6 under 25s £2 Liverpool Young Musician’s Pass

Humperdinck Overture from Hansel and Gretel Christian Lindberg Helikon Wasp* Sibelius Symphony No.2 – Dane Lam conductor Christian Lindberg trombone/director* Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra provides a platform bringing together the region’s best young musicians to make music, inspire one another and produce exhilarating performances at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Wednesday 2 & Thursday 3 April 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Ravel Rapsodie Espagnole Ravel Piano Concerto in G Puccini Capriccio Sinfonico Respighi Pines of Rome – Vasily Petrenko conductor Kirill Gerstein piano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Sunday 30 March 4pm £15 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Programme includes: Rachmaninov Ave Maria Eric Whitacre Lux Aurumque – Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir Simon Emery director Simón Bolívar National Youth Choir of Venezuela Lourdes Sánchez conductor

The Simón Bolívar National Youth Choir of Venezuela, part of the world-renowned El Sistema project who have wowed audiences world-wide, come to Liverpool for a special concert. Joining with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir, they will perform a mixture of European sacred and Venezuelan traditional pieces including Eric Whitacre’s Lux Aurumque and Rachmaninov’s masterpiece Ave Maria.

ATOS Trio

Saturday 5 April 7.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25 £7 under 25s/students/ claimants

Josef Suk Piano Trio in C minor, Op.2 Smetana Piano Trio in G minor, Op.15 Dvorák Piano Trio in F minor, Op.65

Grounded in the great German tradition, the ATOS Trio acknowledges no boundaries but the notes on the page. No matter how many international awards they win – and how often they’re compared to the Beaux Arts Trio – they remain true to the music they play and their own mission to communicate. Tonight’s programme finds them in Bohemia’s woods and meadows, with three very different, yet equally emotional, personal confessions from three great Czech masters; music to pierce the heart, delivered with a new urgency. Lunchtime Concert

All Points South

Simón Bolívar National Youth Choir of Venezuela

Chamber Music

Ravel sang the blues – and dreamt of the hot-blooded rhythms of his native Basque Country. Respighi took an enchanted musical tour of his adopted home city of Rome, where even the pine trees have a song to sing. And Puccini imagined what it might be like to write a symphony rather than an opera – but couldn’t help breaking out into exactly the sort of tunes you’d expect from the composer of La Bohème. Vasily Petrenko whisks us southwards – and after creating such a stir on his last visit, pianist Kirill Gerstein should make Ravel’s concerto sparkle and dance like never before. Thursday 3 April sponsored by

Miranda Playfair, violin Ian Buckle, piano Thursday 10 April 1.05pm £6

Mozart Sonata in E minor Schubert Fantasie in C major Henry E Rensburg Series

Song of the Earth

Thursday 10 April 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Mahler Adagio from Symphony No.10 Mahler Das Lied von der Erde – Vasily Petrenko conductor Helena Rasker alto / Toby Spence tenor Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Mahler knew that his end was near when he wrote Das Lied von der Erde, and he was savouring every minute that remained to him. The result was beyond beautiful. Das Lied is all about the sweetness and wonder of life, distilled into some of the most rapturous music Mahler ever wrote. Tragic, yes – depressing, never. Liverpool audiences already know what an incredible kinship Vasily Petrenko has with the music of Mahler, and this will be his very first Liverpool performance of Das Lied. Add a rare performance of the devastating first movement from the symphony Mahler never lived to complete, and this should be one of the unquestioned highlights of the season.

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Classic Intro 6.15pm 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? returns to Liverpool after his enthralling talk last year, to discuss Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde.

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Bach’s St John Passion

Wednesday 16 April 7pm £17, £22, £29, £34, £40 £7 under 25s/students/claimants Bach St John Passion

National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain

Thursday 17 April 7.30pm £8, £11, £14, £17, £20 (All seats £5 for under 25s)

Thomas Adès Asyla Richard Strauss Ein Heldenleben – National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain François-Xavier Roth conductor

Classical Music Goes to the Movies!

Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 April 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Strauss Also Sprach Zarathustra (opening) (2001: A Space Odyssey) Mozart Concerto for Clarinet in A Major K622, second movement (Out of Africa) Excerpts from Bizet’s Carmen (Babe, Flashdance, Meet the Parents) Hanson Symphony No.2, second movement (Alien) Tchaikovsky Waltz from Sleeping Beauty (Sleeping Beauty, A.I.) Elgar Pomp and Circumstance No.1, Op.39 (Austin Powers, A Clockwork Orange) – Richard Kaufman conductor Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Paul Agnew conductor Rachel Redmond soprano Callum Thorpe bass Reinoud Van Mechelen evangelist Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Filled with emotion, a survivor of great and terrible events tells his tale. As he sings of his friend’s betrayal and killing, a great chorus becomes a surging crowd, and even the listeners are drawn into a drama of overwhelming emotional power. For many listeners, Bach’s St John Passion is more like a Shakespearean tragedy than anything you’ll find in a hymn book. This is music that demands to be heard – and as a great baroque singer in his own right, conductor Paul Agnew understands it from the inside. He’s assembled a team of singers who share his insights, and together with the Choir, they’ll bring to life one of the most spiritual experiences in all music. Unleashing the passion and energy of classical music, the 165-strong National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain returns to Liverpool Philharmonic with two powerfully contrasting stories about standing out from the crowd – and getting lost in it. From tender brooding to fiery emotion, NYO brings its characteristic zeal and virtuosic dedication to Strauss’ romantic tone poem, Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life). In this highly-charged programme, the swagger and glorious instrumental storytelling of Strauss’ piece is juxtaposed with the turbulent world of Asyla, Thomas Ades’ dazzling contemporary work about the search for solace and refuge. Who better than NYO to present a pulsating energetic masterpiece filled with techno rhythms of the ‘90s clubbing scene?

You know that moment at the cinema when you realise that you’ve heard that tune before – but you can’t quite put your finger on it? Well, legendary Hollywood maestro Richard Kaufman reveals all, in the sensational 3D sound of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. You might think of the music of Elgar, Mozart, Strauss and Howard Hanson as the soundtracks to Austin Powers, Out of Africa, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Alien – but it all sounds just as fabulous when you hear it for real! Featuring music from A.I., Flashdance and Meet the Parents, and live visuals, this is a night at the pictures with a spectacular difference.

Post-concert Discussion (Starts 15 minutes after the concert) Conductor Richard Kaufman answers your questions in the Grand Foyer Bar.

The Michael Nyman Band Friday 25 April 7.30pm £22.50, £29.50, £35 See page 9 for details

Henry E Rensburg Series

Don Juan

Thursday 1 May 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Strauss Don Juan Prokofiev Violin Concerto No.2 Górecki Three Pieces in Old Style for String Orchestra Lutosławski Concerto for Orchestra – Michał Nesterowicz conductor Ray Chen violin Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Richard Strauss’s Don Juan is a breathtaking opener to a concert that climaxes with Lutosławski’s Concerto for Orchestra shooting joyful fireworks into the grey skies of post-war Poland. First, though, comes an even more brilliant celebration – as the 25-year-old violin star Ray Chen makes his Liverpool debut with the bittersweet songs and zingy dances of Prokofiev’s ever-popular Second Violin Concerto. Three beautiful miniatures from Lutosławski’s friend Górecki complete a memorable return visit for conductor Michał Nesterowicz. Sponsored by

Lunchtime Concert

Piano Duo

Thursday 15 May 1.05pm £6

Stravinsky Concerto for Two Pianos Mozart Sonata in D for Two Pianos K448 – Ian Buckle piano Richard Uttley piano

Classical Music | 27 Henry E Rensburg Series

Dream Team

Thursday 15 May 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

Concerto Winner

Sunday 11 May 7.30pm £9 £6 under 25s/£2 Liverpool Young Musician’s Pass Programme includes: Elliott Carter Pocahontas Suite John Adams The Chairman Dances Gershwin An American in Paris – Dane Lam conductor Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra concerto competition winner

Members of the Youth Orchestra will audition to become Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra concerto competition winner and for the opportunity to perform as soloist in this concert. Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra provides a platform bringing together the region’s best young musicians to make music, inspire one another and produce exhilarating performances at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Scriabin Reverie, Op.24 Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1 Prokofiev Symphony No.6 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Simon Trpc˘eski piano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

The Orchestra throws down the challenge. The piano takes centre stage – and Tchaikovsky begins the grandest of all Romantic piano concertos in the grandest possible style. ‘Both musicians are bursting with fire, and seem joined at the hip’ said one critic of the Petrenko / Trpčeski partnership – so imagine the electricity when they perform live, in a concert that opens with Scriabin’s dreamy Reverie and ends with the epic grandeur of Prokofiev’s shattering Sixth Symphony. If, like so many, you’ve been thrilled by Petrenko’s Shostakovich symphonies with the Orchestra, we think you’ll be knocked backwards by this tragic masterpiece from the darkest years of the Stalin era: music whose message never gets any less powerful. Sponsored by

ARTISTS in RESIDENCE

Sunday 18 May 2.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Brahms Piano Concerto No.2 Prokofiev Symphony No.6 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Rudolf Buchbinder piano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Friday 23 May 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36 £7 under 25s/students/claimants

Britten Welcome Ode, Op.95* Elgar In the South Stewart Copeland Percussion Concerto

Walton Belshazzar’s Feast!# – Vasily Petrenko conductor Mark Stone baritone# Neil Hitt, Graham Johns, Josephine Frieze, Henry Baldwin percussion Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir* Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir# Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra World Premiere

Post-concert Discussion (Starts 15 minutes after the concert) Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko and Artist in Residence Simon Trpčeski answer your questions. In the Grand Foyer Bar.

Liverpool Philharmonic

Petrenko’s Prokofiev

Bringing Down the House!

Artists in Residence Simon Trpčeski Macedonian pianist Simon Trpčeski is a Liverpool favourite whose recording of the Rachmaninov Piano Concertos Nos.2 and 3 with the Orchestra won the coveted Diapason d’Or de l’Année in France. He is one of four Artists in Residence, new for the 2013/14 season Read more about his residency at liverpoolphil.com/artistsinresidence

A horn calls softly in the distance; the piano sighs in response… it’s a magically romantic way to begin a great piano concerto. But Johannes Brahms knows exactly what he’s doing, and the great Austrian pianist Rudolf Buchbinder brings a lifetime of artistry to this loveliest of concertos. From tender opening to exuberant finish, you’ll never take a sunnier journey in the company of a grand piano and a symphony orchestra – or find a more powerful contrast to Prokofiev’s shattering Sixth Symphony.

In 1931 William Walton took a great northern choir and a massive symphony orchestra, added a couple of brass bands – and blew English choral music sky-high. Big, brassy and shamelessly savage, Belshazzar’s Feast shocked audiences back then, and it still knocks you backwards even today. Vasily Petrenko has got a few more surprises up his sleeve, from Britten’s joyous showcase for the brilliant Youth Choir, to a very un-English overture by Edward Elgar. And a world premiere: the first ever performance of a brand new percussion concerto by Stewart Copeland, former drummer of The Police. No question, the 13-14 Orchestra season is going out with a bang!

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SUMMER AT ST GEORGE’S HALL CONCERT ROOM Join the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in a new series of summertime concerts in the grand setting of the Concert Room at St George’s Hall. This splendidly intimate 480 seat venue has been described as ‘perhaps the finest example of early Victorian interior design’. Charles Dickens gave many readings on the stage as he considered it a perfect venue. Image: St George’s Hall Concert Room

Chamber Music

Summertime Strauss Tuesday 3 June 7.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25

Simon Trpc˘eski piano James Clark violin Jonathan Aasgaard cello

Mozart Symphony No.34 Richard Strauss Oboe Concerto Richard Strauss Ariadne auf Naxos; The Opera - Overture and Dance Scene Mozart Symphony No.40 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Jonathan Small oboe Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Join us for an early summer’s evening concert featuring the Orchestra’s own Principal Oboe, Jonathan Small in one of Richard Strauss’ last works, inspired by a visit from an American GI and oboist with the Pittsburgh Symphony, stationed in Bavaria after World War Two. This is paired with excerpts from the composer’s ravishing Ariadne auf Naxos.

The programme also includes Mozart’s Symphonies No.34 and No.40, arguably the most popular of all of Mozart’s forty-one symphonies, having one of the catchiest opening movements of any symphony.

Tuesday 10 June 7.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25 All Brahms Programme Cello Sonata No.2, Op.99 Violin Sonata No.2, Op.100 Piano Trio No.3, Op.101

Chamber Music

Simon Trpc˘eski piano

Saturday 7 June 7.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25

Ravel Valses Nobles et Sentimentales Poulenc Morceaux Brahms Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Handel, Op.24 Brahms Intermezzi, Op.117

There isn’t a pianist today quite like Simon Trpčeski. Combining a blinding technique with a deep sense of inner poetry, Trpčeski’s irrepressible musical personality shines through in everything he plays. His concerto partnership with Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestra has won global acclaim, but tonight comes a rare opportunity to hear him playing solo in Liverpool, with a programme that revels in the playfulness and sensuality of Poulenc and Ravel, before exploring some of the profoundest pages in all Romantic music: Brahms’ sublime late Intermezzi. Trpčeski will have something fresh and thoughtful to say in each of them. Liverpool Philharmonic

ARTISTS in RESIDENCE

Chamber music has been called “the music of friends” – and Simon Trpčeski has struck up a real musical friendship with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Today he teams up with two of their leading string players for a celebration of that relationship. They’ll play two of Brahms’s richest and most songful sonatas, one each for cello and violin – before joining forces in the magnificent and impassioned Third Piano Trio. Great music, played by artists who love it, in the exquisite surroundings of St George’s Hall: this is sure to be a high point of Simon Trpčeski’s Liverpool residency. Liverpool Philharmonic

ARTISTS in RESIDENCE

Classical Music | 29

Trpc˘eski plays Shostakovich

Cathedral Classics Liverpool Cathedral

Brahms String Quintet in G, Op.111 (for String Orchestra) Elgar Serenade for Strings in E minor, Op.20 Prokofiev Overture on Hebrew Themes Shostakovich Piano Concerto No.1 – Simon Trpc˘eski piano/director James Clark leader Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Programme to include: Mozart Ave Verum Corpus Vaughan Williams Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis Poulenc Organ Concerto Wagner Overture, Tannhäuser

Sunday 15 June 2.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25

Tuesday 17 June 7.30pm £21, £18

Good things come in small packages. We can’t squeeze the whole Orchestra into the beautiful Concert Room at St George’s Hall, but with Shostakovich’s brilliant First Piano Concerto we don’t need to! Brisk, irreverent and positively crackling with wit, this is Shostakovich at his irreverent best, played by a small team of Orchestra players under the direction of soloist Simon Trpčeski; a pianist who makes everything he plays spring to sparkling life. Liverpool Philharmonic

ARTISTS in RESIDENCE

Sunday 22 June 2.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25

Stravinsky Concerto in D for string orchestra Richard Strauss Metamorphosen Grieg Holberg Suite Dvor˘ák Serenade for Strings – James Clark violin/director String players of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Music for strings like you’ve never heard it before, with the extraordinary string players of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. We start with the neoclassical melodies of Stravinsky’s Concerto in D, completed in Hollywood in 1946, then experience the dense chromaticism and intricate counterpoint of Strauss’ Metamorphosen. The joie de vivre of Dvorák’s Serenade for Strings and Grieg’s Holberg Suite – a perennial favourite awash with charming melodies, complete this perfect Sunday afternoon programme.

Join us for summer music with a twist as Vasily Petrenko leads the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir in the magnificent setting of Liverpool Cathedral. Mozart’s soaring Ave Verum Corpus features and Liverpool favourite Ian Tracey will dazzle in Poulenc’s spectacular Organ Concerto. Also included will be Tallis’ haunting theme reworked in Vaughan Williams Fantasia and Wagner’s Overture to Tannhäuser - hear this sacred music played in the setting for which it was intended.

Following the one-hour performance, please join Vasily Petrenko and musicians from the Orchestra in the Well of the Cathedral where complimentary Pimms and soft drinks will be served.

Midweek Mozart

Wednesday 25 June 7.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25

Gounod Petite Symphonie in B flat for Wind Instruments Richard Strauss Sonatina No.1 in F Mozart Serenade No.10 in B flat major for Winds, ‘Gran Partita’, K361 (K370a) – Jonathan Small director Wind players of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Sunday Serenade

Vasily Petrenko conductor Ian Tracey organ Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Mozart’s Così fan tutte Co-production with the European Opera Centre Wednesday 9 July 7pm Friday 11 July 7pm Sunday 13 July 2.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25

Strauss began and ended his career with wind music, and his Sonatina was one of his final works, inspired by the music of Mozart whose ‘Gran Partita’, features in this programme. Also included is another work highly influenced by Mozart, Gounod’s superbly melodic Petite Symphonie, a symphonietta that is a tribute to the French wind instrument tradition.

Mozart’s masterpiece about love, loyalty and the battle of the sexes. – Singers from the European Opera Centre Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Laurent Pillot conductor Bernard Rozet director

Two young soldiers disguise their identities to test their lovers’ faithfulness in this work, a sublime and sometimes startling mix of hilarious farce and poignant drama. The opera features music of stunning beauty, from the calm before the storm of Soave sia il vento, the enchanting aria Un’aura amorosa to the heartbreaking Per pietà. The cast has been chosen by the European Opera Centre from some 500 singers who have auditioned across Europe for this production. Bernard Rozet, the French actor/director, presents his fourth production with this team in Liverpool. Sung in Italian with surtitles in English

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

FILM

Watching a film at Liverpool Philharmonic is a unique experience, the antidote to the multiplex. Rising out of the stage, accompanied by resident organist Dave Nicholas, the only working Walturdaw Cinema screen in the world. Image: The Butler

The Butler

Wednesday 15 January 7.30pm £6, £7

Director Lee Daniels 2013 132 mins Featuring Forest Whitaker, Vanessa Redgrave, Oprah Winfrey

Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker) was a hotel valet of such efficiency and discreteness in the 1950s that he becomes a butler in the White House itself. Cecil would serve numerous US Presidents as a passive witness of history as his family has troubles of its own. As his wife, Gloria (Oprah Winfrey), struggles with addiction and his defiant son strives for a just world, Cecil must decide whether he should take action in his own way. Contains moderate violence, disturbing images and one use of strong language

Saving Mr Banks

Thursday 30 January 7.30pm £6, £7

Director John Lee Hancock 2013 125 min Featuring Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell

doesn’t budge. It is only when he reaches into his own childhood that Walt discovers the truth about the ghosts that haunt her, and together they make one of the most endearing films in cinematic history. Contains scenes of emotional upset

Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) didn’t realise it would take 20 years to make the film of P.L. Travers’ (Emma Thompson) book Mary Poppins. In his quest to obtain the rights, Walt comes up against a curmudgeonly, uncompromising writer who has absolutely no intention of letting her beloved magical nanny get mauled by the Hollywood machine. But, as the books stop selling and money grows short, Travers reluctantly agrees to go to Los Angeles to hear Disney’s plans for the adaptation. For those two short weeks in 1961, Walt Disney pulls out all the stops. Armed with imaginative storyboards and chirpy songs from the talented Sherman brothers, Walt launches an all-out onslaught on P.L. Travers, but the prickly author

Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom Wednesday 12 February 7.30pm £6, £7

Director Justin Chadwick 2013 146 mins Featuring Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Terry Pheto

This is the chronicle of Nelson Mandela’s (Idris Elba) extraordinary journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his election as President of South Africa. It explores the Mandela unknown to most of the world - the lover of fancy cars, a ladies’ man, the boxing enthusiast and playboy, the skillful lawyer and freedom fighter. The film is an intimate portrait of the making of a modern icon.

Film | 31

The Railway Man

Friday 28 February 7.30pm £6, £7

TBC

Director Jonathan Teplitzky 2013 116 min Featuring Nicole Kidman, Stellan Skarsgård, Colin Firth

Eric Lomax (Colin Firth) was one of thousands of allied prisoners of war forced to work on the construction of the Thai/Burma railway during World War Two. His experiences, after the secret radio he built to bring news and hope to his colleagues was discovered, left him traumatised. Years later, he met Patti (Nicole Kidman), a beautiful woman, on a train and fell in love. Patti was determined to rid Eric of his demons. Discovering that the young Japanese officer who haunted her husband was still alive, she faced a terrible decision. Should Eric be given a chance to confront his tormentor? Would she stand by him, whatever he did?

The Invisible Woman Wednesday 9 April 7.30pm £6, £7

TBC

Director Ralph Fiennes 2013 111 mins Featuring Ralph Fiennes, Felicity Jones, Kristin Scott Thomas

August: Osage County

Tuesday 18 March 7.30pm £6, £7

Nelly (Felicity Jones), a happily married mother and school teacher, is haunted by her past. Her memories take us back in time to follow the story of her relationship with Charles Dickens (Ralph Fiennes) with whom she discovered an exciting but fragile complicity. As Nelly becomes the focus of Dickens’ passion and his muse, for both of them secrecy is the price, and for Nelly a life of ‘invisibility’. Directed by and starring Ralph Fiennes with a fabulous performance from rising talent Felicity Jones, the film is based on the book by Claire Tomalin.

TBC

Director John Wells 2013 running time tbc Featuring Meryl Streep, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ewan McGregor, Julia Roberts

A look at the lives of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose paths have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Oklahoma house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them.

Public vote: The last ever 35mm film at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Wednesday 30 April 7.30pm Tickets for this special screening are only £3 (stalls and circle) and £4 (box seats). Director You decide! Year of release You decide! Running time You decide! Featuring You decide!

movie you would like to say goodbye to 35mm film with. Choose from six recent films that have phenomenally popular at Liverpool Philharmonic; Les Miserables, The King’s Speech, The Great Gatsby, Quartet, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and War Horse. Voting closes on Sunday 30 March. The film with the most votes will of course be screened.

As part of our £12m refurbishment, commencing in May, we are moving over to digital projection, so when we reopen we’ll be able to bring you an even better film choice and experience. This will be our last ever 35mm film presentation, truly the end of an era. To mark this occasion visit www.liverpoolphil.com/film to vote for the Booking fees Online/Phone Orders £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required). In Person No fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% transaction fee. Cheque orders are subject to a 70p per order charge.

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

COMEDY & SPOKEN WORD

Image: Russell Kane

An Evening with Boycott & Aggers

Saturday 25 January 7.30pm £21, £27

Direct from Australia and the Ashes series Britain’s most popular cricket commentators meet live on stage. Sir Geoffrey Boycott, England’s brilliant opening batsman and outspoken critic of the game is a controversial character who divides the cricket world. BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew learnt his craft under the tutelage of Brian Johnston and has emerged from the notoriety of the gloriously funny ‘leg over’ incident to become one of the country’s finest commentators

T OU

Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 March 8pm £25, £29.50

LD SO

Sarah Millican: Home Bird

Sarah Millican, star of Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and if. comedy Best Newcomer, with her new show. Ever wondered how to make a homemade treadmill? The practicalities of an orgy? Or what to do when you don’t like parties but do like party food? Wonder no more. If your glass is half full, she’ll top it up. The sweet and filthy Geordie’s stand-up show promises jokes about life, love and all that’s in between.

and interviewers. He and Geoffrey have a unique on-air relationship which led Wisden to christen them ‘the Lennon and McCartney of cricket broadcasting’ when they were voted Britain’s most popular cricket commentators.

Sir Geoffrey talks frankly with Jonathan about his career and the pair debate hot topics from the Ashes series to Boycott’s views on modern cricketers. There will be an opportunity for the audience to ask their own questions too.

In support of The Professional Cricketers’ Association Benevolent Fund (£1 from each ticket will go to this Fund).

Russell Kane Smallness

Monday 21 April 8pm £17.50, £23.50

Following his criticallyacclaimed Posturing Delivery UK tour, star of BBC Three’s Unzipped and Live at the Electric, Russell Kane ponders whether size really matters in his new live show. Or the bigger life gets, the greater the importance of smallness… ‘Extremely funny, poignant and fuelled by real intelligence and passion’ Time Out

Venue Information | 33

SEATING PLAN

You can also see the view from your seat on our seating plan at liverpoolphil.com/planyourvisit

How To Book Book now at liverpoolphil.com

Book anytime at www.liverpoolphil.com In person at the counter at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BP By post Box Office, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BP By telephone 0151 709 3789 By facsimile 0151 210 2902 see liverpoolphil.com/tickets for terms and conditions.

Box Office Opening Times Monday to Saturday 9.30am (telephone) and 10am (at counter) to 5.30pm. And for counter bookings up to 15 minutes after the start of the performance on concert nights (excluding After 8 concerts in the Rodewald Suite). Sunday 12noon – 5pm for telephone bookings only when there is no concert, and for counter bookings from 5.30pm on concert nights.

All major credit cards accepted (and are subject to a booking fee) Mastercard/Visa/Switch/Delta. We do not accept AMEX. Please make cheques payable to ‘RLPS’.

Box Office Arrangements During the Refurbishment

From 23 May until late October Liverpool Philharmonic Hall will be closed for refurbishment. During this period we will provide alternative Box Office arrangements. This will be adjacent to the Hall and you will be able to come discuss your booking requirements with our staff as now.

The Box Office telephone number and online booking will be unaffected.

Book now at liverpoolphil.com

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A large print version of this brochure is available by calling 0151 210 2895.

Please let the Box Office know of your specific requirements when booking so we can help you to make best use of our facilities.

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Most of our facilities are fully accessible for wheelchair users, although access to the Circle is via stairs. An infra-red hearing system is available. For full information on accessibility, please visit liverpoolphil.com/ accessibility

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Cheques Orders paid by cheque are subject to a 70p per order charge.

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In Person No fees for payment by cash or debit card. Credit card orders incur a 2% fee.

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Online & Phone A £1.50 per ticket administrative fee applies + 75p per order postage fee (if required).

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Plan Your Visit

For full booking information, directions and terms & conditions please visit liverpoolphil.com/ planyourvisit

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38 Sat

DIARY

Sun

22 23

Mon 24

Wed 26 Thu Fri

January Wed 1

2.30pm

New Year’s Day Prom

P19

2.30pm

RLPO: Pirates of the Caribbean

P15 P15

7pm

Johann Strauss Gala: A Viennese Party P19

Fri

7.30pm

Sun

2.30pm

RLPO: Pirates of the Caribbean

7.30pm

RLPO: Messiah

P19

7.30pm

Film: The Butler

P30

7.30pm

RLPO: Beethoven’s Emperor

P19

11am

Paul Carrack

Discover the Classics: A Scouser...

P18

7.30pm

RLPO: Concert Music

P20

RLPO: A Hero’s Life

P20

Sat Sat

4 11

Wed 15 Thu Fri

Sat

Sun

18 19

Wed 22 Thu

Thu

Thu Fri Fri

Sat

Sun Sun Tue

Thu Thu Fri

23 24 24 25

26 26

30 30

2.30pm

11.45am Lunchtime Learning: Lunchtime... 1.05pm

P18

7.30pm

Lunchtime Concert: Torchwood...

P20

RLPO: A Hero’s Life

P20

8pm

The Sensational 60s Experience

After 8: Ian McMillan’s Gruff Guide...

P11

6.30pm

An Evening with Boycott & Aggers

P32

Chamber Music: Emerson Quartet*

P21

7.30pm

Bobby Womack

2pm

Anton Du Beke Ballroom To Broadway

P15

7.30pm

League of Welldoers New Year’s...

P15

12pm

Film: Saving Mr Banks

P30

RLPO: Coffee Concert

P20

7.30pm

7.30pm 7.30pm

Sun Sun Tue

2 2

Wed 5 Thu Thu Fri

Sat Sat

Sun Tue Tue

6 6

8 8 9

11 11

Wed 12 Thu Thu Fri

Sat Sat

13 13

14 15 15

Mon 17 Tue

Wed 19 Wed 19 Thu

7.30pm 7pm

RLPO: Rhapsody in Blue

7.30pm

P21

8pm

The Big Chris Barber Band & Mr.Acker... P4 After 8: Womenfolk

P11

8pm

Transatlantic Sessions

Kraftwerk Uncovered - A Future Past

8pm

RLPO: Rachmaninov’s Second Piano... P21 After 8: My Darling Clementine

P11

7.30pm

The Classic Rock Show

8pm

RLPO: Great Movie Themes

P15

2.30pm

After 8: Paul Lamb & Chad Strentz

P12

7.30pm

The Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band P16

7.30pm

David Gest’s Legends of Soul Live

1.05pm

Film: Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom P30

7.30pm

7.30pm 7.30pm

7.30pm

Chamber Music: Quartetto di Cremona* P22

7.30pm

Lunchtime Concert: Victoria Sayles...

P22

RLPO: Valentine’s Classics

P22

7.30pm

RLPO: Valentine’s Classics

P22

8pm

Sing & Discover Movie Mania

P16

7.30pm

After 8: Henry Priestman

P12

7.30pm

Beth Nielsen Chapman

8pm

7.30pm

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain P16 Kodo - One Earth Tour: Legend

P16

8pm

After 8: Éamonn Coyne & Kris Drever

P12

Shane Filan

28 28

March Sat

Sun

Wed 5 Thu Thu Fri Fri

Sat Sat

Sun

6 6

7 7

8 8 9

Mon 10 Wed 12 Thu

2.30pm 7.30pm

RLPO: The Creation

P22

Family Concert: Magic Piano & The...

P16

Richard & Adam

12.45pm Lunchtime Learning: Rehearsal Visit 7.30pm

P18

RLPO: Don Quixote

P23

RLPO: Coffee Concert

P20

Film: The Railway Man

P30

2.30pm

Ultimate Rhythm & Blues

7.30pm

RLPO: Fire and Ice

P23

1.05pm

RLPO: Petrenko’s Elgar

P23

7.30pm

Lunchtime Concert: Abramski Trio

P23

7.30pm

RLPO: Petrenko’s Elgar

P23

8pm

Rat Pack Live

7.30pm

After 8: Dar Williams

P13

7.30pm

Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac

8pm

Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker...* P7

7.30pm

After 8: Tony McManus

P13

8pm

The Overtones

7.30pm

After 8: Miles Hunt & Erica Nockalls

P13

RLPO: From the New World

P24

7.30pm

Discover the Classics: All Points North P18

12pm

7.30pm 7.30pm

Sat

11am

Sat

8pm

Chamber Music: Los Bandidos*

P24

8pm

After 8: Eduardo Niebla

P13

2.30pm

Sarah Millican: Home Bird

P32

8pm

RLPO: Classical Symphony

P24

8pm

Sarah Millican: Home Bird

P32

1pm

After 8: Eduardo Niebla

P13

7.30pm

In Harmony Liverpool 5th Birthday...

P17

7.30pm

Film: August Osage County

P31

7.30pm

Ensemble 10/10: Swedish...***

P24

1.45pm

Mary Black & Clannad

7.30pm

Lunchtime Learning

P18

7.30pm

RLPO: All Points North

P25

8pm

Tom Paxton & Janis Ian...

2.30pm

After 8: Will Pound Band

P14

8pm

LPYO with Christian Lindberg

P25

After 8: Rachel Sermanni

P14

7.30pm

After 8: Indeterminacy by John Cage... P14

4pm

Sat Sat

Sun Sun Sun Tue Tue

February Sat

Fri

7.30pm

Tue

15 15

16 16 16

18 18 18

Wed 19 Fri Fri

Sat Sat

Sun Sun

21 21

22 22 23 23

Fri

8pm

Sat

8pm

Jack Bruce and his Big Bluesband...

After 8: Connie Lush

P14

7.30pm

Simón Bolívar National Youth Choir...

P25

Russell Watson

8pm

RLPO: All Points South

P25

7.30pm

After 8: Ian Prowse

P14

7.30pm

RLPO: All Points South

P25

8pm

The Music of Ian Broudie...

7.30pm

After 8: Watch This Space: the Final...

P14

7.30pm

Chamber Music: ATOS Trio*

P25

7.30pm

A Life In Song: Lyrics By Don Black

1.05pm

Film: The Invisible Woman

P31

Sat Sun

Mon 31

April

Wed 2 Wed 2 Thu Fri Fri

Sat

Sun

4 4 5

Wed 9 Thu

7.30pm

Lunchtime Concert: Miranda Playfair... P25

Diary | 39 Thu

Wed 16 Thu Sat

Mon 21

Wed 23 Thu Thu Fri

Sat

Sun

24 24

26 27

Wed 30

May Thu Fri

Sun

Mon 5 Fri

Sat

Sun

10 11

Mon 12 Thu

Sun

Thu Fri

June Tue

7.30pm

RLPO: Song of the Earth

P25

7.30pm

RLPO: Bach’s St John Passion

P26

National Youth Orchestra of Great...

P26

8pm

The Solid Silver 60s

Russell Kane Smallness

P32

12pm

RLPO: Classical Music Goes to the...

P26

RLPO: Coffee Concert

P20

7.30pm

RLPO: Classical Music Goes to the...

P26

2.30pm

The Michael Nyman Band

7.30pm

70th Anniversary of D Day

P17

Film: Last Ever 35mm Film...

P31

7pm

7.30pm

7.30pm 7.30pm

7.30pm

Family Concert: Saturday Afternoon... P17

RLPO: Don Juan

P26

7.30pm

Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson

8pm

The Seekers 50th Anniversary Tour

8pm

Elvis Presley - On Stage

7.30pm

Rick Wakeman’s Journey To...

P10

7.30pm

Michael Bolton Plus special guests

P10

7.30pm

LPYO: Concerto Winner

P27

1.05pm

Don Williams

P10

7.30pm

Lunchtime Concert: Piano Duo

P26

RLPO: Dream Team

P27

7.30pm

RLPO: Petrenko’s Prokofiev

P27

RLPO: Bringing Down the House!

P27

RLPO: Summertime Strauss*

P28

7.30pm

2.30pm

7.30pm

Sat

7.30pm

Sun

7.30pm

Chamber Music: Simon Trpceski piano* P28

2.30pm

Chamber Music: Simon Trpceski...*

P28

7.30pm

RLPO: Trpceski plays Shostakovich*

P29

RLPO: Cathedral Classics**

P29

7.30pm

Sunday Serenade*

P29

Midweek Mozart*

P29

Mozart’s Così fan tutte*

P29

Mozart’s Così fan tutte*

P29

Mozart’s Così fan tutte*

P29

Tue Tue

Sun

10 17

Wed 25

July

Wed 9 Fri

Sun

Key * ** ***

2.30pm

7pm

2.30pm

Good home-cooked food all day. Main meals, snacks, teas, coffees and cakes. Wide selection of alcoholic drinks and soft drinks.

A relaxed and convenient alternative to the Grand Foyer Bar.

Open 11am-4pm Monday to Friday and from 5pm every concert night.

Rubato will be closed from 23 May 2014 for the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall refurbishment.

St George’s Hall Concert Room Liverpool Cathedral The Epstein Theatre

Book now at liverpoolphil.com