January-April 2012 What's On Guide by Liverpool Philharmonic

What’s on at Liverpool Philharmonic

Featuring Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends Joan Baez Matt Cardle Curtis Stigers Tinariwen

January — April 2012 Box Office liverpoolphil.com 0151 709 3789

Contents Contemporary Music Pages 01 – 09 After 8 Pages 10 – 12 Family and Variety Pages 13 – 15 Learning Pages 16 – 18 Classical Music Pages 19 – 30 Comedy Pages 31 – 32 Film Pages 33 – 35 Venue Information Pages 37 – 40 Diary & Booking Page 48

Please note, programme is correct at time of print. For the most up to date information visit liverpoolphil.com Designed by smilingwolf.co.uk

Contemporary Music

Contemporary Music Image Katherine Jenkins Page 01

The Classic Rock Show Tuesday 24 January 8pm £20, £26, £30

Katherine Jenkins

Some of the finest musicians around perform an amazing mix of selected album tracks from the ten best selling rock albums of all time. Featuring highlights from, The Eagles - Greatest Hits, Led Zeppelin - IV, Fleetwood Mac - Rumours, Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms, Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall, Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run, AC/DC - Back In Black and Meat Loaf - Bat out of Hell... plus songs from Jimi Hendrix, Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Who. Two and a half hours of classic rock’s best moments.

T OU

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LD SO

This concert coincides with the release of Jenkins’ latest album, Daydream, capturing what audiences love about her – her astonishing vocal range, championing of great songs, and willing to test new Wednesday 25 January 7.30pm ground. Stand out tracks on the album include the £27.50, £37.50, £47.50, stunning Break It To My Heart, a deeply moving £65, £75 interpretation of the Celtic classic Black Is The Colour, I Dreamed A Dream from Les Misérables rarely performed in French and a brand new arrangement of Ave Maria. She will also perform some of her bestknown songs including tracks from her debut album Premiere through to her best-selling album Believe.

Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac Thursday 26 January 7.30pm £22.50, £28.50 ‘A stunning and emotive snapshot of the World’s first Super Group - stunning’ Sunday Times ‘An extraordinary emotive performance’ Mick Fleetwood

Straight No Chaser Monday 13 February 7.30pm £20, £26

Paul Carrack Friday 17 February 7.30pm £27.50, £33.50

The Love Tour

Lee Mead Friday 24 February 7.30pm £22.50, £29.50

The ultimate tribute to one of rock n roll’s most remarkable stories. This brilliant live anthology of all the crucial moments in the band’s eventful evolution has received Mick Fleetwood’s golden seal of approval no less: A must-see for any discerning disciple of this most iconic of rock institutions. Replicating perfectly the power and subtlety of Fleetwood Mac at 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.

Straight No Chaser are reinventing the notion of a cappella singing. They have a massive fanbase, over 20 million views on YouTube, numerous national TV appearances and proven chart success. In an era when so much pop music is the product of digital processing Straight No Chaser is the real deal - the captivating sound of ten unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music. The Sheffield-born singer, songwriter and former front man of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics returns following the success of his 2010 album A Different Hat. With a back catalogue of hits including Tempted, How Long? and The Living Years, Carrack’s marvellously soulful voice is known to millions around the world. He is undoubtedly a key figure in British pop history. Star of the West End (Legally Blonde, Wicked and Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat) and BBC One’s Any Dream Will Do, Mead and his band perform a collection of love songs and fabulous hits from his new album including Any Dream Will Do, I Believe, When I Fall In Love (It Will Be Forever), Falling Slowly, Your Song, Fix You, Close Every Door, She, If I Can Dream and Anthem (from Chess).

Contemporary Music

Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker & John Doyle Friday 24 February 7.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £16 ‘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

Nick Lowe plus support Geraint Watkins Saturday 25 February 7.30pm £21.50, £27.50

A rare chance to see three of the finest Celtic musicians share a stage together after their BBC acclaimed, Transatlantic Sessions 2011 appearance. 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, McGoldrick has toured with Mark Knopfler, The Afro Celts, RTE Orchestra and Kate Rusby, and is a previous BBC Radio 2 Folk Musician of the 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 11 years 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. As the co-founder and producer at Stiff Records, Lowe created the blueprint for the modern indie rock label, and helped usher in British punk and new wave, helming historic recordings including New Rose by The Damned - widely accepted as the first ever indie single. Perhaps best known for his songs (I Love The Sound of) Breaking Glass, (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, And Understanding and Cruel to Be Kind, Lowe’s celebrated music career has stretched for over 40 years. He has just released The Old Magic, his first new album in over four years.

Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends Sunday 26 February 7.30pm £19.50, £25.50

After their success at the 2011 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, the ‘shanty men’ of the west country bring their rousing and joyful set of songs and Cornish folk to Liverpool. The authentic sound of the shanty can be heard loud and clear via the mighty, brawny chorale of The Fisherman’s Friends. Between them, they are five baritones, two top tenors, two second tenors, and one bass, it makes a fat sound, a solid wall of sound. They have delighted visitors and locals in Port Isaac for more than 15 years, and now you too can experience their live performance.

An Evening with

Since her debut at the 1959 Newport Folk Festival Baez remains a musical force of nature whose influence is incalculable - marching on the front line of the civil rights movement with Martin Luther King, singing on the first Amnesty International tour, standing alongside Nelson Mandela when the world celebrated his 90th birthday. Her earliest recordings fed a host of traditional ballads into the rock vernacular, before she introduced Bob Dylan to the world in 1963 and focused awareness on songwriters ranging from Woody Guthrie, Phil Ochs, and Tim Hardin, to Kris Kristofferson to Steve Earle and many more.

Joan Baez Friday 2 March 7.30pm £35, £39.50, £45.50 ‘Simply astounding’ Sunday Times

Contemporary Music

Tommy Fleming Sunday 11 March 7.30pm £29, £23, £20 ‘The success of this particular concert was Tommy’s classic interpretation of The Leaving of Liverpool and The Auld triangle had the audience on its feet’ The New York Times

The Solid Silver 60s Show Tuesday 13 March 7.30pm £23, £25, £30

Matt Cardle Plus special guests Wednesday 14 March 7.30pm £26.50, £31.50

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Born in Aclare Co. Sligo, multi-Platinum selling singer Tommy Fleming has many times been described as the ‘Voice of Ireland’ and is one of the country’s top entertainers. Famous for his own arrangements of Irish songs including Danny Boy, Isle of Innisfree and Hard Times, all songs that you know and love but you have never heard them until you hear Fleming’s versions, he also covers contemporary classics like Bridge Over Troubled Water and From a Distance. A Tommy Fleming concert is a musical experience with one haunting song after another.

They say that if you remember the 60s you weren’t there! Fill that gap in your memory with this show and relive the 60s with original artists singing their greatest hits. Now in its 27th year the show features the unforgettable talents of Peter Noone - I’m into Something Good, No Milk Today, Chris Montez Let’s Dance, The More I See You, Brian Hyland Ginny Come Lately, Sealed with a Kiss with Brian Poole - Silence is Golden, Here Comes My Baby and all backed by Vanity Fare. Hear the classic hits performed by the original hit-makers.

When X-Factor 2010 winner Matt Cardle turned up for his first audition on THAT show just over 18 months ago, little did he know the mind-numbing shifts in plastic factories or grueling labour on building sites would soon be a thing of the past. The hard graft hasn’t stopped though. Over the last four months he has been studiously writing and recording his debut album Letters and he has created something special, Cardle has come up with a combination of music and lyrics far beyond the expectations of any chart debutant. Don’t miss your chance to see him performing his new material live.

50th Anniversary Tour

The Dubliners Monday 19 March 7.30pm £18.50, £20, £26

An Appointment With

The Waterboys Saturday 24 March 8pm £25, £28.50, £33.50

The Dubliners were one of the first groups to revive Irish traditional music in the 60s, and are still going strong. Their concerts have been attended over the years by U2, James Galway, Kate Bush, UB40, Van Morrison and millions of fans world-wide. The band’s contribution to Irish folk music is unparalleled. Over an incredible 50 year career they have remained an exceptional talent as musicians and entertainers. A consistently adventurous and truly unfettered band. From early post-punk beginnings to the imperious ‘Big Music’ of A Pagan Place and This Is The Sea; from the hugely influential blend of Celtic folk, gospel, country and rock heard on Fisherman’s Blues to the band’s most recent offerings, Book Of Lightning and An Appointment With Mr Yeats, Mike Scott has endeavored to make The Waterboys a fluid conduit for his ceaselessly questing creative spirit. Expect songs from every era of the band’s fascinating career as well as selections from An Appointment With Mr Yeats.

An Evening with

Curtis Stigers Tuesday 27 March 7.30pm £19.50, £22.50, £28.50 ‘An exuberant combination of artistry and raw emotion’ The Times

Curtis Stigers shot to international fame with hits I Wonder Why and You’re All That Matters To Me. Curtis has been celebrated for a surprisingly wide variety of impressive accomplishments; from his early pop chart success with several self-penned, top-ten singles and hit albums and an appearance on the soundtrack to The Bodyguard, one of the biggest selling albums of all time. With one of the most distinctive singing voices of today, he returns to showcase material from his new CD and perform his hit songs.

Contemporary Music

The Very Best of

Gilbert O’Sullivan Thursday 5 April 7.30pm £20, £25, £31

Christy Moore With Declan Sinnott Saturday 7 April 8pm £30, £32.50, £37.50

The Osmonds Up Close and Personal - The Final Tour Tuesday 10 April 7.30pm £27.50, £29.50, £35.50, £95

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This ‘Very Best of’ concert showcases O’Sullivan’s tremendous musical abilities and all the hits from the early 70s right through to 2012. Joined on stage by his amazing eleven piece band and a string quartet, he presents a stunning two hour performance to coincide with the release of The Very Best of Gilbert O’Sullivan. The album includes the biggest hits such as Nothing Rhymed, Clair, Alone Again (Naturally), Get Down and Why, Oh Why, Oh Why.

With a successful recording career spanning over 35 years, Moore is one of contemporary Irish music’s best-loved singer/songwriters. His stature and influence in Irish roots music is unparalleled. Starting life out as a founder of 70s folk band Planxty and then Moving Hearts in the 80s, Moore is now best-known as a solo folk singer/songwriter, guitarist and bodhran player. He adds elements of rock and popular music to his well-crafted, tradition-based tunes and has been a major inspiration to modern Irish artists from U2, through Sinead O’Connor to The Pogues.

For over five decades The Osmond Brothers have been entertaining the world. This final tour will take fans on a journey through their many unforgettable hits from classics such as Down By The Lazy River, Let Me In and Love Me For A Reason to Crazy Horses and Long Haired Lover From Liverpool - the 1972 number one from Jimmy, who has more recently appeared in the West End in Grease and Chicago.

Tinariwen

Tinariwen are the kings and queens of ‘Assouf ’ (guitar poetry from the southern Sahara Desert). Founding Wednesday 11 April 7.30pm members spent the 1980s holed-up in Libyan military £18.50, £24.50 camps dreaming of dignity and self-determination ‘A brilliant live band who have for their people, the Kel Tamashek. Their rolling yearning grooves and uncompromising messages of deservedly built up an freedom, distilled over twenty years of rebellion, have international following for earned them two BBC World Music Award nominations, their infectious, pounding fusion of desert blues and the countless accolades, the attention of high-profile fans styles of the nomadic Tuareg such as Robert Plant, Santana, The Edge and Thom Yorke, and the enduring respect of their own people. people of the Sahara’ Their newest album Tassili features collaborations The Guardian with TV On The Radio and Nels Cline of Wilco, and was album of the week in The Sunday Times and album of the month in both MOJO and Uncut magazines.

The Hollies 50 Years On Friday 13 April 7.30pm £23, £29

Along with the Beatles and the Stones, The Hollies helped shape the world of Pop and Rock as we know it today. No support act is needed as they perform their classics - The Air That I Breathe, Bus Stop, Carrie Anne, Just One Look, He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother and much more from their 50 year career.

Contemporary Music

Halfway to Paradise

On what would have been his 72nd birthday, join Billy’s own band Furys’ Tornados, re-playing live his timeless twenty nine hit records - Last Night Was Made For Love, Wondrous Place, I Will, Jealousy, Halfway To Paradise and many more. Set to a giant Tuesday 17 April 7.30pm moving nostalgic backdrop of this magical era and £19.50, £25.50 including personal film footage of Billy and the band playing live. Add the beautiful voice of Colin Gold ‘A precise and accurate time machine - A great 60s night out’ and you have a night blessed by heaven. The Stage

The Billy Fury Story

Ian Anderson Wednesday 18 April 7.30pm £25.50, £28.50, £34.50

Don Williams Tuesday 24 April 7.30pm £31, £35, £41

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Anderson is known throughout the world of rock as the flute and voice behind the legendary Jethro Tull. In 2012, he commemorates the 40th anniversary of his Jethro Tull album Thick As A Brick with this very special concert tour. The first half of the show will consist of the original Thick As A Brick album in its entirety, while the second half is a set of his new work with plenty of Jethro Tull hits thrown in for good measure.

After a gap of six years, the American country singer, songwriter and a 2010 inductee to the Country Music Hall of Fame, returns to the UK. In this show Williams will perform many of the songs that have made him a household name, and that all his fans know and love, including the hits such as I Believe In You, My Best Friend, Good Ole Boys Like Me, Tulsa Time and many more. Williams is recording an album of new material that will be released to tie in with this live appearance.

After 8 A series of select folk, roots and unplugged gigs In the intimate setting of the Rodewald Suite with caberet seating, an in-house bar and rooftop terrace. Doors 8pm image Miles Hunt & Erica Nockalls Page 11

Gary Lucas’ Captain Beefheart Symposium Friday 20 & Saturday 21 January 8.30pm £12

Guitar soloist and member of the final edition of Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band celebrates the career of visionary American maverick genius Don Van Vliet aka Captain Beefheart, who changed the face of music forever. Don Van Vliet has been honoured over the years by everyone from Joe Strummer to Bob Dylan and David Lynch - but is still relatively (and unfairly) unknown to the public at large. In this fascinating show Lucas shows rare archival footage, spins unreleased tracks, discusses the history of the group and many of the great musicians who came through the ranks of The Magic Band, and illustrates Van Vliet’s quirky and idiosyncratic methodologies and techniques with a live solo guitar performance.

After 8

Clive Carroll Friday 27 January 8.30pm £12

Walsh & Pound Saturday 11 February 8.30pm £12 ‘Incredibly gifted - if anyone has the opportunity to see them they must’ BBC Radio 2

John Reilly Friday 17 February 8.30pm £12

Miles Hunt & Erica Nockalls

When Acoustic Guitar Magazine describes someone as ‘probably the best and most original young acoustic guitar player and composer in Britain’ and when people like Jean-Christophe Novelli and Madonna are booking that same someone for their private parties, then you know that something pretty special is going on. Welcome to the world of acoustic guitar phenomenon Clive Carroll. With his blend of blues, Celtic and contemporary styles, and his warm stage personality he is a very special solo performer. He has toured with guitar masters Tommy Emmanuel and John Renbourn, and seems to be cut from the same cloth.

Two of the most exciting and unique young musicians on today’s music scene. One of the most original harmonica players in Britain and possibly the UK’s top Clawhammer banjoist, the two have joined forces to create a highly entertaining and astonishing live set. Experience the stunning vocals, banjo wizardry and sounds you didn’t think were possible on harmonica. Live with their ability to encompass an array of musical genre with ease, energy and excellence is remarkable. Hailing from Liverpool the Boy On A Dolphin front man recently supported Ray Davies on tour. He is a classic English singer-songwriter and guitarist in the Davies mould and his new solo album Zebulon brims with passion and wit.

The front man of 80s and 90s 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. Hunt and Nockalls’ ongoing Wednesday 22 February 8.30pm collaboration sees a mature musical journey producing £12 a series of songs and albums that have received rave reviews, particularly live, and brought a whole new generation of fans. Expect new works alongside stripped down versions of their much-loved greatest hits.

International Guitar Night Thursday 1 March 8.30pm £12 ‘Simply the best acoustic guitar player I’ve ever heard’ Joe Satriani on Adrian Legg

Spiro Saturday 24 March 8.30pm £15 ‘Sophisticated and adventurous’ **** The Guardian ‘Fantastic....you feel your heart lift a few inches above its normal resting place’ **** The Word

Eduardo Niebla Friday 13 & Saturday 14 April 8.30pm £12 ‘Niebla is the king of Latin guitar, a world-class virtuoso’ Time Out

Andy Irvine Friday 27 & Saturday 28 April 8.30pm £12

This is the world’s premier touring guitar festival, each show brings together the most interesting and innovative acoustic guitarists to exchange musical ideas in a public concert setting. Each show, IGN founder Brian Gore invites a new cast of guitar luminaries to join him for special evenings of solos, duets and quartets that highlight the virtuosity and diversity within the world of acoustic guitar. For this show the line up includes Lulo Reinhardt from Germany, the grand nephew of Django, Adrian Legg from England along with Brian Gore from San Francisco. They might bear the tools of the folk musician and be partial to the odd traditional tune, but Spiro have as much in common with the worlds of contemporary classical and dance music as they do the folk scene. This four-piece take a meticulous approach to composition and performance, creating a sound much greater than their parts (accordion, mandolin, acoustic guitar and violin) would suggest. Their recent album Lightbox, on Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records is sweeping, majestic and cinematic, marking them out as kindred spirits with Steve Reich, Michael Nyman and the Penguin Cafe Orchestra. A formidable flamenco-jazz guitar virtuoso, Niebla is technically superb and breathtakingly versatile. His music is intricately brilliant, passionate flamenco infused with a myriad of Eastern colours and a Gypsyjazz edge. This is an opportunity to hear world class guitar playing at its very best.

Irvine is one of the great Irish singers. His voice is one of a handful of truly great ones that gets to the very soul of Ireland. He is a founding member of two groundbreaking groups, Sweeney’s Men and Planxty. Both groups have inspired Irish traditional music makers for a generation. This would be achievement enough for most, but since, Irvine has created THE Irish super group Patrick Street, and the Pan-European group Mosiac. Irvine is a world music pioneer and icon for traditional music and musicians.

Family and Variety

Family and Variety Image Anton & Erin Page 13

League of Welldoers

New Year Variety Show

The League of Welldoers presents a benefit concert featuring top Merseyside talent, join them for an amazing afternoon of family entertainment, and support one of Liverpool’s oldest independent charities.

Monday 23 January 2pm £9.50 (group discounts available)

Anton & Erin Let’s Do It Sunday 29 January 3pm £29.50, £42

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Following a sold out UK tour in 2011, Anton du Beke and Erin Boag return with a sensational new show. Britain’s favourite dance couple from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing are joined by singer Lance Ellington, guest dancers and a live orchestra conducted by Richard Balcombe, with music from George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Kander & Ebb and Cole Porter. Featuring classic hits such as An American in Paris, It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing), The Blue Danube Waltz and Don’t Rain on My Parade.

St Joseph’s Hospice Association Jospice cares for people from all parts of Merseyside, and as one of Liverpool’s oldest charities is celebrating its Golden Jubilee in 2012. This concert, featuring works including Panis Angelicus, the Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah, Nessun Dorma and the Can-Can Saturday 4 February 7.30pm performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic £12, £18, £24, £29, £36, £40 Orchestra and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir will raise vital funds to continue Jospice’s work in caring for local terminally ill people and their families at the hospice in Thornton.

Golden Jubilee Concert

Ian Tracey conductor Kathryn Rudge mezzo soprano Danielle Thomas mezzo soprano Paul Charles Clarke tenor Ashley Holland bass Frank Cottrell Boyce presenter Rosa Mannion director Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Family Concert

Family Film Favourites Sunday 5 February 2.30pm £10, £14 £6 Children There’ll be prizes for the best costume, so arrive by 2pm if you’d like to take part in our competition.

Sing Live

Sporting Anthems To Welcome The 2012 Games Sunday 12 February 2.30pm £14, £16, £16.50, £18.50, £19 £6 Children

Dress up as a character from your favourite film, and come along to our concert featuring music from the best loved family films of all time, including Fantasia, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Pirates of the Caribbean, Sound of Music, Toy Story, Lion King, E.T. and more. Please note this concert lasts about an hour and is most suitable for children aged 4 - 10, but the whole family is welcome - fidgeting is allowed! Alasdair Malloy presenter/soloist Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra As athletes everywhere gear up for the world stage, preparing and practicing to excel at their chosen activity to win gold medals in London 2012, join the massed choir of Sing Live Merseyside as they perform some of the best sporting anthems including Proud the official theme for GB’s Olympic Bid, Barcelona and Amigos Para Siempre from the 1992 Olympics, Dare to Dream from Sydney in 2000, plus World In Union, Take That's Shine and Tina Turner's hit Simply The Best plus many others.

Family and Variety

Raymond Gubbay presents

To celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee, former Royal Correspondent and broadcaster Jennie Bond will host an evening of much loved music from across Britain including Land Of Hope And Glory, There’ll Always Be An England, White Cliffs Of 60 Glorious Years In Music And Dover, We’ll Meet Again, Men Of Harlech, Calling Song To Celebrate Her All Workers, Life On The Ocean Wave, Danny Boy Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee and Jerusalem. Saturday 18 February 7.30pm Gavin Sutherland conductor £19.50, £29.50, £34.50 Rosemary Squires & James Graeme guest singers Finlay MacDonald piper Manchester Concert Orchestra Jennie Bond host

Happy and Glorious

St. Mary’s College at Liverpool Philharmonic Friday 23 March 7.30pm £7.50

The Cunning Little Vixen Sunday 29 April 4pm £16, £18, £22 £7 children A great concerts for older (7+) children and their families!

‘Kids should see it’ Los Angeles Times

Celebrating the outstanding musical talents of its pupils the concert features the musical groups of St Mary’s College including the award winning Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Band, and a number of gifted soloists. Guests, the choir Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School will be conducted by Miss Jen Connaughton. The young musicians perform pieces from a range of genres, highlights include Vivaldi’s Gloria, the Double Flute Concerto in A minor by Telemann and music from the blockbuster film Narnia all conducted by Director of Music Mr Andrew Byers and assistant Colin Johnston. Mussorgsky Night on a Bare Mountain Dukas The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Janáček The Cunning Little Vixen Animated film with live orchestra Laurent Pillot conductor Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Janáček’s vibrant tale of life and love in the Bohemian forests is simply one of the liveliest, quirkiest and most entertaining operas ever written - a joyous fairy-tale for children from 8 to 80. This shortened, animated version captures all its magic, and with the full Orchestra playing Janáček’s enchanting score in synch with the film. Conductor Laurent Pillot gives us two more – which you might just recognise from Disney’s Fantasia.

Learning Image A rehearsal visit

Discover the Classics £15 (£10 Claimants/Students)

Let Classic FM’s Creative Director and Presenter, Tim Lihoreau, take you on a relaxed, enjoyable adult learning journey on Saturday mornings. You’ll discover the musical, social and historical stories behind some of the superb music and composers from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2011/12 season. Beethoven II - ‘Au Naturel’ Saturday 7 January 11am Rodewald Suite Session two on Ludwig van Beethoven sees the composer ‘au naturel’ - or at least, out in the countryside. Symphony No. 6 ‘Pastoral’ - is under the spotlight, and we discover the yin to its yang. Linked to the concert Beethoven’s ‘Pastoral’, see page 20 Beethoven III Saturday 28 January 11am Rodewald Suite Composer, 29. Bad sense of humour, own teeth, WLTM...the final session on Ludwig’s theme looks at the composer approaching a significant birthday (30) and breaking his symphonic duck with an absolute corker. And we discover - who was the Orange Baron and how important was he to our hero. Linked to the concert Burleske, see page 22

Learning

Scandinavia Saturday 25 February 11am Rodewald Suite ‘Above the clouds, the sky is always blue’ Taking its title from an old Scandinavian saying, we spend a session looking at the trio of Nielsen, Grieg and Sibelius, including the stories behind Grieg’s wonderful Piano Concerto. Linked to the concerts Northern Lights and Grieg’s Piano Concerto, see page 25 William and Arthur Saturday 21 April 11am Rodewald Suite William and Arthur No More Mr Nice Guy! A look at the topsy-turvy world of William (Gilbert) and Arthur (Sullivan) with a particular delve into their only opera with a serious ending – shock, horror. As well as a quick dip into Gilbert & Sullivan on film, we’ll see how Sullivan surpassed himself with his stout Yeomen. Linked to the concert John Wilson’s Yeomen of the Guard, see page 29

Classic Intros Series (3 events) £45 (£30 Claimants, Students and community groups)

These free pre-concert talks and interviews with visiting artists and scholars are a great way to get more from the performance. Thursday 19 January 6pm David Fanning, professor of music at the University of Manchester and expert on the music of Dmitri Shostakovich, and his wife, Michelle Assay, discuss Shostakovich’s ‘Leningrad’ Symphony. See page 21 for concert details. Saturday 11 February 6pm Dr. Giles Hooper, Head of the School of Music at University of Liverpool, talks about the film music of John Williams. See page 23 for concert details. Saturday 31 March 6pm Kenneth Baird, director of the European Opera Centre, speaks with director Bernard Rozet about the background and preparation of the opera The School for Fathers. See page 28 for concert details.

Post Concert Discussion John Wilson’s Yeomen of the Guard

New for the 2011/12 Orchestra season, we host postconcert discussions featuring artists from the evening’s performance where comment and questions from the audience are welcome. Join conductor John Wilson and members of the cast 15 minutes after the end of the performance in the lovely Art Deco Grand Foyer Bar for this free, informal event. See page 29 for concert details.

Saturday 21 April

Workshops for Children Rodewald Suite £6 per child includes entry for 1 adult £6 additional adults Pre-booking essential

First Notes Monday 13 February 0-2 Years 10am, 11.30am, 3-4 Years 1.30pm Tuesday 14 February 0-2 Years 10am, 3-4 Years 11.30am, 1.30pm These 45-minute workshops introduce children 0-4 to classical music through games, singing, active listening and hands-on music making with members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. LD SO

Adventures In Music Monday 13 February 5-7 Years 3pm T OU

Tuesday 14 February 8-11 Years 3pm Join members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra for just over an hour musical games, listening activities and a chance to create your own musical story.

Classical Music

Classical Music Image Dream Team Page 27

Raymond Gubbay presents

New Year’s Day Prom Sunday 1 January 2.30pm £19.50, £26.50, £29.50, £31.50, £36.50

National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain Thursday 5 January 7.30pm £8, £11, £14, £17, £20 All seats £5 for under 25s Special offer: £2 off top 3 ticket prices for Liverpool Philharmonic subscribers

Celebrate the New Year with a superb concert of timeless classics to welcome in 2012. The programme includes all your New Year’s Day favourites Nessun Dorma, Rule, Britannia! Jerusalem and Land Of Hope And Glory complete with audience participation and a flag waving finale! James Oldfield soloist Elgar Cello Concerto Walton Symphony No.1 Paul Daniel conductor Natalie Clein cello After their sell-out performance in January 2010, Britain’s biggest orchestra returns to Liverpool. Everyone who sees the 160-strong NYO in action agrees they are a luminous portrait of the youth of today, awakening new energy and excitement in great repertoire. Discover why The Times calls them ‘the most uplifting orchestra in the world’.

Messiah Saturday 7 January 7pm £16, £21, £28, £33, £40

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

Beethoven’s ‘Pastoral’

Beethoven Overture, Prometheus Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 Beethoven Symphony No. 6 ‘Pastoral’

Wednesday 11 & Thursday 12 January 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Vasily Petrenko conductor Nikolai Lugansky piano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Sponsored by:

Birkenhead School Choral Society

The Armed Man Saturday 17 March 7.30pm £12, £14, £16, £18, £20, £25

Edward Elgar Give unto the Lord Edward Elgar Cello Concerto Karl Jenkins The Armed Man - A Mass for Peace Alice Neary cello Joyce Tindsley mezzo soprano Graham Jordan Ellis conductor Birkenhead School Choral Society Birkenhead School Chapel Choir Birkenhead School Cantata Choir Birkenhead School Prep Choir Liverpool Sinfonia

Classical Music

Dream Team Wednesday 21 & Thursday 22 March 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Lunchtime Concert

Gold and Silver Thursday 22 March 1.05pm £6

Debussy Rondes de Printemps Saints-Saëns Piano Concerto No. 2 Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique Vasily Petrenko conductor Simon Trpčeski piano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Ian Clarke Maya Frank Martin Ballade Birtwistle Duets for Storab Messiaen Le Merle Noir Doppler Andante and Rondo Cormac Henry and Fiona Paterson flutes Ron Abramski piano

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Sunday 25 March 7.30pm £9, children £6 (under 25s)

Rodewald Concert Series

Paul Lewis, piano Complete Schubert Cycle Monday 26 March 7.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25

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William Marshall Crossfire Vivaldi Gloria Vaughan Williams Symphony No.2 ‘London’ Dane Lam conductor Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir

Schubert German Dances D783 Sonata for Piano No.14 in A minor D784 Allegretto in C minor D915 Sonata for Piano No.16 in A minor D845

European Opera Centre: The School for Fathers

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

Saturday 31 March 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

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

St Matthew Passion

Bach St Matthew Passion

Wednesday 4 April 7pm £16, £21, £28, £33, £40

Vasily Petrenko conductor Andrew Staples Evangelist Iain Paterson Christus Malin Christensson soprano Helena Rasker alto Ben Johnson tenor Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Thanks to the Kenneth Stern Trust and performed in Ken’s memory

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Classical Music

This Sporting Life Music inspired by sport Saturday 14 April 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Ensemble 10/10

Pathfinders Wednesday 18 April 7.30pm The Cornerstone, Liverpool Hope University Creative Campus £10

John Wilson’s Yeomen of the Guard Saturday 21 April 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Carl Davis CBE (Hon) conductor Jesus Leon tenor Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra As the UK takes the Olympic starting block, the Orchestra prepares to go for gold! Our premiership team of musicians, captained by the inimitable Carl Davis, tackles some of the all-time champion sporting themes. From fan favourites like Nessun Dorma, Jerusalem and We Are the Champions to TV and movie classics, including Chariots of Fire, Rocky and The Impossible Dream, it’s a line-up to have you cheering from the terraces.

Giovanni Sollima Spasimo Luigi Dallapiccola Piccola Musica Notturna David Horne Restless Feeling Martijn Padding Slow March to Moscow Gaetano Nenna Nel Suono, Nello Spazio: Contrappunti Clark Rundell conductor Giovanni Sollima cello

Gilbert & Sullivan The Yeomen of the Guard Cast includes: Simon Butteriss Jack Point Sarah Fox Elsie Maynard Jill Pert Dame Carruthers Richard Angas Wilfred Shadbolt Heather Shipp Phoebe Meryll Steven Page Sir Richard Cholmondeley Andrew Staples Colonel Fairfax Bruce Graham Sergeant Meryll Rebecca Moon Kate John Wilson conductor Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Rodewald Concert Series

Belcea Quartet The Complete Beethoven String Quartets

Beethoven String Quartet Op.59 No.1 in F major String Quartet Op.18 No.4 in C minor String Quartet Op.135 in F major

Tuesday 24 April 7.30pm St George’s Hall Concert Room £25

Great British Film Music Saturday 28 April 7.30pm £13, £18, £24, £29, £36

Programme includes Addinsell The Warsaw Concerto Walton Battle in the Air: Battle of Britain Lambert Anna Karenina Benjamin Waltz and Gallop: An Ideal Husband Vaughan Williams Prelide: The 49th Parallel R. R. Bennett Love Theme: Yanks, Suite: Murder on the Orient Express John Williams Harry’s Wondrous World Coates March: The Dam Busters John Wilson conductor Ian Buckle piano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

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Comedy

Comedy Image Omid Djalili Page 31

Tour Of Duty

Omid Djalili Sunday 22 January 8pm £19, £26

The award winning stand-up, television and movie star Omid Djalili, a firm favourite at the Edinburgh Festival, is back with a brand new show. He is the The event may contain material winner of the Time Out Award for Best Stand unsuitable for under 18s Up and the EMMA Award. He also won the Best ‘Right now, the Iranian Djalili Actor Award at the Turin Film Festival, for his is probably one of the most lead performance in The Infidel, won the previous subversive, let alone funniest, year by Bill Murray. comedians around.’ The Guardian Tales from the Jungle and other Adventures

Crissy Rock Friday 27 January 7.30pm £17.50, £23.50 The event may contain material unsuitable for under 18s

Rock is best known for her jungle antics in I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and for starring as Janey York in the comedy Benidorm alongside Johnny Vegas. She decided to live in Benidorm and has become the Island’s top female stand-up comedienne playing ten shows a week to packed houses. The Oscar nominee has received numerous other awards including the Best Actress Award at The Berlin Film Festival (that same year Tom Hanks won Best actor) and at the London Film Critic Circle (with Hugh Grant winning best actor). Crissy Rock’s comedy is outrageous and emotional. She has a unique ability to reduce her audiences to tears of laughter with her hilarious one woman stand-up show.

Stewart Lee

Carpet Remnant World A new show from the acclaimed star of BBC2’s Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle described as ‘The funniest thing on television’ by The Guardian. What can a sexless ‘A deeply unpleasant slimepit middle aged married man, whose life now consists of bitterness’ Daily Mail mainly of watching Scooby Doo cartoons with a four year old boy, possibly find to write comedy about? Formerly stand-up’s youthful iconoclast, Lee now gawps blankly at News 24 as Britain burns down around him, and blinks at the vast wayside retail outlets during endless journeys to and from increasingly indistinct theatres. Once he lived on the pleasure planet. Now he is trapped in Carpet Remnant World. And so are you. Saturday 3 March 8pm £19.50, £25.50

Doug Stanhope Monday 16 April 8pm £20, £26

Stanhope was the Voice of America on BBC’s Charlie Brooker’s Newswipe.The stand-up comic’s material ranges from true-life graphic perversion to volatile social criticism. Stanhope is vulgar, opinionated, brutally honest and shockingly uninhibited and is certainly not for everybody. As well as a wide-ranging television resume he’s appeared at many major comedy festivals winning the Strathmore Press Award for Best Act of the Fringe at the Edinburgh Festival in his debut year. Doug is a two-time winner of Time Out New York’s Best Comedy Performance of the Year.

Film

Rising out of the stage, accompanied by resident organist, Dave Nicholas, the only working Walturdaw Cinema screen in the world. Film tickets can be purchased in advance. Image Breakfast at Tiffany’s Page 34

Book any 4 films together for just £18*

This offer applies to stalls seats only, cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts and does not apply to tickets previously sold. Contact Box Office on 0151 709 3789.

Deep Blue Sea

12A

Tuesday 10 January 7.30pm £6, £7 Contains one use of strong language and suicide theme

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Director Terence Davies 2011 99mins Starring Rachel Weisz, Tom Hiddlestone, Simon Russell Beale, Ann Mitchell

Based on the classic Terence Rattigan play and set in post-war Britain, Hester Collyer leads a privileged life as the beautiful wife of a High Court Judge. To the shock of those around her, she walks out on her marriage to move in with a young ex-RAF pilot, with whom she has fallen passionately in love.

Wuthering Heights

Tuesday 7 February 7.30pm £6, £7

Director Andrea Arnold 2011 129 mins Starring Kaya Scodelario and James Howson

Contains strong language (once very strong), racist terms and animal killings

A new film version of the classic Emily Brontë novel. A Yorkshire hill farmer on a visit to Liverpool finds a homeless boy on the streets. He takes him home to live as part of his family on the isolated Yorkshire moors where the boy forges an obsessive relationship with the farmer's daughter.

Special Valentine’s screening

Director Blake Edwards 1961 115 mins Starring Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Contains mild sexual references

With a perfect blend of comedy, romance and minor tragedy this is the ideal feel-good valentine treat. Despite diversions from Truman Capote’s original novel, this remains his clearest statement on what it feels like to be young, ambitious, and on the make in a rapacious city full of hidden agendas.

The Iron Lady

Director Phyllida Lloyd 2012 running time tbc Starring Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Richard E Grant, Anthony Head

(cert tbc)

The compelling story of Margaret Thatcher, a woman who smashed through the barriers of gender and class to be heard in a male-dominated world. This story of power and the price that is paid for power is a surprising and intimate portrait of the controversial figure. The fascinating story is told be an all-star cast who deliver some outstanding performances.

Tuesday 14 February 7.30pm £6, £7

Tuesday 28 February 7.30pm £6, £7 BBFC consumer advice not available

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Film

War Horse (cert tbc) Tuesday 20 March 7.30pm £6, £7

Director Steven Spielberg 2012 running time tbc Starring Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch, David Thewlis, Emily Watson

Based on the bestseller of the same name this is the story of Albert and his horse, Joey, and how their bond is broken when Joey is sold to the cavalry and sent to the trenches of World War One. Despite being too young to enlist, Albert heads to France to save his friend. ‘Steven Spielberg has adapted a beloved novel in the most sumptuous way imaginable, and set it to an evocative John Williams score created specifically to turn everyone into a helpless quivering wreck’ says The Guardian.

The Woman In Black (cert tbc) Wednesday 25 April 7.30pm £6, £7

Director James Watkins 2012 running time tbc Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Ciaran Hinds, Liz White, Janet McTeer

The triumphant return of Hammer Films continues with this story of a young Lawyer who works alone in the isolated house of a recently deceased client. His unease grows as he glimpses a woman dressed only in black and realises her true intent.

Gift Cards Liverpool Philharmonic Gift Cards are the perfect present for the music lover who has everything!

Choose from three different card designs and share the magic of Liverpool Philharmonic with your friends and family! 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 Available from Box Office, order online at www.liverpoolphil.com/giftcards or call 0151 709 3789

Venue Information

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Accessibility

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Most of or facilities are fully accessible for wheelchair users, although access to the Circle is via stairs. For full information on accessibility, please visit liverpoolphil.com/accessibility 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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Venue Information

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

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Liverpool Philharmonic is grateful to the organisations and individuals who support our artistic programmes and learning and engagement activities. Principal Partner

Principal Funders

Thanks to the City of Liverpool for its financial support Higher Education Partner

Media Partner

Other Public Funders