Preston Series 2012-13

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Preston Concerts 2012/2013 Vasily Petrenko Chief Conductor – Preston Guild Hall Box Office 0845 344 2026 www.prestonguildhall.com

Welcome From Michael Eakin, Liverpool Philharmonic’s Chief Executive We are proud of the long association between the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Preston, and have been working hard to present a 2012/13 concert season worthy of the city’s historic Preston Guild Year. We will mark that significant event when our Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko opens the Orchestra’s 2012/13 Preston season in a concert that includes one of our signature works in recent years; Mahler’s spectacular and thrilling Symphony No.1. The exciting young Norwegian trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth makes her Preston debut in the same concert.

That first concert sets a benchmark for our Preston series during which you will discover more concerts full of wonderful music from across the classical repertoire. You will find familiar and much-loved works and one or two hidden gems that we invite you to discover with us, performed by must-see artists and rising stars. We

Box Office 0845 344 2026

welcome two brilliant young British conductors Ryan Wigglesworth and Alexander Shelley; and the remarkable brother-and-sister team, Mari and Håkon Samuelson to perform Brahms’ Double Concerto. Last season, we introduced a Sunday afternoon concert to the series. As a result of the positive comments we received from audience members, there are two Sunday afternoon concerts this season. In January the Orchestra and Vasily are joined by the award-winning violin virtuoso Jack Liebeck; and in February, we present a concert full of the most romantic music in celebration of Valentine’s Day. With a 2.30pm start time, you can enjoy these two concerts and be travelling home before the winter nights draw in.

So enjoy reading through the pages of the brochure and choosing your concerts and please do encourage your family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances to join us to hear some great music at Preston Guild Hall.

Thank you as always for your support of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Critical Acclaim For the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s Concerts and Recordings

‘Since Vasily Petrenko became chief conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra they have together demonstrated rare finesse and confidence in a wide repertoire ...’ ‘… there’s no denying the electrifying effect that Petrenko has – not just on his Liverpool players but also the punters.’

‘The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra are on a high and demand attention.’

Sound the Trumpet Friday 9 November 7.30pm

Sibelius Karelia Suite

Arutyunyan Trumpet Concerto

Mahler Symphony No.1 – Vasily Petrenko conductor Tine Thing Helseth trumpet

She’s a phenomenon: the Norwegian trumpeter who, at the age of 24, is already drawing comparisons with the greatest players of all time. Liverpool audiences have already taken Tine to their hearts, she introduces the most tuneful trumpet showpiece you’ve never heard, Arutyunyan’s flamboyant Concerto, while Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestra bring back their critically acclaimed performance of Mahler’s First Symphony.

Tickets £19, £26

A Preston Guild 2012 event

Tine Thing Helseth

Romantic Classics Sunday 17 February 2.30pm (please note start time)

Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony Sunday 20 January 2.30pm (please note start time) Grieg Holberg Suite

Sibelius Violin Concerto

Tchaikovsky Symphony No.6 ‘Pathétique’ – Vasily Petrenko conductor Jack Liebeck violin

All points North: Edvard Grieg looked back to the elegance of 18th-century Scandinavia and wrote the kind of music that makes you feel glad to be alive. Jean Sibelius strode out into a wintry gale – and came up with the most bracing and brilliant of all violin concertos, played tonight by the awardwinning British virtuoso Jack Liebeck.

And Petr Tchaikovsky…was any composer more in touch with his feelings, or able to express them more gripplingly, tunefully and heartbreakingly than he did in his overwhelming Sixth Symphony? To say that Vasily Petrenko has this music in his blood is an understatement: this should be unforgettable.

Tchaikovsky Fantasy Overture, Romeo and Juliet

Bruch Violin Concerto No.1

Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet Suite

Ravel Boléro

Swept off your feet by Ravel’s Spanish passion? Swooning into the arms of Bruch’s lovely First Violin Concerto?

Or simply head-over-heels for the starcrossed lovers of Prokofiev’s and Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet?

There’s good reason why they say music is the food of love, and this concert is guaranteed to put you in that mood! Bring a special someone.

Tickets £19, £26

Tickets £19, £26

Jack Liebeck violin

Romantic Classics

Preston Guild Hall Box Office 0845 344 2026

Concerto for Orchestra Tuesday 23 April 7.30pm

Chopin, orch. Stravinsky Grand Valse Brillante, Op.10 Nocturne, Op.32 No.2

Mozart Piano Concerto No.25 in C, K503

Bartok Concerto for Orchestra – Ryan Wigglesworth conductor Alexandra Dariescu piano

Enigma Variations Tuesday 14 May 7.30pm

Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra begins in darkness, and ends with a shout of joy. In between comes the ultimate work-out for orchestra: 40 minutes of zingy tunes, fabulous colours and raw feeling. Though Bartók was dying when he wrote it, this is simply one of the most life-affirming experiences in 20th century music, and a glorious showcase for the Orchestra under the brilliant young conductor Ryan Wigglesworth.

BBC Music Magazine’s 2011 ‘Rising Star’, the young Romanian pianist Alexandra Dariescu also makes an appearance, showcasing her huge popularity with Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.25. And no-one gives Chopin a spicier twist than Igor Stravinsky, as two romantic favourites get a magical Ballets Russes makeover.

Richard Strauss Don Juan

Brahms Double Concerto

Elgar Enigma Variations – Alexander Shelley conductor Mari Samuelsen violin Håkon Samuelsen cello

Tickets £19, £26

Ryan Wigglesworth conductor Photography © Benjamin Ealovega

www.prestonguildhall.com

Two’s company. Brahms was shy about writing a plain cello concerto, so he arranged to have the cello “chaperoned” by an old friend: the violin. The result was pure autumn magic, and this evening, as we welcome the remarkable brother-andsister team Mari and Håkon Samuelsen as soloists, all Brahms’ warmth, joy and nostalgia should come soaring through. Meanwhile, from Nimrod to Dan the bulldog, the “friends pictured within” Elgar’s Enigma Variations are old acquaintances of Liverpool audiences. The British conductor Alexander Shelley brings them vividly alive – and gives a shot of youthful verve to Strauss’s rocketing, testosterone-fuelled portrait of the world’s greatest lover!

Tickets £19, £26

Mari Samuelsen violin & Håkon Samuelsen cello Photography © Charlotte Spetalen

How to get to Guild Hall

Booking Information

Book five concerts Save 25%

By Rail Nearest main line station is Preston. Approximately 10 minutes walk from the town centre. For further information on train operators and times please phone National Rail Enquiries on 0845 7484950.

When to Book

Ticket Prices

Monday 11 June Booking opens for all NEW subscribers (priority booking deadline for renewals is Sunday 10 June)

Season Tickets

By Bus Preston Bus Station, situated on Tithebarn St. Approximately 5 minutes walk from the Guild Hall.

Tuesday 15 May Booking opens for renewing subscribers

£19 Blocks A, B, F, G & H / £26 Blocks C, D & E

Monday 25 June Public booking open – all tickets on sale

Seating Block

How to Book

By post Guild Hall Box Office, Lancaster Rd, Preston, PR1 1HT By telephone 0845 344 2026 By fax 01772 204582 Online (for single tickets from 20 June) www.prestonguildhall.com Booking fees may apply

D E

C

F

H

A

A, B, F, G & H C, D & E

Full Price

£95

£130

Season Ticket

£71.25

£97.50

YOU SAVE

£23.75

5 payments

by Direct Debit

£14.25

£32.50 £19.50

Discounted Tickets Concessions Under 25s and students can purchase tickets for just £7 on production of appropriate identification (subject to availability and not all seating sections may be offered).

Registered disabled receive a discount of £2 per ticket.

Groups Generous group discounts are available for most concerts depending on the size of your group:

B

G

Book for all five concerts and save 25% on full prices – you’ll also get priority seating, discounts on parking, and you can pay by direct debit!

Groups of 10-29 10% off Groups of 30-49 15% off Groups of 50+ 20% off

For more details and to book, call Box Office on 0845 344 2012 (standard rate).

Principal Funders

Principal Partner

Thanks to the City of Liverpool for its financial support

Media Partner

Higher Education Partner

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society. A company limited by guarantee.

Registered in England number 88235. Registered charity number 230538