RLPO 2010 - 2011 Season Brochure

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra September 2010 / June 2011 Vasily Petrenko Chief Conductor

Box Office 0151 709 3789 www.liverpoolphil.com

Contents

Welcome from Vasily Petrenko When I came to Liverpool and the Phil in 2006, I realised immediately that our musicians and our audiences shared the same musical ambition as I did to improve as we played and enjoy music together. We have already come a long way, heading in the right direction and we are seeing great results in growing audiences for our concerts, very good reviews and national awards.

Our musicians and I want to continue to build on what we have achieved together. So, for this new season, our Executive Director, Andrew Cornall and I have again given lots of thought and care to what music we want to play, what will enthuse and challenge our musicians and what will delight our audiences and make you want to come back to the Phil again and again, whether you are a seasoned concert-goer, or whether you are just beginning to explore classical music with us.

I think in this season, you will find the great musical diversity which has been a hallmark of our recent seasons together. There are some of the familiar cornerstones of the classical repertoire, alongside works that may be new to you, and we continue our journey through the works of Mahler, Shostakovich, Rachmaninov and Elgar.

Some of our colleagues have written about what they are looking forward to this season. Enjoy finding out for yourself more about the great music, conductors and soloists we will be welcoming to Liverpool and to choosing your concerts. Thank you as always for your support of and enthusiasm for the Phil.

RLPO & Classic FM’s 10th Anniversary Page 02 Critical Acclaim Page 03 Behind The Music – Adult Learning Pages 04 – 09 Index of Composers Page 10 Need help choosing..?

Pages 11– 13 Subscribe & Save Page 13 Membership Pages 14 –15 RLPO Concerts Pages 16 – 45 Chamber Music Concerts Pages 46 – 51 TalkTalk Family Concerts Pages 52– 54 Ensemble 10/10 Pages 55– 57 Lunchtime Concerts Pages 58– 59

Vasily Petrenko Chief Conductor

LPYO Concerts Page 60 Information and Booking Pages 61– 67 01

10th Anniversary – Classic FM and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Win a trip to London to see the Phil perform at Classic FM’s Royal Albert Hall concert on 30 September!

In 2001, Classic FM and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic announced a partnership that saw the Orchestra adopted as the Classic FM Orchestra in North West England and the station’s first arts partner.

The partnership, which in 2011 celebrates its 10th anniversary, was borne out of a mutual desire to build new audiences for classical music.

It is brought to life on-air, online, in the pages of Classic FM Magazine, on stage at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall through the Classic FM concert

series, and when the Orchestra performs at Classic FM’s Royal Albert Hall concerts each year.

April 2009 saw another important milestone in the partnership with the publication of the first major hardback book about the Liverpool Phil by Liverpool University Press.

The Original Liverpool Sound: The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Story was written by Darren Henley, Managing Director of Classic FM, with the Phil's former archivist, Vincent McKernan. The publication was only made possible through the generous support of Classic FM and all royalties from book sales benefit the Phil’s Learning and Engagement programmes.

The partnership with the Liverpool Phil has proved so successful over the past eight years that the model has been adopted by Classic FM to develop a further series of successful partnerships with other symphony orchestras around the UK.

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To celebrate our partnership, we’re delighted to offer a trip to London for two, including a one-night stay at a 3* hotel and two tickets to the Classic FM Live concert featuring the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vasily Petrenko on 30 September.

10 Years Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

See www.liverpoolphil.com for details.

Arts & Business Awards North 2010

Sustained Partnership Award Sponsored by Arts Council England Classic FM and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

Critical Acclaim for the Phil’s Concerts and Recordings Catherine Jones reviews Mahler Symphony No. 1 ‘Much has been said and written about the RLPO’s young conductor, but what has happened at Hope Street over the past four years is as the result of a real partnership between the Phil and Petrenko. And what a partnership it is now proving. Roll on the Resurrection’.

David Nice reviews Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances, The Isle of the Dead, the Rock CD Release Disc of the Month (March 2010) (AVIE) ‘Vasily Petrenko and his Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra set a new benchmark for Rachmaninov.

Vasily Petrenko and his Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra brought Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances to the Proms which is when I first heard the team live. Had the sheer excitement of discovering yet another galvanising conductor at the head of a British orchestra... left me to overrate the experience? Right from the furtive opening, where Petrenko carefully bounces the pecking strings into vivid life, this CD proves not.

His nose for atmosphere matches, in places even excels, that of the masterful Neeme Järvi...’

Performance ***** Recording *****

Tim Ashley gives 5* in his review of Shostakovich Symphony No. 8 ‘In taking up his post as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic's principal conductor in 2006, Vasily Petrenko announced his intention of turning the orchestra into an ensemble of international stature. If this great concert was anything to go by, he has, by and large, succeeded. Petrenko's ability to sustain such an unremitting emotional pitch without straying into incoherence was remarkable, though he could not have done so without an orchestra whose playing is now formidable in its intensity.’ *****

Hugh Canning reviews Shostakovich Symphony Nos. 5 & 9 CD of the Week (November 2009) (Naxos) ‘Something very special is happening in Liverpool, if these thrilling new Shostakovich recordings are typical of the Petrenko effect on the RLPO. Last year, Naxos issued the first volume of a promised complete symphony cycle with a broadly conceived, epic account of the pictorial 11th - and now here are Petrenko's accounts of the popular Fifth and the perplexing Ninth, which are even finer still...Petrenko's achievement is astonishing. Naxos's recording is outstandingly clear, and the playing is world class. Even at full price these performances would be desirable additions to a collection. At Naxos's, they are an unmissable bargain.’

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Behind the Music – Adult Learning at the Phil

The Phil Experience

The perfect introduction to the Phil, we offer guided tours of the unique art-deco Philharmonic Hall as well as the chance to watch a rehearsal by the acclaimed Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Tours for groups and individuals are available (subject to minimum numbers and availability). Refreshments are provided.

The experience lasts approximately 3 hours. Tickets are available at a reduced rate of £5 per person for groups or individuals living within the Liverpool City Council district.

Tickets for groups and individuals based outside of Liverpool are £15 per person (discounts for groups of 40 or more). Tours are available on selected dates only and must be pre-booked in advance. Special rates for tours and music making workshops are available for educational groups.

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Tour dates are published on liverpoolphil.com from the following dates: Booking opens 1 August 2010 September - December 2010 Booking opens 1 December 2010 January - March 2011 Booking opens 1 March 2011 April - July 2011 To book, please call 0151 709 3789.

Please note that RLPO rehearsals may not cover all listed repertoire

Lunchtime Learning

Whether you are new to classical music or a regular concert goer, join the Phil for a daytime series of inspiring music and relaxed learning.

Each series includes 3 events: a mixture of Lunchtime concerts performed by musicians of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and opportunities to watch full orchestra rehearsals on stage at Philharmonic Hall.

Each event will also include a 45 minute interactive workshop in the Rodewald Suite at the Phil exploring the music to be featured in the concert/rehearsal.

Workshops include discussion, music activities and opportunities to socialise with other adults. Tea and coffee will be served.

Autumn Series Russian Masters Rehearsal visit Friday 24 September 1 – 3.15pm Music of Rimsky Korsakov, Shchedrin and Shostakovich conducted by Vasily Petrenko James Clark and Ian Buckle Lunchtime concert Thursday 7 October 12 – 2pm Music of Delius and Franck Cerberus Trio: Remembrance Lunchtime concert Thursday 11 November 12 – 2pm Music of Messiaen Winter Series A French Delight: Ensemble 51+1 Lunchtime concert Thursday 3 February 12 – 2pm Music of Ravel, Jolivet, and Debussy

The Cello Alone Thursday 24 February 12 – 2pm Music of Bach and Kodaly Four Last Songs Rehearsal visit Friday 4 March 1 – 3.15pm Music of Strauss and Mahler conducted by Vasily Petrenko Spring Series Fusion Wind Quintet Lunchtime concert Thursday 14 April 12 – 2pm Music of Nielsen, Milhaud and Arnold

Tickets Each series is £45 per person (+£1 booking fee for credit card orders)

Concessions £30 per person for claimants, students and community groups.

Concessions are limited (minimum booking of 5 people).

To book, please call 0151 709 3789 or order online at www.liverpoolphil.com

The Inextinguishable Rehearsal visit Friday 6 May 1 - 3.15pm Music of Schumann, Brahms and Nielsen conducted by Thomas Dausgaard Trio d’Anches Lunchtime concert Friday 10 June 12 – 2pm Music of Poulenc, Ibert and Francaix

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NEW

Discover the Classics

Classic FM’s Creative Director, Tim Lihoreau, is joined by Phil musicians to take you on a 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 2010 /11 season.

These seven sessions will include commentary by Tim and will also feature two of the Phil’s musicians who will perform musical extracts.

You’ll also have opportunities for questions, discussion and lively debate. A great way to increase your musical knowledge and socialise at the Phil! Tea and coffee will be provided by Brew Tea Bar.

Sessions take place on Saturday mornings from 11am – 12.45pm in the Rodewald Suite at Philharmonic Hall on the following dates:

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Another Country Saturday 11 September linked to 15/17 September programme

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly Saturday 20 November linked to 27 November programme

Made In Britain Saturday 12 February linked to 17/20 February programme

We're taking a look at composers ‘playing away from home’ – writing while missing their mother countries.

Through his Violin Concerto, we’ll explore Korngold and his influence on music in the movies – it's lasted longer that you might think. With Dvo˘rák it’s a different America that led him to produce the New World.

Plus... we discover the Curse of the Ninth!

We’ll look at ‘The Good’ – Tchaikovsky’s music, his composing, conducting and role in Russian musical society. Then, ‘The Bad’ – Lisztomania, following the superstar of classical music of the day through stories of his fascinating life, before an emotive exploration of ‘The Ugly’ – music in war.

You don’t see ‘Made in Britain’ much anymore in the world of manufacturing. But in music, the story is very different. Some of the greatest composers of the 20th century and today flourish here and we’ll discuss what makes their music great, and what gives music of these isles its unique character.

Mahler Edition Saturday 30 October linked to 4/7 November programmes We’ll look at Mahler’s most famous moment – the Adagietto, from the Fifth Symphony – and see how it came hot on the heels from the fantastic Fourth. We’ll also look at Music and Film, including how Robert Powell was Mahler, plus some of the other great ‘music in movie’ moments.

20th Century Rocks Saturday 29 January linked to 2/3 February programme We’ll look at the power behind The Firebird. Diaghilev visited Liverpool with his famous Ballets Russes not long after the ballet was written. By way of Delius’s piece we’ll do spot of birdwatching in music and discover how Delius was a musical magpie himself.

A Call to Brahms Saturday 5 March linked to 10 March programme What makes a German Requiem… a German Requiem? We’ll search for answers and... we’ll use the work to look at disastrous premieres, how to write your own requiem and... how to translate what a singer... is singing.

Classic Intros

Red Hot Latin Saturday 7 May linked to 12/15 May programmes We’re going all Strictly with an interactive look at dances in music.

Taking the lead from the tango and Piazzolla’s amazing Bandoneon Concerto, we’ll try out some of the dances in Ravel and the lovely eccentrics, Milhaud and Villa Lobos.

Don’t expect to remain seated.

You have been warned.

Tickets £15 per session or £95 for a series of seven sessions.

Concessions (claimants and students) £10 per session or £50 for the series.

Concessions are limited.

To book, please call 051 709 3789 or order online at www.liverpoolphil.com

Our free pre-concert interviews with visiting artists and lectures from preeminent musical scholars are a great way to help you get more from a performance. Classic Intros move this year to the Rodewald Suite, to provide a more intimate atmosphere and allow for questions and answers at the end of each session. Start time is now 6.15pm. Entrance to the Rodewald Suite is on Sugnall Street.

Please note although tickets are not required, capacity is limited – so arrive early to guarantee your seat!

Conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy in discussion with Ian Stephens Thursday 7 October Mike Brocken discusses John Lennon Saturday 9 October Senior lecturer in popular music at Liverpool Hope University, Mike Brocken is a world authority on The Beatles.

Ryan Wigglesworth in discussion with Ian Stephens Thursday 18 November Laura Kinnear discusses Gustav Holst Thursday 17 February Laura Kinnear is curator of the Holst Birthplace Museum in Cheltenham.

Kenneth Baird, Ignacio Garcia and Laurent Pillot in discussion Saturday 9 April Kenneth Baird and Laurent Pillot from The European Opera Centre join the production’s director for a wide ranging discussion about the background and preparation of the opera, The Wedding of Camacho.

Composer James MacMillan in discussion with Ian Stephens Wednesday 20 April

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Your chance to perform on stage at Philharmonic Hall!

These exciting events promise to be challenging and great fun, providing opportunities to work with top class conductors and perform alongside professional musicians.

SuperOrchestra!

SuperSing!

SuperOrchestra!

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

Participant places and audience tickets can be booked through Box Office on 0151 709 3789 or online at liverpoolphil.com/superorchestra.

Audience tickets for the concert are FREE. Participation fees £25.00, Concessions £12.50 (claimants only)

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Sunday 12 June 2011 Philharmonic Hall Morning Sectional rehearsals Afternoon Full rehearsal Early evening Concert

Please note Repertoires will be announced on www.liverpoolphil.com when booking opens on 1 September 2010.

SuperSing!

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

Four SuperSings! are available throughout 2011. Each will focus on a different genre of music which will be announced when booking opens in September.

Participant places and audience tickets can be booked through Box Office on 0151 709 3789 or online at liverpoolphil.com/supersing Audience tickets for the concert are FREE. Participation fees per SuperSing! £48, Concessions £24 (claimants only)

Winter SuperSing! 1 Evening rehearsals Tuesdays 8, 15, 22 February, 1, 8 March Liverpool Phil at the Friary – Evening sound check Tuesday15 March Philharmonic Hall – Evening concert Wednesday 16 March Philharmonic Hall Winter SuperSing! 2 Evening rehearsals Thursdays 10, 17, 24 February, 3, 10 March Liverpool Phil at the Friary – Evening sound check Tuesday 15 March Philharmonic Hall – Evening concert Wednesday 16 March Philharmonic Hall

Spring SuperSing! 1 Evening rehearsals Tuesdays 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 May Liverpool Phil at the Friary – Evening sound check Thursday 9 June Philharmonic Hall – Evening concert Sunday 12 June Philharmonic Hall Spring SuperSing! 2 Evening rehearsals Thursdays 5, 12, 19, 26 May, 2 June Liverpool Phil at the Friary – Evening sound check Thursday 9 June Philharmonic Hall – Evening concert Sunday 12 June Philharmonic Hall

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Index of Composers P57 P36 P54 / 59 P59 P27 / 46 / 48 / 59 P48 P23 / 24 / 25 / 33 / 40 46 / 47 / 50 / 51 / 59 P48 / 60 Bizet P51 Borodin P21 / 26 / 33 / 35 Brahms 37 / 42 / 51 / 60 P59 Bridge P17 / 59 Britten P56 Calix, Mira P55 Carpenter, Gary P58 Corelli Daugherty, Michael P57 P41 Davis, Carl P47 / 59 Debussy P34 / 58 Delius P51 Dutilleux P16 / 23 / 47 Dvo˘rák P59 Edmundson P26 / 45 / 52 / 60 Elgar Fairclough, Matthew P56 P36 Falla P34 Finzi P55 / 59 Fitkin, Graham P59 Françaix Adams, John Albéniz Anderson Arnold Bach Bartók Beethoven

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Franck Franz Gilbert, Anthony Ginastera Glanert, Detlev Glass, Philip Grieg

P58 P49 P57 P42 / 43 P26 / 57 P50 P17 / 34 / 48 / 49 50 / 52 Goves, Larry P56 Guilmant P45 Halffter, Rodolfo P46 Handel P27 / 30 Hartwell, Robin P57 Haydn P31 Head, Michael P58 Hensel P49 Henze, Hans Werner P57 Holst P21 / 35 / 36 Hoven P49 Ibert P59 Ince, Kamran P57 Ireland, John P35 / 36 / 59 Ives, Charles P49 Jackson, Timothy P59 Jacob, Gordon P58 Janác˘ ek P47 Jolivet, André P59 Kidane, Daniel P57 Killmayer P49 Kinkel P49

Kodály Korngold Lachner Kreisler Lennon, John Liszt Loewe MacMillan, James Mahler Maxwell Davies McCartney, Paul Mendelssohn Meredith, Anna Messiaen Meyerbeer Milhaud Mozart

Nielsen Orff Padding, Martijn Piazzolla Ponce Poulenc Prokofiev Rachmaninov Ravel

P59 P16 P49 P48 P20 P26 / 40 / 49 P49 P40 P19 / 21 / 22 / 35 / 37 44 / 49 / 60 P60 P27 P21 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 39 / 49 P56 P58 P49 P43 / 59 P21 / 22 / 24 / 25 31 / 38 / 43 / 44 / 47 / 48 / 49 / 59 P42 / 59 P21 P55 P42 / 43 / 48 P46 P59 P27 / 33 / 43 / 51/53 P33 / 34 P27 / 43 / 59

Rimsky Korsakov Rodrigo Rossini Rubbra, Edmund Saint-Saëns Scarlatti Schubert Schumann Shchedrin Shostakovich Sibelius Simpson, Mark Smetana Stephens, Ian Strauss, Richard Stravinsky Suk Suppe (von) Tchaikovsky Varese, Edgard Vaughan Williams Villa-Lobos Walton Watson, Jennifer Wigglesworth, Ryan Wolf

P17 P36 / 48 P31 / 48 P58 P52 P48 P35 / 49 / 50 / 60 P19 / 23 / 42 / 49 P17 P17 / 34 / 46 / 60 P34 / 60 P57 P51 P54 P19 / 26 / 37 / 40 P25 / 34 P16 P49 P17 / 26 / 27 / 38 / 43 / 48 P56 P36 / 38 P42 P35 / 36 P55 P24 P49

Need help choosing a concert?

Dawn Williams Group Sales Officer Royal Liverpool Philharmonic – I’m really looking forward to James MacMillan’s St John Passion on 20 April because it ticks all the boxes for me: choral music full of spirituality written and conducted by a living legend, featuring our fantastic choir and the extraordinary Christopher Maltman, who was brilliant last year in Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder.

My second pick is Carmina Burana on 21 October; I’m a big choral music fan, and for me this is simply the best.

I’ve heard it already four times at the Phil, and it just gets better and better!

For this one, no need to say too much: hear it, live it, love it!

This year, we’ve asked people close to the Phil to tell us which concerts they are especially looking forward to hearing...

Sr Moira Meeghan Head Teacher, Faith Primary School – Faith Primary School in West Everton is the base for the Phil’s In Harmony music programme, the DCSF funded two-year pilot programme that is using music to bring positive change to the lives of very young children in some of the most deprived areas of England.

I’m really looking forward to hearing Carmina Burana on 21 October.

Although I’ve heard bits from this piece used countless times on telly it will be great to hear it sung by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir in the great acoustic of Philharmonic Hall.

I’m a big John Lennon fan, so I won’t miss the chance to hear his songs on 9 October. I heard the Phil do a similar programme a couple of years ago and it was absolutely fantastic! Lastly, I’ll be going along with some of the children from Faith Primary to Rudolph on Hope Street on 18 December!

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Alan Pendlebury Bassoon Section Leader – Amongst a great season which sees the continuation of our Mahler cycle, here are my two personal highlights.

Nielsen is one of the great symphony composers; if I had my way, we would play his music every season. For people who like to hear the triumph of good over evil with a great sense of drama, his Fourth Symphony, aptly named The Inextinguishable, has everything.

In the hands of an experienced Nielsen conductor, this concert promises to be a tremendous experience.

To be recognised as a great composer, and yet to have written no opera, only one concerto and very little chamber music means that your compositions must be special. Such is the case with Sibelius. His First Symphony is powerful, evocative and moving. In addition, the chance to hear the unjustly neglected Piano Concerto No. 4 by Rachmaninov played by Simon Trpc˘eski, a true master, makes for a compelling concert.

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Gary Carpenter Composer – The first concert of the Phil’s season includes Suk’s Scherzo Fantastique, one of the most beautiful, haunting and melodically rich pieces in the entire repertoire; yet unaccountably it remains a rarity!

There’s a wonderful programme of ballet music on 8 and 9 December with Ravel’s exquisite Mother Goose Suite, Prokofiev’s Cinderella Suite (if you‘re unfamiliar with the climatic Midnight, you’re in for a treat) and Act 2 of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, a smörgåsbord of inventive, innovative and often surprisingly quirky orchestration (including near the opening of Act 2 the first ever use of the bell-like celesta, followed shortly after by the first ever use of flute ‘flutter tongue’), memorable tunes and pure joie de vivre. March 5 brings the 6th Symphony as part of the Phil’s Mahler cycle. Superficially the most conventional of his symphonies,

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to me, it is the richest, most dramatic and engrossing – the one in which I always lose all sense of the passing or measurement of time. This is the work in which Mahler introduces the xylophone to the symphony, not to mention multiple off-stage cowbells and massive, heart-stopping hammer blows.

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Ensemble 10/10 and Clark Rundell continue their invaluable support for not just the region’s composers (including this writer) but for the new music that other more metro-centric ensembles tend to sidestep.

(see page 66 for details)

A highlight of the new season for me will be the Electro Acoustic Night which features the enormously talented and innovative Manchester composer Larry Goves and music by the highly fashionable Anna Meredith.

Save on tickets Save 10 – 25% depending on the number of concerts you book

Get better seats Subscribers get to order tickets before they go on sale to the general public.

The earlier you book, the more selection you will have. Book a fixed series (Thursday, Saturday or Classic FM) and you’ll be able to renew your same seats each season.

Pay no booking fees Subscribers do not pay booking fees (except when booking online). If you come to concerts frequently, this could save you quite a bit (booking fees are £1 per ticket)!

Tickets must be received at least 24 hours in advance of the concert.

FREE Tickets!

Spread the cost via Direct Debit Spend £100 or more and spread your payment over 6 months by direct debit. £5 administration charge applies, see Booking Form for details.

Book tickets to seven or more concerts and receive a free ticket to the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra or Ensemble 10/10 concert of your choice.

See pages 66 for details.

For lovers of chamber music, the Katona Guitar Duo will blow your socks off and the multi-award winning Quatuor Ebène are just astounding, but if it’s hot tips you’re after, I’d go for the Elias Quartet.

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Thank you!

From our earliest days, back in the 1840s, it has been music lovers who have played the decisive role in bridging the distance between the Phil’s financial needs and its musical and social aspirations.

Our members, patrons, donors and sponsors are the lifeblood of everything we do, and their loyalty and commitment to the Phil is as strong today as it has ever been.

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We rely on your generous support to raise nearly half a million pounds each year, through membership, patronage, donations and legacies. You can become more closely involved with the Phil’s work by helping us to stand by our commitment to promote the love of music and encourage excellence, participation and diversity in music making. There are lots of ways in which you can help, and we are grateful for your support at any level.

Our membership scheme is made up of four levels of donors - Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum - and Patronage gives you the opportunity to adopt one of our musicians or to dedicate a seat in the auditorium. We recognise your generosity through a range of exclusive benefits designed to enhance your concert-going experience, but whichever option you choose, you can be sure that your commitment will be helping us to:

•

Attract the best musicians and music to our orchestra and to our stages

•

Continue our commitment to lifelong learning and participation in music

•

Provide an unparalleled experience for our audiences and players alike, and an environment that is as comfortable and as pleasurable as possible

To find out more about how you can support the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, please contact our Fundraising Department on 0151 210 2921 or email fundraising@liverpoolphil.com.

Membership of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Bronze £32.50 – £99*

Silver £100 – £399*

Gold £400 – £999*

Platinum £1,000 +*

Adopt a Player £200*

Adopt a Principal £350*

Adopt a Section Leader £700*

Patronage Dedicate a Seat £120*

Adopt a Guest Conductor £1,250*

Adopt the Leader £2,500*

*Per annum

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Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

Classic FM Series

New World Symphony Wednesday 15 & Friday 17 September 7.30pm Suk Scherzo Fantastique

Open Day at the Phil (Part of Hope Street Feast)

Sunday 19 September 11am to 4pm The Phil joins together with neighbours on Hope Street for the fifth family-friendly street party on this iconic street. At the heart of the event is the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Open Day, a chance to get an insider’s view of the Phil as it celebrates the opening of its season of music, film, comedy and events.

Drop in throughout the day for music and fun for all ages, with performances by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, chamber music, roots, jazz, films, talks and tours.

FREE

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Korngold Violin Concerto Dvo˘rák Symphony No.9 ‘From the New World’ Libor Pešek KBE conductor Pavel Šporcl violin Discover the Classics Another Country See page 06 for details Sponsored by

Everyone loves Dvo˘rák’s ‘New World’ symphony. With its epic drama, aching nostalgia and unforgettable tunes (just don’t mention the Hovis advert), it’s been a hit everywhere it’s been played for over a century. And nowhere more so than in Liverpool, where the RLPO’s much-loved Conductor Laureate Libor Pešek brings a uniquely personal Czech flair to this greatest of Czech symphonies.

Typically, Libor’s bringing a surprise gift from Prague: a delicious miniature

by Dvo˘rák’s son-in-law Josef Suk. And he’s joined by violinist Pavel Šporcl (who wowed Phil audiences during his last visit) for the irresistibly glamorous Violin Concerto by Viennese prodigy-turned-Hollywood legend Erich Wolfgang Korngold.

Another treat from the New World – and every bit as tuneful!

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Saturday Series

Pops at the Phil

Russian Masters Saturday 25 September 7.30pm

Classic FM and the Phil: A Decade of Great Music Making Friday 1 October 7.30pm

Rimsky Korsakov Capriccio Espagnol Shchedrin Oboe concerto (UK Premiere, jointly commissioned by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic)

Shostakovich Symphony No. 15 Vasily Petrenko conductor Jonathan Small oboe Sponsored by

‘Could this be the best Russian orchestra outside Russia?’

Andrew Clark in the Financial Times on the Phil’s recording with Petrenko of Shostakovich Symphonies 5 and 9.

Vasily Petrenko’s recordings of the Shostakovich symphonies with the RLPO have won unanimous critical acclaim. Now, he turns to the last and most personal of the lot: the extraordinary Fifteenth. Written the year after the Beatles broke up, it’s one of the great 20th century symphonies, by turns playful, profound and deeply moving. Rodion Shchedrin, Russia’s greatest living composer, has written a new oboe concerto, commissioned by the Phil, receiving its UK premiere played by the Phil’s long-serving Principal Oboe Jonathan Small. A completely new work by Shchedrin is always a special occasion, so expect hints of Shostakovich, lyrical melodies, and generous dashes of Shchedrin’s famously deadpan humour. Petrenko, the Phil, and three Russian masters at the top of their game – this should be a night to remember.

Programme to include: Grieg Piano Concerto Tchaikovsky Ballet Music (selection) Britten Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra Vasily Petrenko conductor Soloist to be announced

In 2001, Classic FM and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic announced a partnership that saw the Orchestra adopted as the Classic FM Orchestra in North West England. Tonight, we celebrate the 10th anniversary season of this partnership, which has built new audiences for classical music and shared the Phil’s music with Classic FM’s six million listeners throughout the UK. Join us for a programme that includes some of Classic FM’s ‘Most Wanted’ works, including a Petrenko speciality – the ballet music of Tchaikovsky.

10 Years Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

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Special

Liverpool Wonderous Place Saturday 2 October 7.30pm Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra The Scaffold OMD Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra Vasily Petrenko conductor Sponsored by

Liverpool is the only UK city at the World Expo in Shanghai in 2010.

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra has been invited to perform in the city’s dedicated Pavilion, along with The Scaffold, OMD and the Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra, to represent the city’s rich musical heritage. You’ll get to hear this amazing concert, first, as we premiere it in Liverpool! Join us for a selection of popular favourites and well-known hits from OMD and The Scaffold.

A one-off, never to be repeated experience of the musical diversity that makes Liverpool such a ‘wonderous place’.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

OMD Mark McNulty photographer

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Liverpool is the only city in the UK to have a dedicated pavilion at the World Expo in Shanghai.

The city’s presence is being led by Liverpool Vision in partnership with the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool Shanghai Partnership.

Classic FM Series

Odyssey Wednesday 6 & Thursday 7 October 7.30pm Strauss Rosenkavalier Waltzes Schumann (ed. Mahler) Symphony No.4 Mahler Blumine Strauss Also Sprach Zarathustra Vladimir Ashkenazy conductor Classic Intro 6.15pm Rodewald Suite Vladimir Ashkenazy in discussion with Ian Stephens 7 October sponsored by

is TV Media Partner to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s Mahler Edition.

Richard Strauss once boasted that he could portray even a knife and fork in music. So Nietzsche’s philosophy didn’t pose too much of a problem.

Strauss simply ditched the heavy stuff, and went all out for musical thrills which is why the stupendous opening bars of Also Sprach Zarathustra have been borrowed by everyone from Stanley Kubrick to Elvis! Conducted by the great Vladimir Ashkenazy, it’s a thrilling prospect; but first, Ashkenazy puts his own slant on the Phil’s Mahler Edition with Mahler’s rarely-heard version of Schumann’s feisty Fourth Symphony – plus the lovely slow movement that Mahler dropped from his own First Symphony.

The sensuous Waltzes from Strauss’s great comic opera Der Rosenkavalier should get things swinging.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Vladimir Ashkenazy conductor

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

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Pops at the Phil

John Lennon Song Book 70th Birthday Saturday 9 October 7.30pm John Wilson conductor Claire Martin singer Curtis Stigers singer Mark McGann singer and presenter Script by Bob Eaton Classic Intro 6.15pm Rodewald Suite Mike Brocken discusses John Lennon Senior lecturer in popular music at Liverpool Hope University, Mike Brocken is a world authority on The Beatles.

Sponsored by

John Lennon

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A sell out in 2008, we’ve brought this concert back by popular demand on the 70th anniversary of John Lennon’s birthday. Join us for a very special evening of songs – a rare opportunity to hear classics including Imagine, Woman, Norwegian Wood, Jealous Guy, I am the Walrus and others accompanied by a full symphony orchestra and sung by some of the UK’s top vocalists.

Tickets £15, £20, £26, £33, £39

Thursday Series

Thursday Series

Carmina Burana Thursday 21 October 7.30pm

Heaven Sent Thursday 4 November 7.30pm

Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzes Holst Choral Fantasia Orff Carmina Burana Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir Ian Tracey conductor

Although the words were written by medieval monks there’s nothing – repeat, nothing – sacred about Orff’s outrageous Cantata; just great tunes, unstoppabble energy and some thoroughly bad behaviour. It’s the climax of this showcase concert for our superb Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, under their Chorusmaster Ian Tracey, and in Orff’s punchy original version, for piano and percussion, it’ll knock you backwards. Brahms offers gentler pleasures before the interval – though Holst’s Choral Fantasia is everything you’d expect from the composer of The Planets.

Mozart Overture: Il Seraglio (The Abduction from the Seraglio)

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Sponsored by

Mendelssohn Violin Concerto Mahler Symphony No.4 Vasily Petrenko conductor James Ehnes violin Sarah-Jane Brandon soprano Discover the Classics Mahler Edition See page 06 for details

is TV Media Partner to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s Mahler Edition.

Mahler doesn’t have to mean massive – and he never wrote anything more charming, or more tuneful, than his Fourth Symphony. Melodies straight out of Mozart, jangling sleigh bells, and a rapturous finale in which a child imagines a banquet in heaven (sung tonight by the award-winning young soprano Sarah-Jane Brandon) - it almost sounds too charming But this is still Mahler, after all, and there’s a pitch black sense of humour lurking behind all that tenderness and joy. Expect some grown-up surprises as Vasily Petrenko reaches the latest instalment in the RLPO’s Mahler Edition, and pure, glorious song from the superb Canadian violinist James Ehnes (a real Phil favourite in recent seasons) in Mendelssohn’s wonderfully lyrical Violin Concerto.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

‘The 100 Hottest Tickets of the Year’ The Sunday Times on The Phil’s Mahler Edition

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

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Sunday Afternoon Classics

The Whole World Sunday 7 November 2.30pm The Sunday Times included the Mahler Edition in its ‘100 Hottest Tickets of the Year’ and if you’ve been to any of these concerts, you’ll know why!

Geoff Brown of The Times wrote of the performance of Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony ‘Vasily Petrenko had been itching for this concert since he was born...

By the end, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir and soloists Catherine Wyn-Rogers and Kate Royal joined forces to lift the roof and soar to the light to which no eye has soared’.

This season we continue the series with the composer’s Symphonies Nos. 4 to 7, Blumine, and songs from Das Knaben Wunderhorn, as well as a rare performance of the composer’s Piano Quartet by the Fauré Piano Quartet.

Mozart Concerto for Two Pianos in Eb, K.365 Mahler Symphony No.5 Vasily Petrenko conductor Pascal Rogé piano Ami Rogé piano Discover the Classics Mahler Edition See page 06 for details

is TV Media Partner to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s Mahler Edition.

Special thanks to the Grodner Family

‘A symphony must be like the world. It must contain everything.’

Gustav Mahler

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A trumpet sounds an ominous fanfare, the orchestra cries out, and Mahler’s Fifth Symphony shudders into life.

But that’s just the opening – and after all, this is Mahler! 68 minutes later, the whole orchestra is raising the roof in triumph. It’s an epic journey from darkness to light, dotted with funeral marches, Viennese waltzes and of course, romantic music’s most passionate love-letter – the famous Adagietto. The joyous Double Piano Concerto by the twentysomething Mozart is a bit less serious – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t gloriously inspired. Mozart wrote it to play with his sister Nannerl, so we’re delighted that the great French pianist Pascal Rogé is ‘keeping it in the family’ too, and performing it with his wife and fellow-pianist Ami. Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Classic FM Series

The Emperor Thursday 11 & Saturday 13 November 7.30pm Dvo˘rák In Nature’s Realm Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5 ‘Emperor’ Schumann Symphony No.2 Sir Charles Mackerras conductor Artur Pizarro piano

Two legends and three classics.

For well over half a century, Sir Charles Mackerras has been one of the world’s most admired – and loved – conductors. Now in his 80s, his conducting combines the freshness of a 20 year-old with the insight of a master who’s devoted his whole life to music. It’ll be a real inspiration to hear his take on both Schumann’s greatest symphony and Dvo˘rák’s joyous overture. Pianist Artur Pizarro has got a few decades to go before matching Sir Charles’ record – but there’s no question that he’s currently one of the most commanding soloists on the international scene.

Tickets £15, £20, £26, £33, £39

Artur Pizarro piano Sven Arnstein photographer

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

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Thursday Series

In the run up to 2012 and the Olympic Games in London, we thought it was high time to celebrate the rich musical heritage of Great Britain. Throughout its history, the UK has been a major exporter and source of musical innovation.

Made in Britain is a series of concerts focusing on British artists and music, especially works by early 20th century composers including Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Holst, Finzi and Britten.

Young Rebels Thursday 18 November 7.30pm Mendelssohn Overture, Die Schöne Melusine Op. 32 Mozart Piano Concerto No. 17 in G, K. 453 Wigglesworth Piece for Chamber Orchestra World Premiere

Beethoven Symphony No.2 Ryan Wigglesworth conductor/pianist RLPO Debut

Classic Intro at 6.15pm Rodewald Suite Ryan Wigglesworth in discussion with Ian Stephens

Forget Beethoven the angry old genius: meet Beethoven the rebel without a cause! The young Beethoven had it all – wit, style, boundless energy and a healthy disrespect for authority.

And he threw the lot into his brilliant Second Symphony. The young British musician Ryan Wigglesworth wouldn’t want you to compare him to Beethoven, but by conducting, composing and playing the piano all in the same concert, he’s certainly following Ludwig’s example! Add Mendelssohn’s enchanting musical fairy-tale, a brand new piece by Wigglesworth himself, and a piano concerto so catchy that even Mozart’s pet starling couldn’t help whistling it, and you can almost taste the creative energy.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

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Sunday Afternoon Classics

Hidden Gems Sunday 21 November 2.30pm Mendelssohn Overture, Die Schöne Melusine Op. 32 Mozart Piano Concerto No. 17 in G, K. 453 Stravinsky 8 Instrumental Miniatures Beethoven Symphony No.2 Ryan Wigglesworth conductor/pianist

The young Beethoven had it all – wit, style, boundless energy and a healthy disrespect for authority. He threw the lot into his brilliant Second Symphony, and Stravinsky followed suit; there’s not a wasted note in his brilliantlycrafted modernist miniatures.

Mendelssohn was more expansive, but no less inspired; you’ll wonder why his gorgeous musical fairy-tale about the mermaid Melusine isn’t just as famous as The Hebrides. And Mozart’s 17th piano concerto – well, how can you resist a piece so catchy that even Mozart’s pet bird used to whistle it?

Ryan Wigglesworth takes a cue from Amadeus himself, and – in true 18th century style - both plays and directs at the same time!

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Ryan Wigglesworth conductor/ pianist Benjamin Ealovega photographer

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

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Saturday Series

Thursday Series

Elgar’s Cello Concerto Saturday 27 November 7.30pm

Salome Thursday 2 December 7.30pm

Liszt Prometheus; Symphonic Poem Elgar Cello Concerto Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5 Alexander Shelley conductor Guy Johnston cello Discover the Classics The Good, The Bad, The Ugly See page 06 for details

Elgar would have been astonished.

He wrote his Cello Concerto late in life, and its first listeners were underwhelmed - to put it mildly. But its mixture of passionate emotion and a very English nostalgia have made it one of the most popular cello concertos ever written, regularly topping the Classic FM polls. And who better to carry the tradition forward than the masterly young British cellist Guy Johnston? Tchaikovsky’s Fifth symphony has never had to struggle for performances; with its lilting waltz tunes and heartfelt passion, it’s long been the most popular of all Tchaikovsky’s symphonies. Another young British star conducts, and he opens the concert with a real treat: a rare chance to hear Liszt’s stirring symphonic poem Prometheus.

Glanert Drei Gesänge ohne Worte (Three Songs without Words) Richard Strauss Salome (final scene) Mendelssohn Overture, The Hebrides Brahms Symphony No.3 Roland Boer conductor RLPO Debut

Susan Bullock soprano

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Guy Johnston cello Hanya Chlala photographer

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Susan Bullock is hot property amongst the world’s operatic sopranos. Hear why, as she joins guest conductor Roland Boer and the RLPO in the show-stopping final scene of Strauss’ X-rated shocker Salome.

Mendelssohn’s famous overture is rather less steamy stuff, but still waters run deep; Brahms’ Third Symphony begins in heroic style but ends in one of music’s most radiant sunsets. An evening of passion and peace; exactly the mixture that’s made Detlev Glanert’s rich, expressive music such a hit with audiences in Europe.

Susan Bullock soprano

Classic FM Series

Pops at the Phil

Fairy Tales Wednesday 8 & Thursday 9 December 7.30pm

Christmas with Carl Thursday 16 December 7.30pm

Ravel Mother Goose Suite Prokofiev Cinderella Suite Tchaikovsky Nutcracker: Act II Vasily Petrenko conductor 9 December

Members’ and Volunteers’ Thank You Concert

Once upon a time... Maurice Ravel, Sergei Prokofiev and Pyotr Tchaikovsky each set out to tell a story. The result was pure magic.

As Christmas draws closer, get into the spirit of the season with these three beloved musical fairytales.

Ravel’s enchanting Mother Goose and Prokofiev’s tongue-in-cheek take on the story of Cinderella are just the upbeat to a generous festive helping of Tchaikovsky – everyone’s favourite bit of The Nutcracker! The Waltz of the Flowers, the Dance of the Mirlitons, and of course the Sugar Plum Fairy... you’ll meet them all, as Vasily Petrenko and the RLPO whirl you on a very special pre-Christmas sleigh-ride through the Kingdom of Sweets.

Think of it as a musical Selection Box – and go on, spoil yourself!

Carl Davis CBE (Hons) conductor Lance Ellington singer Liverpool Welsh Choral

It’s Christmas, it’s Carl Davis, so you know what that means...showbiz glamour, pure entertainment and of course a whole evening of great tunes.

Join Carl, the Phil, Liverpool Welsh Choral and – straight from TV’s Strictly Come Dancing - top vocalist Lance Ellington, as they crack open their musical selection box and sprinkle it with stardust. Packed with Christmas classics, from Bach to Broadway, by way of the Beatles, there are seasonal treats here for kids aged 9 or 90! Featuring highlights from Handel’s Messiah, Slade, Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio, and, of course, Sleigh Ride, this is one Christmas feast you can enjoy without counting the calories!

Tickets £15, £20, £26, £33, £39

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

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Carols at the Phil

The Spirit of Christmas

Friday 17 December Saturday 18 December Sunday 19 December Tuesday 21 December Wednesday 22 December Thursday 23 December 7.30pm Lesley Garrett presenter/soprano Ian Tracey conductor Jen Heyes artistic director Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir

Back again for 2010 and better than ever, it wouldn’t be December without the Phil’s traditional carol concerts – they’re as much part of a Liverpool Christmas as the Church Street tree and the Everyman Panto! That means a mouth-watering spread of Yuletide music old and new, with classic carols, seasonal readings, and some showstopping songs from our host, Britain’s favourite soprano Lesley Garrett.

Join us as Philharmonic Hall becomes a winter wonderland; expect a few pleasant surprises this year and – of course – be ready to join in with the carols!

Tickets £15, £20, £26, £33, £39

Lesley Garrett presenter / soprano Simon Fowler photographer

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Pops at the Phil

New Year’s Eve: Celebrating Sinatra Friday 31 December 7.30pm Matthew Ford soloist John Wilson conductor Sponsored by

Ring out the old, and ring-a-ding-ding in the new, as for one night only, Philharmonic Hall transforms itself into the Sands Hotel Las Vegas for this sensational tribute to the man, the music, and the legend of Frank Sinatra. Conductor John Wilson has rediscovered Ol’ Blue Eyes’ original scores – and with show-stopping vocalist Matthew Ford backed by the full RLPO, they’ll never sound silkier, sassier or more fabulously swinging.

I’ve Got You Under My Skin, My Kind of Town, New York New York, Luck Be a Lady and of course My Way... expect hit after hit after hit.

This New Year’s Eve, there’s no groovier party in town – so come fly with us and swing into 2011 with the Phil!

Tickets £15, £20, £26, £33, £39

John Wilson conductor

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

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Special

Handel’s Messiah Thursday 6 January 7.30pm

Handel Messiah Ian Tracey conductor Ruby Hughes soprano Clare Wilkinson alto Adrian Ward tenor Adrian Powter bass Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir

Nearly three centuries on, one masterpiece reigns unchallenged as the ultimate musical national institution. There’s simply nothing more British than Handel’s Messiah.

Every Valley Shall Be Exalted, For Unto Us a Child is Born, and of course Hallelujah! – everyone knows the tunes. If you've never heard the Messiah complete, you’ve missed out on one of music’s most uplifting experiences. And if you have, there’s no better way to rediscover it than at the Phil’s traditional New Year performance – conducted this year by our distinguished in-house Chorusmaster Ian Tracey, with an all-British team of singers.

Make it your New Year’s resolution!

Tickets £15, £20, £26, £33, £39

Polar Sue Flood photographer

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Special

Classic FM Series

Polar Saturday 8 January 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Surprise Symphony Wednesday 12 & Thursday 13 January 7.30pm

A cinematic portrait of the polar kingdoms with a unique live orchestral soundtrack chosen and arranged by John Harle John Harle conductor This performance lasts 75 minutes with no interval.

Polar is a journey to the magical frozen lands and seas at the ends of the earth.

Come with us to experience the great ice fields and icebergs north and south of the 66th parallel in this world premiere of music and film. See the white blizzards, dazzling blue oceans and vast wilderness of the South, watch the mighty polar bear, the haunting beluga whales and beautiful humpback whales in the company of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, a specially arranged score and an immense screen.

Scientists say the Arctic is changing more rapidly and acutely than anywhere on the planet; 2007 witnessed the lowest sea ice coverage in recorded history. Jacques Cousteau said that it’s easier to protect what we love.

This is an event that will make you love these increasingly fragile places.

Mozart Symphony No.38 ‘Prague’ Mozart Exsultate Jubilate Rossini Overture, La Gazza Ladra Rossini Folleville's aria from Il Viaggio a Reims Haydn Symphony No.94 in G major ‘Surprise’ Ottavio Dantone conductor RLPO Debut

Désirée Rancatore soprano RLPO Debut

Mozart, Haydn and Rossini weren’t writing for critics – they wanted their music to drive audiences wild with enthusiasm. The people of Prague danced all night to Mozart’s melodies, so he wrote them a symphony that bursts with energy. Rossini hired the best singers in the business – and made them perform jaw-dropping vocal acrobatics. And Haydn stuck a huge practical joke in the slow movement of his 94th symphony, ‘just to make the ladies jump’. Don’t say you weren’t warned! A seriously fun concert, and 18th-century music expert Ottavio Dantone is just the maestro to make it fizz. Even Rossini, meanwhile, would have raised his hat to the flamboyant young Italian soprano Désirée Rancatore.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Tickets £15, £20, £26, £39 Please note price seating sections D and E are the same price for this concert. No discounts apply to this concert and no ticket exchanges will be permitted.

Désirée Rancatore soprano

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

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Pops at the Phil

Puttin’ on the Ritz A Celebration of Fred Astaire and his Leading Ladies

Saturday 15 January 7.30pm Kim Criswell vocalist Gary Williams vocalist John Wilson conductor

Fred Astaire – the name says it all.

Imagine a world of liners, cocktails and gleaming dancefloors, where gentlemen wore white tie, top hat and tails and the ladies did all the same moves – but backwards and in high heels! For sheer entertainment and effortless style, there’s nothing to beat a classic Fred Astaire musical, so let John Wilson and the RLPO whirl you back to an age of pure glamour. West End legends Gary Williams and Kim Criswell sing Top Hat, Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off, Cheek to Cheek and a whole, toe-tapping chorus-line of favourites. And with a sumptuous full orchestra playing MGM’s fabulous original arrangements – all lovingly restored by maestro Wilson – there’s only one way to describe this concert.

It’s the tops!

Tickets £15, £20, £26, £33, £39

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers

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Saturday Series

Thursday Series

The German Romantics Saturday 22 January 7.30pm

Petrenko’s Glorious Rachmaninov Thursday 27 January 7.30pm

Beethoven Violin Concerto Brahms Symphony No.1 Vasily Petrenko conductor Ilya Gringolts violin

They were calling it ‘Beethoven’s Tenth’ before he’d even finished composing it. And they weren’t far wrong. Brahms poured everything he had into his mighty First Symphony, a stirring and deeply-felt spiritual journey from tragedy to triumph, crowned with one of classical music’s truly unforgettable melodies. Ludwig would have been proud – but even he took the odd break from storm and stress, and he never wrote anything sunnier or more serenely beautiful than his glorious Violin Concerto.

‘It comes from the heart; may it go straight to the heart’, was how Beethoven put it, and you can trust Ilya Gringolts – one of the supreme virtuosos of our time – to make every note sing. The calm before a truly magnificent storm.

Prokofiev Suite from Le Pas d’Acier (The Steel Step) Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.4 Rachmaninov Symphony No.2 Vasily Petrenko conductor Simon Trpc˘eski piano Patrons’ Thank You Concert

Think Russian and you think epic.

Rachmaninov’s Second Symphony is exactly that; a huge and stirring musical drama, as grand, expansive and darkly romantic as Russia itself, and full-to-overflowing with some of the most gorgeous love music ever written. It could have been written for Vasily Petrenko, so it goes without saying that this will be a performance to remember. But with the stunning young Macedonian pianist Simon Trpc˘eski playing Rachmaninov’s glittering, bittersweet Fourth Piano Concerto in the first half (this concerto will be recorded as the last in the cycle of Rachmaninov Piano Concertos) and Prokofiev’s steely ballet suite to open, this should be a true high point of the season.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Ilya Gringolts violin

Simon Trpc˘ eski piano Jillian Edelstein photographer

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

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Sunday Afternoon Classics

Classic FM Series

Peer Gynt Sunday 30 January 2.30pm

Memorable Melodies Wednesday 2 & Thursday 3 February 7.30pm

Grieg Peer Gynt Suite No.1 Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.4 Sibelius Symphony No.1 Vasily Petrenko conductor Simon Trpc˘ eski piano

‘Trpčeski was born to play this music and Petrenko to conduct it. With the addition of the warm Russian sound that the RLPO now adopts, the mix is exceptionally potent.’

Geoffrey Norris in The Telegraph on the Phil/Petrenko/Trpčeski recording of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concertos Nos 2 and 3.

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Helsinki isn’t all that far from St Petersburg – and while Sibelius may have wanted his native Finland to break free from Russian rule, he still loved Russian music! You can hear it in his First Symphony; all brooding drama, luscious romance and grand brassy climaxes. Expect Vasily Petrenko to give it his all. And expect some serious razzle-dazzle – and real emotion too – from the superb young Macedonian pianist Simon Trpc˘eski, in Rachmaninov’s bittersweet Fourth Piano Concerto. Meanwhile, there’s a good reason why everyone knows at least one melody from Grieg’s first Peer Gynt suite. These are quite simply some of the most memorable tunes ever written.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Stravinsky Circus Polka Finzi Eclogue for piano and strings Shostakovich Piano Concerto No.2 Delius On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring Stravinsky Firebird Suite (1945) Andrew Litton conductor / piano Discover the Classics 20th Century Rocks See page 06 for details

When a piece makes it into the Classic FM Hall of Fame, you can be sure of one thing – it’s got a good tune. And in this concert, under the entertaining American conductorpianist Andrew Litton, the tunes just keep coming! There’s English music at its most gentle from Finzi and Delius, and Russian music at its most playful in Shostakovich’s big-hearted Second Piano Concerto (to say nothing of the Polka that Stravinsky wrote for a troupe of dancing elephants!).

And then, as a grand finale, there’s Stravinsky’s gorgeous fairy-tale ballet suite. Hear it as one of the great orchestral showpieces of the 20th century, or hear it as the love scene from Shirley Valentine.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Saturday Series

Thursday Series

Unfinished Symphony Saturday 12 February 7.30pm

The Planets Thursday 17 February 7.30pm

Schubert Symphony No.8 ‘Unfinished’ Mahler Songs from Das Knaben Wunderhorn Brahms Serenade No.1 Paul McCreesh conductor Carolyn Sampson soprano

is TV Media Partner to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s Mahler Edition.

Brahms wasn’t always a grand old man, and before he grew that formidable beard, he wrote this lovely Serenade. It’s as big as any symphony but somehow... more relaxed. If you don’t think you like Brahms, you’re in for a big surprise – this is the sort of piece that sends even the critics home whistling the tunes. Paul McCreesh brings all his authoritative and innovative skills to this unforgivably rare performance of a wonderfully friendly masterpiece – and to Mahler’s magical, folk-flavoured songs, sung tonight by rising British soprano Carolyn Sampson who was such a favourite last time she sang in Liverpool. Great music doesn’t have to be serious – and as Schubert’s Eighth Symphony proves, it doesn’t even have to be finished.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Walton Scapino: A Comedy Overture John Ireland Piano Concerto Holst The Planets John Wilson conductor John Lenehan piano Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir Discover the Classics Made in Britain See page 06 for details Classic Intro 6.15pm Rodewald Suite Laura Kinnear discusses Gustav Holst Laura Kinnear is curator of the Holst Birthplace Museum in Cheltenham.

Since its premiere during the First World War, The Planets has become one of the all-time classics of British music – even making it to TV theme status! But if you’ve only heard the famous bits, you only know half the story. The Planets isn't just about great tunes like Jupiter and Mars; it's a tremendous musical odyssey towards the infinite, written for a super-size orchestra and filled with sounds of jaw-dropping strangeness and beauty. John Wilson is fast becoming the young conductor for British music, and he takes this chance to re-introduce us to John Ireland’s ravishing Piano Concerto. Between the wars, it was as popular as Rachmaninov; with John Lenehan as soloist, you’ll hear why. Walton’s irresistible comedy overture gets things off to a flying start.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Carolyn Sampson soprano

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

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Sunday Afternoon Classics

Classic FM Series

Lark Ascending Sunday 20 February 2.30pm

Spanish Night Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 February 7.30pm

Walton Scapino: A Comedy Overture Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending Ireland Mai Dun – Symphonic Rhapsody for Orchestra Holst The Planets John Wilson conductor Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir

Everyone knows Gustav Holst’s Planets suite – but if you’ve only heard the famous bits, you only know half the story. The Planets isn't just about great tunes like Jupiter and Mars; it’s a tremendous musical odyssey towards the infinite, written for a super-size orchestra and filled with sounds of jaw-dropping strangeness and beauty.

But first, conductor John Wilson takes us on a more down-to-earth English journey, from the jazz-age wit of Walton’s uproarious Scapino Overture to the elemental power of John Ireland’s Mai Dun, a Wessex landscape painted in glowing colours. And Vaughan Williams’ ravishing The Lark Ascending – a regular favourite in the Classic FM Hall of Fame – reminds us that you don’t need to head for the stars to find a very English heaven.

Albéniz (orch. Fernández Arbós) 3 Pieces from Iberia (Evocación/ El Albaicín/ Triana) Rodrigo Concierto d’Aranguez Falla Interlude and Dance from La Vida Breve Falla El Sombrero de Tres Picos (The Three Cornered Hat – Suites 1 and 2) Pablo Gonzalez conductor Xue Fei Yang guitar Legacy Memorial Concert

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Xue Fei Yang guitar Neil Muir photographer

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There’s Spanish music – and then there’s Spanish music. This is the real thing: Manuel de Falla got under the picture postcard surface and wrote music that captured all the fire and mystery of his native land. But you don’t need to tell that to our young Spanish-born guest conductor, Pablo Gonzalez, as he whirls the RLPO through music from two of Falla’s most flamboyant stage works, and Joaquín Rodrigo’s haunting, hugely popular Concierto de Aranguez (that’s ‘Orange Juice Concerto’ to fans of Brassed Off). And after her acclaimed Liverpool debut last season, we’re delighted to welcome back the extraordinary Chinese guitarist Xue Fei Yang as soloist.

Saturday Series

Thursday Series

Four Last Songs Saturday 5 March 7.30pm

A German Requiem Thursday 10 March 7.30pm

Richard Strauss Four Last Songs Mahler Symphony No.6 Vasily Petrenko conductor Sally Matthews soprano Discover the Classics A Call to Brahms See page 06 for details

is TV Media Partner to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s Mahler Edition.

Gustav Mahler knew that you have to be careful what you wish for. At the climax of his tragic Sixth Symphony he portrayed an artist felled by three mighty ‘hammer blows of fate’ – and soon after he completed the Sixth, three devastating blows reduced Mahler’s family and career to ruins.

Well, that’s the legend, anyway; what’s beyond dispute is that this epic symphony is one of the most powerful, and personal, masterpieces ever written. It’ll be a landmark in Vasily Petrenko’s journey through the RLPO’s Mahler Edition; while Richard Strauss’s glorious final songs – sung tonight by a rising star amongst British sopranos – is always one of music’s most heart-rending experiences.

Songs by Brahms and Strauss (Inger Dam -Jensen, soprano with piano) Brahms A German Requiem Claus Peter Flor conductor Inger Dam -Jensen soprano Gerd Grochowski baritone (tbc) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Discover the Classics A Call to Brahms See page 06 for details

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

Brahms didn’t believe in God, but he did believe in human love, and as he struggled to come to terms with the death of his mother he conceived a different kind of Requiem – music meant to comfort those left behind.

Drawing on biblical texts, the tradition of Bach, and Brahms’ own deeply romantic spirit, the German Requiem is surely the warmest and most tender of all great choral works. The respected German conductor Claus Peter Flor has devoted his life to the German romantic tradition; along with two world-class soloists and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, there’s no better guide to this radiant and profoundly moving masterpiece.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Sally Matthews soprano David Crookes photographer

Claus Peter Flor conductor Shawn Northcutt photographer

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

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Sunday Afternoon Classics

Award-winning Manfred Sunday 3 April 2.30pm Vaughan Williams Wasps Overture Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K.488 Tchaikovsky Manfred Symphony Vasily Petrenko conductor Hélène Grimaud piano RLPO Debut

‘Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony presents abundant evidence of the orchestra’s new glory. Feel that crackle of electricity. Listen to the woodwinds’ bright dexterity in the water sprays of the second movement, the strings’ ravishingly controlled pianissimo, or the fat confidence of the brass.

Throughout, the orchestra’s ensemble spirit is so tight that you could cut yourself on the music’s edges.’

Hélène Grimaud piano Mat Henneck photographer

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The Times, 2008 on the Phil / Petrenko Classic FM Gramophone Award-winning recording of the Manfred Symphony

So you thought Tchaikovsky only wrote six symphonies? Then prepare to be astonished, as Vasily Petrenko steers the RLPO through the ‘forgotten’ Tchaikovsky symphony – Manfred, a huge, darkly dramatic musical portrayal of a self-destructive hero tormented by a forbidden love.

Sounds like vintage Tchaikovsky?

If you’ve already heard our Classic FM Gramophone Award-winning recording, you won’t need persuading!

A rare chance to hear one of the world’s top pianists as well as Hélène Grimaud makes her Liverpool debut in Mozart’s most romantic concerto.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Saturday Series

European Opera Centre at the Phil: The Wedding of Camacho Saturday 9 April 7.30pm Mendelssohn Die Hochzeit des Camacho (The Wedding of Camacho) Vasily Petrenko conductor Ignacio Garcia director Singers from the European Opera Centre Classic Intro at 6.15pm Rodewald Suite Kenneth Baird, Ignacio Garcia and Laurent Pillot in discussion Kenneth Baird and Laurent Pillot from the European Opera Centre join the production’s director for a wide ranging discussion about the background and preparation of the opera.

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

Scheming young lovers, a pompous old suitor; a sumptuous wedding feast, a couple of ghosts and a special appearance by Don Quixote and Sancho Panza...sounds like a recipe for pure farce! And that’s exactly what we get in this new edition of The Wedding of Camacho – an uproarious full-length comic opera by the 16-year old Felix Mendelssohn. If you know his String Octet or A Midsummer Night’s Dream, you’ll know to expect sparkling music and buckets of youthful energy.

But even if you don’t, you won’t be able to resist the sheer fun of this dramatised performance – the latest collaboration between the RLPO and the wonderful young singers from the European Opera Centre.

Sung in German with English subtitles.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Don Quixote, Gustave Doré

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

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Classic FM Series

Special

Don Quixote Wednesday 13 & Thursday 14 April 7.30pm

St John Passion Wednesday 20 April 7.30pm

Liszt Mephisto Waltz No.1 Strauss Don Quixote Beethoven Symphony No.7 Vasily Petrenko conductor Alban Gerhardt cello Sponsored by

Just how far can music take you?

Vasily Petrenko and the RLPO attempt to find out, in this roller-coaster of a concert. First, Franz Liszt dances with devil, in his first Mephisto Waltz.

We dream the impossible dream with Richard Strauss’s Don Quixote – tilting at windmills, fighting armies singlehanded (even if they sound a lot like sheep), and soaring through the air: it’s all there in digital detail in Strauss’s breathtaking score.

Renowned German cellist Alban Gerhardt plays the doleful knight.

And then Ludwig van Beethoven lets rip with the most no-holds-barred, high voltage swashbuckler of a symphony even he ever wrote.

Fasten your seatbelts – this should be quite a ride.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

James MacMillan St John Passion James MacMillan conductor Christopher Maltman bass Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir Classic Intro 6.15pm Rodewald Suite James MacMillan in discussion with Ian Stephens

“A blazing blockbuster, a piece as fiercely communicative as anything that the 48-year-old MacMillan has written before... The end of Part One was masterly: no loudspeaker wailing as the Crucifixion loomed, but a resigned, pianissimo meditation, threaded with keening instrumental solos.”

The Times

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Musical history in the making.

They said that modern music lacked melody, emotion and passion – and James MacMillan proved them all wrong. Since reducing a stunned Proms audience to tears back in 1990, MacMillan has emerged as the most committed, communicative and – yes – tuneful of living British composers, writing music that combines blazing emotion with profound spiritual strength. His latest masterpiece re-tells the greatest story ever told, in music that’s deeply rooted in tradition. It’s already been performed by several of the world’s greatest orchestras; this Liverpool premiere is conducted by the composer himself and features the singer who premiered the St John Passion in London in 2009.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Pops at the Phil

Chaplin’s The Pilgrim Saturday 30 April 7.30pm

Carl Davis Ballade for Cello and Orchestra World Premiere, commissioned by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

Chaplin The Pilgrim Film with live orchestral accompaniment Carl Davis CBE (Hon) conductor Jonathan Aasgaard cello

It doesn’t matter how good your home cinema is. Until you’ve heard a full symphony orchestra accompanying a film live, you’ve never experienced the ultimate in movie sound! As the Philharmonic Hall fulfils its art deco destiny as Liverpool’s finest cinema, veteran movie maestro Carl (‘Cranford’) Davis conducts the RLPO in a live accompaniment to Charlie Chaplin’s 1923 silent gem The Pilgrim. Chaplin himself wrote the music for this knockabout tale of the Little Tramp impersonating a priest in small-town Texas – and you’ll hear every delightful note. We’ve even got a ‘B’ feature too – the world premiere of Ballade for Cello and Orchestra, specially written by Carl Davis for the RLPO’s terrific Principal Cello, Jonathan Aasgaard.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Charlie Chaplin The Pilgrim © Roy Export S.A.S

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Saturday Series

Thursday Series

The Inextinguishable Saturday 7 May 7.30pm

South American Dream Thursday 12 May 7.30pm

Schumann Genoveva Overture Brahms Violin Concerto Nielsen Symphony No.4 ‘The Inextinguishable’ Thomas Dausgaard conductor Isabelle Faust violin

‘Music is Life’ declared Carl Nielsen, ‘and like it, inextinguishable’. And in the middle of the First World War, he set out to prove it, with a symphony of unstoppable energy and optimism.

From its volcanic opening, to a showstopping finale in which batteries of kettledrums try to blast each other offstage, there’s nothing quite like the Inextinguishable. This is music that makes you feel thrilled to be alive, and the eminent Danish conductor Thomas Dausgaard has it pounding through his veins. Brahms’ sunlit Violin Concerto, meanwhile, is from another world, though with one of the world’s finest young violinists as soloist, it’ll be every bit as gripping.

A spirited overture by Brahms’ friend Schumann sets the mood for adventure and romance.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Villa-Lobos Bachianas Brasiliensis No.9 Piazzolla Bandoneón Concerto ‘Aconcagua’ Villa Lobos Bachianas Brasiliensis No.8 Ginastera Suite from Estancia Roberto Minczuk conductor Per Arne Glorvigen bandoneón Discover the Classics Red Hot Latin See page 06 for details

They say it takes two to tango, but the great Argentinean king of nuevo tango, Astor Piazzolla, could flood a whole orchestra with its dark, sophisticated and powerfully sensuous rhythms. His haunting concerto for bandoneón – the supersize concertina heard in the dance halls of Buenos Aires – is at the passionate heart of this extraordinary concert; a musical tour through South America in the hands of the dynamic Brazilian maestro Roberto Minczuk.

Villa-Lobos’s sumptuous Bachianas Bransiliensis give a flamboyant Latin swing to the spirit of JS Bach; while Ginastera’s earthy ballet suite celebrates the vast beauty and rough-cut spirit of the Argentinean grasslands. Music from a new world, bursting with colour and pulsing with emotion – in other words, a concert like nothing else this season.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Isabelle Faust violin Felix Broede photographer

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Sunday Afternoon Classics

Classic FM Series

Tango Sunday 15 May 2.30pm

Heroes Wednesday 18 & Thursday 19 May 7.30pm

Ravel La Valse Piazzolla Bandoneón Concerto ‘Aconcagua’ Milhaud Le Boeuf sur le Toit Piazzolla Tangos Ginastera Suite from Estancia Roberto Minczuk conductor Per Arne Glorvigen bandoneón

A dance to the music of time.

Brazilian guest conductor Roberto Minczuk begins with La Valse, Ravel’s delirious waltz-time nightmare of Europe on the brink, and ends amidst the huge blue skies and wide open grasslands of Ginastera’s foot-stomping cowboy ballet Estancia. But first, he whirls us through Milhaud’s Technicolor celebration of jazz-age Paris (named after Picasso’s favourite nightclub!), and lingers in the dance halls of Buenos Aires – where the legendary Astor Piazzolla mixes tangos as stylish, as intoxicating and as thoroughly grown-up as any cocktail. A rare chance to hear Piazzolla’s extraordinary, impassioned Bandoneón Concerto completes a concert that’ll make your toes tap – and your heart break.

Tchaikovsky Suite No.4 ‘Mozartiana’ Prokofiev Piano Concerto No.1 Mozart Overture to Don Giovanni Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings Vasily Petrenko conductor Kirill Gerstein piano Sponsored by

There’s hero-worship – and then there’s Tchaikovsky’s passion for Mozart. Tchaikovsky called Mozart ‘the Christ of music’, and in his Fourth Suite he simply smothered him with love. It’s one of music’s great forbidden pleasures, as Tchaikovsky takes a selection of his favourite Mozart melodies and drenches them in his most gorgeous orchestral colours.

But there’s some ‘real’ Tchaikovsky too (his joyous Serenade for Strings, with its unforgettable waltz), some ‘real’ Mozart, and something completely different by a young man in a hurry: Prokofiev’s outrageous First Piano Concerto, played tonight by one of the fastest-rising stars of the Russian piano scene.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Kirill Gerstein piano

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Thursday Series

Song of the Night Thursday 26 May 7.30pm Mozart Violin Concerto in No.4, in D major K.218 Mahler Symphony No.7 Vasily Petrenko conductor Alina Ibramigova violin Sponsored by

is TV Media Partner to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s Mahler Edition.

Mahler called his Seventh Symphony his ‘Song of the Night’, and even by his standards, it’s something out of the ordinary. It begins with a broken melody stumbling through the mists; and ends with Mahler’s whole massive orchestra joyously blasting the roof off.

In between, it’s a fantastic journey through a haunted dreamscape, an enchanted world of distant bugles, moonlit love-songs and mandolin serenades. Once heard, never forgotten, and under Vasily Petrenko, this latest instalment in the RLPO’s Mahler Edition should be one to remember.

But first comes an exquisite musical aperitif – Mozart’s graceful Fourth Violin Concerto. And it’s hard to think of a violinist who could serve it up with more sparkle or charm than Alina Ibramigova.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Alina Ibramigova violin

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Ian Tracey – 25 years as Chorusmaster with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir

Special

Petrenko’s Elgar Friday 10 June 7.30pm

Elgar 3 Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands Guilmant Symphony No.1 for Organ and Orchestra Elgar Symphony No.2 Vasily Petrenko conductor Ian Tracey organ Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir

‘Petrenko shows that he is a natural Englishman...

He knows that an orchestra such as the RLPO has this music in its bones, and he knows when to stand aside and let them play, as well as when to seize the reins.’

Inspired by a line from Shelley, conceived on the storm-swept cliffs of Tintagel and amidst the shimmering towers of Venice, and haunted by the death of a King; it’s no wonder that Elgar called his Second Symphony ‘the passionate pilgrimage of a soul’. From resplendent beginning to haunting final sunset, this isn’t only the mightiest of all British symphonies: it’s an unforgettably emotional self-portrait of a great artist and his age. Vasily Petrenko proves once again that Elgar is infinitely more than just a moustache and a march – as if tonight’s delicious picture-postcard openers didn’t already prove that!

And to celebrate the end of the season, organist Ian Tracey scales the earpopping gothic heights of Guilmant’s sensational Symphony for Organ and Orchestra.

Tickets £11, £16, £22, £29, £35

Professor Ian Tracey has conducted over 200 concerts with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra over the past 25 years, combining his chorusmaster duties with an international career as a recital organist. Ian was appointed Organist of Liverpool Cathedral in 1980 (at the time the youngest in the country) and he currently holds the post of 'Organist Titulaire' there.

His solo performances have gathered critical acclaim all over the world and he has been awarded fellowships from twenty prestigious musical institutions, both here and abroad, including the Royal College of Organists, and is also the Organist to the City of Liverpool. His recordings for the EMI, Chandos, and Priory labels on the organ of Liverpool Cathedral have sold all over the world and his Liverpool recitals are always a sell out.

The 2010/11 season marks his 25th year of leading the traditional Carol Concerts at the Phil, and he will also conduct the annual Messiah performance and appear as solo organist in a concert at the end of the season.

Geoffrey Norris in The Telegraph 2007, on the Phil's performance of Elgar's Symphony No. 2.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts

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Chamber Music Rodewald Concert Series Join us in the splendid setting of St George’s Hall Concert Room for performances by some of the world’s finest string quartets, vocalists, and recital artists.

Simón Bolívar Quartet Saturday 11 September 7.30pm

Bach Contrapunto No. 1 ‘The Art of Fugue’ Beethoven String Quartet in B flat major Op. 133 ‘Grosse Fuge’ M.M. Ponce Estrellita (arr.Alvaro Bitran) Bach Contrapunto No. 9 ‘The Art of Fugue’ Shostakovich String Quartet No.8 Rodolfo Halffter ‘8 Tientos’ Cuarteto Revueltas (Tiento No. 5)

‘Who would have thought that a youth orchestra from Venezuela would be the hottest ticket in town?’

The DailyTelegraph Ever since the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra took the 2007 Proms by storm, the whole musical world has been talking about El Sistema – the revolutionary social programme that’s turned Venezuelan slum children into some of the most electrifying classical musicians in the world today, and the inspiration for the Phil’s own In Harmony programme in West Everton. The Simón Bolívar Quartet is the latest world-class ensemble to emerge from El Sistema, now making its Liverpool debut with a wonderfully varied programme including Beethoven’s deeply moving ‘Grosse Fuge’ and the exuberant Tiento No. 5

by Spanish composer Rodolfo Halffter.

Inspirational.

Tickets £20

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Jonathan Biss piano Tuesday 5 October 7.30pm

Beethoven Six Bagatelles Op.126 Mozart Adagio in B minor, K.540 Beethoven Piano Sonata No.28 in A major, Op.101 Janác˘ ek Piano Sonata Beethoven Piano Sonata No.23 in F minor, Op. 57 Appassionata

Pavel Haas Quartet Friday 22 October 7.30pm

‘Biss has all the technique required, yet he unfailingly puts the composer first... there is nothing showy about his piano-playing; everything feels completely natural, innately musical, tightly controlled and deeply felt.’

BBC Music Magazine

Beethoven String Trio in C minor Op.9 No.3 Debussy String Quartet Dvo˘rák String Quartet Op.96 'American'

Jonathan Biss is that rarest of things; a young virtuoso pianist who plays with both his head and his heart.

This typically thoughtful programme will showcase every side of his artistry, from Mozart to Janác˘ek – and in Biss’s hands, even Beethoven’s popular ‘Appassionata’ sonata should sound freshly-minted.

Tickets £20

‘Take note: this is one of the most polished and musically exciting young string quartets in the world today.’

Washington Post It might seem bold to describe a group that was founded in 2002 as a ‘legend’ – even one that plays with the freshness and fire of the Prague-based Pavel Haas Quartet. But since their breathtaking debut recording in 2006, the Pavel Haas Quartet have staked their claim as the heirs-apparent to the great Central European string quartet tradition. Opening with Beethoven’s brooding C minor String Trio, their Liverpool programme also offers their ‘streamlined but full-blooded’ take on Debussy’s ardent early String Quartet. And when it comes to Dvo˘rák’s beloved ‘American’ quartet, it’s safe to say that no quartet today plays Czech music with more authenticity – or conviction.

Tickets £20

Jonathan Biss piano Jimmy Katz photographer

Pavel Haas Quartet

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Tasmin Little violin John Lenehan piano Wednesday 10 November 7.30pm Partners in Time Kreisler Praeludium and Allegro Bach Violin Sonata in E major BWV 1016 Mozart Violin Sonata in C Major K.296 Grieg Sonata No. 2 in G major Op.13 Tchaikovsky Melodie Bartók Romanian Folk Dances

The Katona Twins guitars Tuesday 14 December 7.30pm

‘It’s always a joy to witness an artist with this kind of life-spark, who really connects with the music, with her instrument, with listeners. The audience's response to her was thunderous.’ Seattle Times Tasmin Little has long been a favourite with Liverpool audiences; but with this mouthwatering recital – inspired by her critically acclaimed recent album Partners in Time – she’s sure to make even more new friends.

Along with her regular duet-partner John Lenehan, Little brings her glorious tone and old-school panache to a programme that spans the whole shared history of the violin and piano, from Bach to Bartók – with some unexpected delights along the way.

Rossini (arr. Katona) Overture, ‘Barber of Seville’ Bach (arr. Katona) English Suite No.3 (BWV 808) Rodrigo Tonadilla Scarlatti (arr. Katona) Three Sonatas Bizet (arr. Katona) Excerpts from the ‘Carmen Suite’ Piazzolla Otono Porteno

Tickets £20

Tickets £20

Tasmin Little violin Melanie WInning photographer

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Twin brothers Peter and Zoltán Katona were born in Hungary, trained in Germany and live in Liverpool.

But their spectacular brand of guitar playing has made a splash around the world! From orchestral favourites in jaw-dropping arrangements to contemporary classics of the guitar repertoire, there’s no limit to what the Katonas can do with their guitars and they deliver it all with irresistible showmanship. Join them in their adopted home town for an evening of Bach, Rodrigo, Bizet, Scarlatti and Piazzolla, and witness the phenomenon for yourself.

The Katona Twins guitars Peter Goodbody photographer

Wolfgang Holzmair baritone Russell Ryan piano Friday 21 January 7.30pm

Dichterlieben Killmayer Belsazar; Lachner Im Mai; Meyerbeer Die Rose, die Lilie, die Taube; Wolf Wenn ich in deine Augen Seh’; Kinkel Der Kuss Liszt Im Rhein, im heiligen Strome; Ives Ich grolle nicht; Hensel Verlust; Grieg Hörlich das Liedchen klingen; Hoven Eine alte Geschichte; Franz Am leuchtenden Sommermorgen; Loewe Ich hab’ im Traum geweinet; Mendelssohn Allnächtlich im Traume seh’ ich dich; von Suppe Aus alten Märchen; Schumann Belsazar Schumann Dichterliebe Op.48

‘..the Austrian baritone, Wolfgang Holzmair, whose intimate and direct singing seems the kind of thing you might have heard in a 19th century drawing room: communicative, straightforward, delicately nuanced.’

New York Times Wolfgang Holzmair is the consummate lieder-singer, and Schumann’s Dichterliebe is the consummate romantic song-cycle. Tonight, Holzmair brings all his vocal sensitivity to Schumann’s masterpiece. But first he offers us something rather different: settings of Heine’s poetry by composers as diverse as Charles Ives and Fanny Mendelssohn, compiled by Holzmair to form a sort of alternative Dichterliebe.

A thought-provoking and deeply moving evening.

Tickets £25

Fauré Piano Quartet Saturday 26 February 7.30pm

Paul Lewis piano Complete Schubert Cycle I Tuesday 8 March 7.30pm

Mahler Piano Quartet (in one movement) in A minor

Schubert Sonata for Piano No.15 in C Major, D840 Drei Klavierstücke D946 Sonata for Piano No.17 in D Major, D850

Mozart Piano Quartet in G minor K.478 Mozart Piano Quartet in E flat major K.493 ‘Anyone who heard the Fauré Piano Quartet perform will want to hear it again’ Martha Argerich Good things come in twos, and Mozart’s sublime Piano Quartets make for a near-perfect evening of chamber music. One is graceful, sunny and gloriously expansive, the other is dark, impassioned and deeply personal.

Together they add up to a complete portrait of Mozart as both man and artist. Mahler’s rarely-heard Piano Quartet, meanwhile, may be a bit smaller than his epic symphonies – but its youthful ambition aims every bit as high!

‘Already he can be ranked with such major interpreters as Kempf, Serkin or Arrau’ Hi-Fi News When Paul Lewis played a series of Schubert recitals at the Wigmore Hall, in 2001, Alfred Brendel led the standing ovation. Now, after completing a revelatory recorded cycle of Beethoven sonatas, this great Liverpudlian pianist – still only 37! - returns to his first love. Over eight concerts between now and 2012, Lewis will perform all Schubert’s solo piano music and Schubert’s Song Cycles with the great singer Mark Padmore. Be there at the start of an extraordinary journey.

Tickets £25

Tickets £20 Chamber Music Rodewald Concert Series

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Fine Arts Quartet Saturday 19 March 7.30pm

Beethoven String Quartet Op.18, No.1 Glass String Quartet No.2 ‘Company’ (1983) Grieg String Quartet in G minor, Op.27

Paul Lewis piano Complete Schubert Cycle II Friday 8 April 7.30pm ‘This ensemble exudes mature, seasoned musicianship. Together for many years, its members do not try to showboat or emote; they focus on the music...’ The Washington Post After six decades as an institution in the business, it’s no surprise that the Fine Arts Quartet has been described as ‘one of the gold-plated names in chamber music’. Long one of the most respected chamber groups in the USA, this concert finds the modern day Fine Arts bringing their famous energy to Grieg’s neglected, but passionately romantic, G minor quartet, as well as a modern American classic, Philip Glass’s Second Quartet.

Schubert 12 Waltzes D145 Four Impromptus D899 Hungarian Melody in B minor D817 Piano Sonata No.18 in G major D894

‘Schubert couldn’t be better served’ London Evening Standard In the second part of his epic eight-concert journey through Schubert’s complete piano music, the acclaimed Liverpool-born pianist Paul Lewis tackles Schubert’s late sonata D.894 – one of the most expansive, and yet intimate, of all Schubert’s piano works. But first, savour the heart-easing charm of Schubert’s youthful waltzes, and the glorious inventiveness of his Impromptus D.899 – practically a sonata in their own right! As always, expect poetry, imagination and deep emotion from the finest Schubert pianist of his generation.

Tickets £20 Tickets £25

Fine Arts Quartet

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Paul Lewis piano Jack Liebeck photographer

Quatuor Ebène Tuesday 24 May 7.30pm

Borodin String Quartet No.2 Prokofiev String Quartet No.1 Op.50 Brahms String Quartet Op.51 No.2

Elias Quartet Tuesday 14 June 7.30pm

‘Here is a gifted young string quartet with something urgent and individual to communicate. This is playing that combines refinement of shading and nuance with a sense of controlled danger’ The Daily Telegraph.

Even in today’s crowded field, the Quatuor Ebène stands out. They may take their inspiration from Quentin Tarantino and Chick Corea, but when their disc of Debussy, Ravel and Fauré won Recording of the Year in the 2009 Classic FM Gramophone Awards, they showed that they had fresh things to say in the classic quartet repertoire, too. This keenlyawaited Liverpool appearance finds them tackling two of the best-loved of Romantic quartets – and Prokofiev’s zingy, rarely-heard First.

Beethoven String Quartet Op.95 ‘Serioso’ Dutilleux Ainsi la Nuit Smetana String Quartet No.1 in E minor ‘From My Life’

Prepare to be astonished.

‘A heaven-storming performance...

Big things lie ahead of them’ The Strad ‘The Elias is the best young quartet I’ve come across in years...’

The Sunday Times Since their breakthrough as founder-members of the brilliant Sheffield-based chamber music collective Ensemble 360, the youthful Elias Quartet has quickly become one of the most exciting – and passionate – voices on the British chamber music scene. In February 2010 they received a Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award.

Acclaimed for their performances of the German romantics, their Liverpool programme sets two of the 19th century’s most vibrant masterpieces against a true modern classic – the ravishing Ainsi la Nuit by living legend Henri Dutilleux.

Tickets £20 Tickets £20 Quatuor Ebène Julien Mignot photographer

Elias Quartet

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The TalkTalk Family Concerts Classical music isn’t just for grown-ups! The Phil’s 1 hour Family Concerts are a great introduction to classical music for children aged 4 – 10 and their families.

Each concert has a theme and you’re invited to join in with the festivities by wearing fancy dress. Fidgeting is allowed – so don’t hesitate to book today! sponsored by

Fantastic Creatures Saturday 13 November 2.30pm

Rudolph on Hope Street Saturday 18 December Sunday 19 December Tuesday 21 December 11.30am and 2.30pm

Alasdair Malloy presenter and soloist

Alasdair Malloy conductor

Calling all wizards, warlocks and witches! Join us for a programme that celebrates all the fantastic creatures found in the magical world.

With Alasdair spectacularly dressed as a Wizard, you’re invited to dress as your favourite fictional character.

Highlights include Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King, Saint-Saëns ‘Bacchanale’ from Samson and Delilah and Elgar’s Wand of Youth together with music from Harry Potter.

Move over Frosty – Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is coming to town this year in a one-hour holiday extravaganza for the whole family.

It’ll be a high energy event as we invite audiences to singalong to Christmas favourites. And the Phil will even play host to its very own live reindeer who will be available to visit just outside the Phil before and after the concert (weekend only). Bring those red noses and get ready to say hello to Santa!

Come dressed as a mystical being, a wizard or your favourite fictional character.

Tickets £8, £10, £14 £6 children

Image Peter & The Wolf 2 January

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Book early – we’ve added extra concerts this year but they sell out quickly!

Tickets £9, £12, £15 £8 children EARLY BOOKING STRONGLY ADVISED

Peter & the Wolf LIVE Sunday 2 January 2.30pm and 5.30pm

Director Suzie Templeton 2006 BreakThru Films Ltd and Se-ma-for Suitable for children aged 7+

©A.M.P.A.S®

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM 2008 OSCAR® WINNER

Boys Like Peter are Not Afraid of Wolves After a hugely popular performance in 2008, director Suzie Templeton’s Oscar Award-winning film Peter & the Wolf returns as a new year’s treat with live music by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and a newly commissioned script by poet Simon Armitage.

These screenings will also boast some captivating elements that offer the audience a whole new insight into Peter’s world. High-tech mini cameras are used to take the audience through a miniaturised version of the film’s original set and models, enabling fans a unique perspective on the film.

A mesmerising take on a classic tale – expect tickets to fly off the shelves for this magical interpretation of the celebrated film!

Peter & the Wolf

Tickets £12, £16, £20 £8 children

The TalkTalk Family Concerts

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Pirates Ahoy!

Sunday 17 April 2.30pm

Big Bear’s Band We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Sunday 26 June 2.30pm

Alasdair Malloy presenter and soloist

Dave Benson Phillips presenter With Special Guest Big Bear

Awesome Al, the cabin boy of our Pirate Ship, welcomes you aboard this suitably swashbuckling seafaring adventure. From the stirring sounds of Leroy Anderson’s Pirate March to the spectacular finale where everyone learns The Sailor's Hornpipe, this is an unforgettable voyage through uncharted waters in search of a treasure trove of musical gems. Hear about the pirates hiding their treasure in Fingal’s Cave, head off Over the Waves to the Caribbean and sing about the Jamaican Rumba. Encounter Cap’n Jack Sparrow in music from the Pirates of the Caribbean films and test your nautical knowledge in our quiz Nautical Notes.

Come dressed as a Pirate!

Tickets £8, £10, £14 £6 Children

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Alasdair Malloy director We’re going on a bear hunt.

We’re going to catch a big one.

What a beautiful day!

We’re not scared.

Bring a musical instrument of your choice (tambourine, drum, maracas, or even a set of jangley keys!) and get ready to samba in your seats, march with the music, and boogie to the brass in this action packed concert.

A musical rendition of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (music by Ian Stephens) will be performed. Bring your favourite teddy to join in!

Tickets £8, £10, £14 £6 Children

Ensemble 10/10 The contemporary music group of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Dutch Treat Wednesday 17 November 7.30pm The Cornerstone, Liverpool Hope University Creative Campus

Works to include Graham Fitkin new piece (commissioned by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival)

Ensemble of the Year 2009 Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards Jointly awarded to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Ensemble 10/10

Concert Series of the Year 2009 Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards

Martijn Padding White Eagle (soloist Tom Raskin) Gary Carpenter Closing Time (solo violin Helen Hulst) Jennifer Watson Reflections Heleen Hulst violin Tom Raskin tenor Jennifer Watson saxophone Clark Rundell conductor

Tickets £9 All concerts take place at The Cornerstone, Liverpool Hope University Creative Campus

A concert with a strong Dutch influence – native Martijn Padding and Graham Fitkin studied with iconic Dutch composer Louis Andriessen; whilst Gary Carpenter lived in Holland writing for the Netherlands Dance Theatre.

Padding’s work absorbs, popular culture, jazz, and historical references as well as theatrical elements.

Graham Fitkin is no stranger to Liverpool as former Composer in Association at the Phil. His is music of strong rhythmical shapes, driving riffs and poignant melody set in contrasting imaginative sound tapestries. These are qualities which have secured him an international reputation.

Gary Carpenter’s Closing Time was a 2008 Liverpool European Capital of Culture commission. The six songs are written to poems of Eva Salzman that are marked by a subtlety of feeling and a pervasive sensuality .

Jennifer Watson, still at the RNCM, is as accomplished a saxophone player as gifted a composer. Technically assured and a personal synthesis of a wide range of inspirations, her piece is ‘an honest and emotional response to my influences to date.’

Tickets £9 Ensemble 10 / 10

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Electro Acoustic Night Wednesday 9 February 7.30pm The Cornerstone, Liverpool Hope University Creative Campus

Larry Goves / Mira Calix new work Anna Meredith Flak Matthew Fairclough new work Edgard Varese Deserts Clark Rundell conductor Larry Goves electronics Up to the minute cutting edge electro acoustic compositions sit beside the work that many consider to be the founding of the genre. Edgar Varese completed his Deserts in Paris in the early 1950’s. Three hard edged tape interpolations (created from factory sounds and percussion instruments) come between the four monumental sounding instrumental episodes. The work became a classic and consolidated his reputation as a pioneer of electronic music.

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Larry Goves is at the end of a yearlong collaboration with Warp Records composer/vocalist/DJ Mira Calix.

Thrilling creative energies spark out of their wildly different approaches.

Tonight hears new arrangements of their exciting work in which they’ll perform alongside the musicians of 10/10 and new music especially written for the occasion.

Anna Meredith is presently the PRS/RPS Composer in the House with sinfonia ViVA. She is one of the fastest rising young composers on the scene today. Flak was described as ‘a rich, deeply funky piece’, ‘the disco from hell’.

Liverpool University based Matthew Fairclough, is a composer and sound designer specialising in live electronics and multimedia performances. His acoustic piece for 10/10 last season was a success, but in this new piece he returns to his electroacoustic roots.

Tickets £9

Continental Drift Wednesday 16 March 7.30pm

American Dream Wednesday 6 April 7.30pm

The Cornerstone, Liverpool Hope University Creative Campus

The Cornerstone, Liverpool Hope University Creative Campus

Detlev Glanert Mahler/Skizze (Mahler/Sketch) Hans Werner Henze Dance and Salon Music Robin Hartwell The Dancers Daniel Kidane 3 Stücks Anthony Gilbert Encantos (world premiere)

Marie Vassiliou soprano Clark Rundell conductor Doyen of European composers, Hans Werner Henze extracted some of the most evocative music from his 1952 ballet pantomime The Idiot, to create his Dance and Salon Music. Typical of his early ‘exploratory phase’, the language is reminiscent of neo-classical Stravinsky.

Detlev Glanert studied with Henze and shows a similar fascination for lyricism

and romanticism but filtered through a modern perspective. His Mahler/Skizze is a short admiration of that composer.

Works to include:

Anthony Gilbert’s song-cycle is set to the Spanish symbolist love poetry.

Gilbert’s long and distinguished career has taken him on several distinct musical journeys whilst always maintaining a highly individual and expressive voice.

Michael Daugherty Snap!

Robin Hartwell, lecturer in music at Liverpool’s Hope University, has reworked a striking early piece into an ensemble piece so that we can celebrate his 60th birthday year.

The Dancers is finely crafted and stylishly scored.

Residing in the North West and mentored by composer Gary Carpenter, Daniel Kidane was selected for a young composers project at the National Gallery in 2009. His three miniatures show energy and elegance.

Tickets £9

John Adams Son of Chamber Symphony

Kamran Ince Arches Mark Simpson new work (world premiere commissioned by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic)

Clark Rundell conductor John Adams, perhaps the most frequently performed living American composer, harnesses the rhythmic energy of Minimalism to the harmonies and orchestral colours of late-Romanticism.

The success of his barnstorming Chamber Symphony, has delivered another virtuosic vehicle naturally called ‘Son of...’.

The Los Angeles Times called the last movement ‘one of those Adams bucking-bronco blastoffs’.

Michael Daugherty is also one of today’s most played and commissioned American composers. His eclectic, ironic and witty music has found a ready international audience. Snap! was the piece that defined his style in the late 1980’s. It is a jazz tribute to the golden age of Hollywood.

Kamran Ince’s Arches draws from his Turkish heritage but his music still sits firmly in his post minimalist native America. Written in 1994 the piece was inspired by the arches that rise up to the monumental mosques and basilicas of Istanbul.

Liverpool born Mark Simpson is one of 10/10’s ‘own’ composers. The Ensemble has championed and commissioned his music from his teenage years and now the world has woken up to his talent. His 2008 commission Nur Musik was widely admired by critics and this will be another remarkable part of a continuing journey.

Tickets £9 Ensemble 10 / 10

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Lunchtime Concerts Join us at the Phil for a musical interlude to your busy day with our series of Lunchtime Concerts.

The Evelyn Barbirolli Legacy Friday 17 September 1.05pm

James Clark and Ian Buckle Thursday 7 October 1.05pm

A selection of music for Oboe and Piano written for the distinguished oboe soloist Evelyn Barbirolli (1911-2008).

Delius Sonata No. 2

Corelli, arr. John Barbirolli Oboe Concerto Gordon Jacob Sonatina

These concerts, many of which feature RLPO players, last about 45 minutes and are just £6.

Michael Head 3 pieces for Oboe and Piano Edmund Rubbra Oboe Sonata in C, Opus 100

Concerts start at 1.05pm

Ruth Davies oboe Ian Buckle piano Tickets £6

Franck Sonata in A Major James Clark violin Ian Buckle piano Tickets £6

Remembrance Thursday 11 November 1.05pm Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time Cerberus Trio featuring Thelma Handy violin Tickets £6

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Christmas Carols Cracker Thursday 9 December 1.05pm

A French Delight Thursday 3 February 1.05pm

Mozart’s String Quintet No. 4 Thursday 10 March 1.05pm

Ensemble of St. Luke’s Thursday 19 May 1.05pm

Get into the Christmas Spirit with a selection of Christmas organ favourites including Garth Edmundson’s breathtaking Toccata Vom Himmel Hoch and Leroy Anderson's evergreen Sleighride.

Ravel Sonatine en Trio for Flute, Viola and Harp

Mozart String Quintet No. 4 in G minor K.516

Programme to be confirmed but to include String Quartets by Beethoven

André Jolivet Petite Suite for Flute, Viola and Harp

Thelma Handy violin Concettina Del Vecchio violin Catherine Marwood viola Rebecca Walters viola Hilary Browning cello

Ian Tracey organ

Debussy Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp

Tickets £6

Ensemble 51+1

English Miniatures Thursday 13 January 1.05pm

Tickets £6

Tickets £6

This lunchtime concert will focus on music drawn from the rich literature of English piano music from the last 100 years: a colourful assortment of miniatures by John Ireland, Frank Bridge, Benjamin Britten and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s former Composer-InResidence, Graham Fitkin.

The concert will also include the World Premiere of a new piece

by Timothy Jackson.

The Cello Alone Thursday 24 February 1.05pm Bach Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009 Kodály Sonata for solo cello, Opus. 8 Jonathan Aasgaard cello Tickets £6

Fusion Wind Quintet Thursday 14 April 1.05pm

Tickets £6

Trio d’Anches Friday 10 June 1.05pm Poulenc Sonata for Clarinet and Bassoon Ibert Cinq Pièces Brèves Françaix Divertissement for Oboe, Clarinet and Bassoon Tickets £6

Nielsen Quintet for Winds, Opus. 43 Milhaud La Cheminée du Roi René, Suite for Wind Quintet, Opus. 205 Arnold Three Shanties for Wind Quintet Op. 4 Tickets £6

Ian Buckle piano Tickets £6 Lunchtime Concerts

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Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Patron Sir Simon Rattle

Come and hear one of the finest and most successful youth orchestras in the country.

Sunday 28 November 7.30pm

Sunday 27 March 7.30pm

Bizet Carmen Suite (selection)

Brahms Academic Festival Overture

Schubert Symphony No. 8 'Unfinished'

Sibelius Violin Concerto

Shostakovich Symphony No. 5

Elgar Enigma Variations

Dane Lam conductor

Dane Lam conductor

Tickets £8

Tickets £8

Sunday 12 December 7.30pm

Sunday 22 May 7.30pm

Christmas Concert

Maxwell Davies Five Klee Pictures

Dane Lam conductor

Mahler Ruckert Lieder

Tickets £8

Mahler Symphony No.1 Dane Lam conductor Discover the Classics Mahler Edition See page 06 for details Tickets £8 60

Philharmonic Hall Access Philharmonic Hall provides a range of facilities for disabled customers, including: • Level access is available to the foyer and box office.

• Passenger lift and level access is available to stalls / boxes in the concert hall and to the Grand Foyer Bar. • Public phone (situated by the lift in the Foyer) and the box office counter are also accessible to wheelchair users.

• Spaces for wheelchairs plus companions are available in boxes 7 and 16, in the front and rear stalls and the restaurant.

• A unisex WC is available in the outer corridor of the auditorium close to Box 7.

• Fully trained front of house staff are always available to help with special requirements.

• An infra-red hearing system is available. Contact the Box Office in advance.

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

Guide dogs are welcome throughout the building. Please advise the box office when purchasing your ticket if you are bringing a guide dog.

Please let the box office know of your specific requirements when booking your tickets in order to make best use of the facilities.

Hall Information All areas of the building are non-smoking, including the bars.

Alcohol and glassware are not permitted in the auditorium (including the boxes) at any time. The auditorium usually opens 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance. Please ensure that all mobile phones, and other communications devices are switched off before entering the auditorium.

Flash photography or recording of any performance in any format is strictly prohibited. Stewards and trained first aid personnel are on duty during any performance to assist you if required.

Baby Changing Facilities Baby changing facilities are now available in the WC in the outer corridor of the auditorium close to Box 7.

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

These spaces are ideal for concerts, lectures, price-giving ceremonies, conferences and other events.

Additional facilities such as box office service, technical equipment and staff and marketing are also available.

We tailor our offer to suit your event.

Generous discounts are available for education and community groups.

For further information and to discuss how we can help your event, call Moira Hall on 0151 210 2896.

LYPO / Information & Booking

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How to Find Us

Where to park (Philharmonic Hall)

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

Directions from the M62 Continue along the motorway until its end and then follow the signs for the city centre, cathedrals and universities (c.3 miles). Turn left at the Metropolitan Cathedral and head past the Everyman Theatre along Hope Street (see map). If lost, use this maxim: find one cathedral, head for the other. The Phil is halfway between the two. The postcode for navigation is L1 9BP.

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St George’s Hall Concert Room

Liverpool Hope University’s Creative Campus

St George’s Hall is on William Brown Street in Liverpool city centre, directly opposite Lime Street Station. Access to the Concert Room is via the entrance on William Brown Street at the north end of the building. By car on entering the city follow signs for Lime Street train station. There are a number of nearby car parks, including Queen’s Square Car Park, and limited parking for Blue Badge holders at St. George’s Hall.

By public transport Queen's Square Bus Station and Lime Street Station are both less than 5 minutes walk away.

The postcode for navigation is L1 1JJ.

The entrance to Liverpool Hope University's Creative Campus, which comprises the Capstone Building and the Cornerstone Building, is from Shaw Street, opposite the Collegiate.

You can park at the 24-hour Q-Park on Epworth St. Pick up a voucher at the campus for a discounted rate of £1.90 for up to 5 hours. The postcode for navigation is L6 1HP.

1. Philharmonic Hall Car Park Situated on Caledonia Street, this car park is open from 8.30am until 15 mins after the end of concerts. Please note that parking is limited and is on a first come, first served basis.

Cost £4 (after 5.30pm) £5 (before 5.30pm)

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

Cost £4

(opposite Cambridge Pub)

4. Mount Pleasant (opposite Metropolitan Cathedral) These car parks are available Monday Friday after 5.30pm, and all day on Saturday and Sunday. Take ticket on entry at the barrier, and pay with ticket at pay machine before leaving.

Cost £2 (up to 3 hours), £3 (over 3 hours),

Cost £3 on production of your concert ticket.

Please ensure that concert tickets are produced and payment for car park is made at the Constable's Lodge on arrival.

6. Myrtle Street / Hope Street Opposite Philharmonic Pub. Secure all day parking Cost £5 Please note that car parks 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 are not operated by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. Times/prices were correct at time of print. Please check opening and closing times and prices of these car parks before parking.

WILLIAM BROWN ST

QUEENSWAY TUNNEL ENTRANCE

ST GEORGE’S HALL

4 ST J OHN ’S LA NE

CAMBRIDGE ST

3 R VE NO HA

ET RE ST

6 PHILHARMONIC HALL GROVE STREET

Generally open on concert nights from 5.30pm. Secure parking with CCTV monitoring and manned patrols.

A59

3. Cambridge Street

WHIT ECH APEL

5. Liverpool Cathedral Car Park

STREET PARADISE

University of Liverpool Visitor Car Parks:

1 2

5

Information & Booking

63

Booking Information When to Book

Subscription Booking Morning

Opening Hours

Sunday 25 April Postal booking opens for renewing subscribers, members and groups

Join us on Monday 17 May from 9.30am – 1pm for coffee, tea and muffins at the Phil, where our expert staff will be happy to go through your order and answer any questions you may have.

Opening hours are from 9.30am (telephone bookings) and 10am (in person bookings) until 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, and for counter bookings up to 15 mins after the start of the performance on concert nights.

Monday 17 May Telephone and in person booking opens for renewing subscribers, members and groups Monday 7 June Booking opens for all new subscribers Monday 14 June Public booking opens ALL TICKETS ON SALE!

How to Book Internet liverpoolphil.com By post /in person Box Office, Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BP By telephone 0151 709 3789 By fax 0151 210 2902 Please note subscriptions cannot be booked online.

All bookings are processed strictly in order of receipt.

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Open 12noon – 5pm Sunday for telephone bookings only and counter bookings from 5.30pm on concert nights.

Most major credit cards accepted.

Cheques should be made payable to RLPS.

Booking Fees Credit and debit card bookings are subject to a £1 per ticket service charge. Cheques are subject to a £1 per order fee. There is a 50p per order charge to post tickets. £1.50 per ticket is charged for reprinting lost tickets.

These charges do not apply to subscribers and groups (except when booking online).

Ticket Exchange Subscribers and members can exchange their tickets against any other Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Concerts in the same season at Philharmonic Hall (not extended to the next season). Single ticket buyers may exchange tickets for a service charge of £2 per ticket. All exchanges must be made 24 hours in advance by post or in person.

Discounted Tickets Concessions Under 25s, students and claimants can purchase tickets for just £7 on production of appropriate identification (subject to availability and not all seating sections may be offered). Concession tickets do not apply to Family Concerts, Lunchtime Concerts, New Year’s Eve, John Lennon Song Book, Messiah, and Polar concerts. They may be very limited for other concerts.

Standby Tickets On the day of a concert Senior Citizens may purchase half-priced tickets in person only at Philharmonic Hall.

Limit of 2 per person. Tickets can be purchased from 10am to 6.30pm only and are subject to availability.

Not available for Lunchtime, Carol Concerts, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Messiah, and Family Concerts.

Young Musicians Pass If you’re under 18, live in Liverpool and play a musical instrument or sing in a choir you can buy tickets for most Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and LPYO events for just £2.

For details visit liverpoolphil.com or call 0151 210 2895.

may also be eligible for a discount if supported by appropriate identification.

It is advisable to book your tickets in advance to ensure the seats you require are available.

Group Discounts Generous group discounts are available for most concerts: Groups of 10-29 10% off Groups of 30-49 15% off Groups of 50+ 20% off For more details call Dawn Williams, Group Sales Coordinator on 0151 210 2918 or email dawn.williams@liverpoolphil.com.

Disabled Patrons Wheelchair users +1 companion are entitled to 50% off on production of appropriate identification. Philharmonic Hall has 10 wheelchair spaces available in the stalls. Other disabled patrons

Information & Booking

65

Please note your credit card is charged when your order is received. Subscription tickets will be posted out in June. Direct Debits will be processed on the date specified on your form.

Ticket Prices Flexible Series

Fixed Series

A

B

C

D

E

Book 4 concerts or more

Saturday Series 7 Concerts (save 15%)

£65.45

£95.20

£130.90

£172.55

£208.25

Thursday Series 9 Concerts (save 15%)

£84.15

£122.40

£168.30

£221.85

£267.75

Classic FM Series 9 Concerts (save 15%)

£87.55

£125.80

£171.70

£225.25

£271.15

Sunday Afternoon Classics 6 Concerts (save 10%)

£59.40

£86.40

£118.80

£156.60

£189

Rodewald Chamber Music Concerts 12 concerts (save 20%)

£204 (St George’s Hall Concert Room)

SAVE 10% Book 7 concerts or more

SAVE 15% Plus a free ticket to an LPYO or 10/10 concert of your choice!

Book 12 concerts or more

SAVE 20% Plus a free ticket to an LPYO or 10/10 concert of your choice!

Book 20 concerts or more

SAVE 25% Plus a free ticket to an LPYO or 10/10 concert of your choice!

Family Concert Series 5 Concerts (save 10%) Adult Children

£40.50 £40.50 £30.60 (All seating areas)

£52.20

£52.20

£69.30

Marathon Series 43 concerts (save 30%)

£358

£692.40

£911.20

£1,087.60

Discover the Classics

£95 (Rodewald Suite)

£510

£45 (Rodewald Suite) Lunchtime Learning Autumn, Winter & Spring

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

Love the Phil and don’t want to miss a single concert?

Fixed Series Concerts Saturday Series 25 September, 27 November, 22 January, 12 February, 5 March, 9 April and 7 May. Thursday Series 21 October, 4 November, 18 November, 2 December, 27 January, 17 February, 10 March, 12 May and 26 May Classic FM Series 15/17 September, 6/7 October, 11/13 November, 8/9 December, 12/13 January, 2/3 February, 23/24 February, 13/14 April and 18/19 May

The Marathon series includes tickets for EVERY RLPO concert this season at a whopping 30% discount! See opposite for details.

O N M L K J H G

1

1 1 1 1 1 1

F E D C B A

X W V U T S

1 1 1 1

1 1 1

1 1

1 1 1

4

1 1 1

3

1 1

Sunday Afternoon Classics 7 November, 21 November, 30 January, 20 February, 3 April and 15 May.

1

2

1

50 48 48 48 50 50 46 46 46 38 38 38

9

8

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

10

12

11

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

48 48 48

50 50 50

13

14

15

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

O N M L K J H G

F E D C B A

X W V U T S

GRAND CIRCLE

1

1

5

48

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

X W V U T S

1

55

N M L K J H G

UPPER CIRCLE

1

1

Pops at the Phil 1 October, 9 October, 16 December, 31 December, 15 January and 30 April.

F E D C B A

1

7

6

N M L K J H G MID/REAR CIRCLE

N M L K J H G

1

X W V U T S

16

44 44

17

44 44 44

18

44 44 42

19

42 42 42

20

40 40 40

21

40

1

STALLS 1

22

Information & Booking

67

Principal Partner

Principal Funders Supported by

LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL Higher Education Partner

Media Partner

Family Partner

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

Trusts and Foundations

Other Public Funders

The Metropolitan Boroughs of Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral.

Sponsors

Corporate Members

Alec Finch Group Ltd / Andrew Collinge / BABECS / Butterworth Spengler Insurance / O2 / Pierhead Housing Association / R S Clare & Co Ltd

The Amelia Chadwick Trust / Angus Allnatt Charitable Trust / The Coutts Charitable Trust / Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund / Earl & Countess of Wessex Charitable Trust / Earl of Derby’s Charitable Trust / The Edward Bibby Fund / The Eric and Dorothy Leach Charitable Trust / The Ernest Cook Trust / The Esmee Fairbairn Charitable Trust / Ford of Great Britain Trust / The Foyle Foundation / The Garfield Weston Foundation / The Granada Foundation / The Golsoncott Foundation / The Hetherington Fund / The H B Bickett Charitable Trust / The Hilda Black Charitable Trust / The J A Stone Memorial Trust / The John Fairclough Charitable Trust / Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services / Liverpool Culture Company / Liverpool Irish Festival / The Margaret Wethered Trust / Merseycare NHS Trust / The Molly Forster Charitable Trust / The Morgan Crucible Company Plc Charitable Trust / Mr and Mrs L Bibby Charitable Trust / Mrs Margaret Guido's Charitable Trust / Mrs S L Chambers Charitable Trust / The Musicians Benelovent Fund / P H Holt Charitable Trust / The Paul Hamlyn Foundation / The Pilkington General Charity / The Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts / The Radcliffe Trust / The Ravensdale Trust / The Robert & Evelyn Maud Hall Charitable Trust / The Rosemary M. Kendall Charitable Trust / Sir Alastair Pilkington Trust / Sing Up / The Solomon & Isobel Blankstone Charitable Trust / The Standfield Charitable Trust / The Tavener Charitable Trust / Tesco Charity Trust / The Vandervell Foundation / The Wethered Bequest Special thanks to the Grodner Family

In-Kind Sponsors

MCLK Travel Thanks to Lorraine McCulloch courtesy of

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And thank you to everyone who supports the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic through membership, patronage or donations, or by donating their time

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra The Orchestra in North West England

Principal Funders

Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards 2009

Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards 2009

Classic FM Gramophone Awards 2009

Ensemble of the Year

Concert Series of the Year

Orchestral Recording of the Year

Jointly awarded to: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Ensemble 10/10

Ensemble 10/10

Manfred Symphony, The Voyevoda Vasily Petrenko and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (Naxos)

Arts & Business Awards North 2010

The Mersey Partnership Tourism Awards 2009

British Interactive Media Association (BIMA) Awards 2009

Best Performance Venue

Offline Award

Sustained Partnership Award Sponsored by Arts Council England Classic FM and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

British Interactive Media Association (BIMA) Awards 2009

Special Award for Visual and Audio Design Things to Come Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Digital education project

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Enjoy England Awards 2008

Website of the Year www.liverpoolphil.com

Things to Come Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Digital education project

Supported by

LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL Principal Partner

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society A company limited by guarantee Registered in England number 88235 Registered charity number 230538 – Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Patron Her Majesty the Queen – President The Rt Hon the Earl of Derby DL

Downtown Liverpool in Business Awards 2009

Culture Award Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

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

by Mark McNulty

September 2010 11 11 15 17 17 19 24 25

Sat Sat Wed Fri Fri Sun Fri Sat

11am 7.30pm 7.30pm 1.05pm 7.30pm All Day 1pm 7.30pm

Discover the Classics Simón Bolívar Quartet* RLPO: New World Symphony The Evelyn Barbirolli Legacy RLPO: New World Symphony Open Day at the Phil Lunchtime Learning RLPO: Russian Masters

P06 P46 P16 P58 P16 P16 P05 P17

RLPO: Classic FM and the Phil RLPO: Liverpool Wonderous Place Jonathan Biss, piano* RLPO: Odyssey Lunchtime Learning James Clark and Ian Buckle RLPO: Odyssey RLPO: John Lennon Song Book RLPO: Carmina Burana Pavel Haas Quartet* Discover the Classics

P17 P18 P47 P19 P05 P58 P19 P20 P21 P47 P06

RLPO: Heaven Sent RLPO: The Whole World Tasmin Little, violin* Lunchtime Learning Remembrance RLPO: The Emperor Family: Fantastic Creatures RLPO: The Emperor 10/10: Dutch Treat* RLPO: Young Rebels Discover the Classics RLPO: Hidden Gems RLPO: Elgar’s Cello Concerto LPYO

P21 P22 P48 P05 P58 P23 P52 P23 P55 P24 P06 P25 P26 P60

RLPO: Salome RLPO: Fairy Tales Christmas Carols Cracker RLPO: Fairy Tales LPYO The Katona Twins*

P26 P27 P59 P27 P60 P48

October 2010 1 2 5 6 7 7 7 9 21 22 30

Fri Sat Tue Wed Thu Thu Thu Sat Thu Fri Sat

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 12pm 1.05pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 11am

November 2010 4 7 10 11 11 11 13 13 17 18 20 21 27 28

Thu Sun Wed Thu Thu Thu Sat Sat Wed Thu Sat Sun Sat Sun

7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 12pm 1.05pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 11am 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

December 2010 2 8 9 9 12 14

Thu Wed Thu Thu Sun Tue

7.30pm 7.30pm 1.05pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

16 17 18 18 18 19 19 19 21 21 21 22 23 31

Thu Fri Sat Sat Sat Sun Sun Sun Tue Tue Tue Wed Thu Fri

7.30pm 7.30pm 11.30am 2.30pm 7.30pm 11.30am 2.30pm 7.30pm 11.30am 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

RLPO: Christmas with Carl RLPO: Spirit of Christmas Family: Rudolph on Hope Street Family: Rudolph on Hope Street RLPO: Spirit of Christmas Family: Rudolph on Hope Street Family: Rudolph on Hope Street RLPO: Spirit of Christmas Family: Rudolph on Hope Street Family: Rudolph on Hope Street RLPO: Spirit of Christmas RLPO: Spirit of Christmas RLPO: Spirit of Christmas RLPO: Celebrating Sinatra

P27 P28 P52 P52 P28 P52 P52 P28 P52 P52 P28 P28 P28 P29

January 2011 2 2 6 8 8 12 13 13 15 21 22 27 29 30

Sun Sun Thu Sat Sat Wed Thu Thu Sat Fri Sat Thu Sat Sun

2.30pm 5.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 1.05pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 11am 2.30pm

Family: Peter & the Wolf LIVE Family: Peter & the Wolf LIVE RLPO: Handel’s Messiah RLPO: Polar RLPO: Polar RLPO: Surprise Symphony English Miniatures RLPO: Surprise Symphony RLPO: Puttin’ on the Ritz Wolfgang Holzmair, baritone* RLPO: The German Romantics RLPO: Glorious Rachmaninov Discover the Classics RLPO: Peer Gynt

P53 P53 P30 P31 P31 P31 P59 P31 P32 P49 P33 P33 P06 P34

RLPO: Memorable Melodies Lunchtime Learning A French Delight RLPO: Memorable Melodies 10/10: Electro-Acoustic Night* Discover the Classics RLPO: Unfinished Symphony RLPO: The Planets RLPO: Lark Ascending RLPO: Spanish Night Lunchtime Learning The Cello Alone RLPO: Spanish Night Fauré Piano Quartet*

P34 P05 P59 P34 P56 P06 P35 P35 P36 P36 P05 P59 P36 P49

February 2011 2 3 3 3 9 12 12 17 20 23 24 24 24 26

Wed Thu Thu Thu Wed Sat Sat Thu Sun Wed Thu Thu Thu Sat

7.30pm 12pm 1.05pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 11am 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 12pm 1.05pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

March 2011 4 5 5 8 10 10 16 16 19 27

Fri Sat Sat Tue Thu Thu Wed Wed Sat Sun

Lunchtime Learning Discover the Classics RLPO: Four Last Songs Paul Lewis* piano Mozart’s String Quintet No. 4 RLPO: A German Requiem SuperSing! Concert 7.30pm 10/10: Continental Drift* 7.30pm Fine Arts Quartet* 7.30pm LPYO

1pm 11am 7.30pm 7.30pm 1.05pm 7.30pm

P05 P06 P37 P49 P59 P37 P09 P57 P50 P60

April 2011 3 6 8 9 13 14 14 14 17 20 30

Sun Wed Fri Sat Wed Thu Thu Thu Sun Wed Sat

2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 12pm 1.05pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

RLPO: Award-Winning Manfred 10/10: American Dream* Paul Lewis, piano* RLPO: The Wedding of Camacho RLPO: Don Quixote Lunchtime Learning Fusion Wind Quintet RLPO: Don Quixote Family: Pirates Ahoy!

RLPO: St John Passion RLPO: Chaplin’s The Pilgrim

P38 P57 P50 P39 P40 P05 P59 P40 P54 P40 P41

1pm 11am 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 1.05pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

Lunchtime Learning Discover the Classics RLPO: The Inextinguishable RLPO: South American Dream RLPO: Tango RLPO: Heroes Ensemble of St Luke’s RLPO: Heroes LPYO Quatuor Ebène* RLPO: Song of the Night

P05 P07 P42 P42 P43 P43 P59 P43 P60 P51 P44

May 2011 6 7 7 12 15 18 19 19 22 24 26

Fri Sat Sat Thu Sun Wed Thu Thu Sun Tue Thu

June 2011 10 10 10 12 14 26

Fri Fri Fri Sun Tue Sun

*Concerts outside Philharmonic Hall

12pm Lunchtime Learning 1.05pm Trio D’Anches 7.30pm RLPO: Petrenko’s Elgar SuperOrchestra! & SuperSing!

7.30pm Elias Quartet* 2.30pm Family: Big Bear’s Band www.liverpoolphil.com

P05 P59 P45 P08 P51 P54

Box Office 0151 709 3789