We’ve made a list (and checked it twice) – and with a sparkling selection of festive events all wrapped up and waiting for you, we’re sure to have you dashing to the show. We’ve got seasonal songs and Christmas classics, festive family fun and magical movies, so gather up your loved ones and join us as we step into Christmas at Liverpool Philharmonic.
Film with Live Orchestra
Love Actually (cert 15)
Monday 2 December 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
See page 58 for more details
Close Up Concert
Equilibrium Advent
Monday 2 December 8pm Music
See page 43 for more details
Fifth Annual Christmas Show
Astles & The Balloon Moon Orchestra
Wednesday 4 December 8pm
See page 29 for more details
Selling Fast
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1
Thursday 5 December 7.30pm
See page 43 for more details
LIPA Christmas Concert
Saturday 7 December 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
See page 30 for more details
Awake Arise
Sunday 8 December 8pm
See page 31 for more details
Winter Light
Kate Rusby
Wednesday 11 December 7pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
See page 31 for more details
O’Hooley and Tidow: WinterFolk
Friday 13 December 8pm
Music Room
See page 32 for more details
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
White Christmas
Saturday 14 December 7.30pm
See page 45 for more details
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Spirit of Christmas
Tuesday 17 December 7.30pm
Wednesday 18 December 7.30pm
Saturday 21 December 7.30pm
Monday 23 December 7.30pm
See page 45 for more details
Candlelit Carols
Friday 20 December 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
See page 46 for more details
Baked A La Ska
Friday 20 December 8pm
Music Room
See page 32 for more details
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Family Concert
Santa Comes to Town!
Saturday 21 December 11.30am & 2.30pm
Sunday 22 December 11.30am & 2.30pm
See page 48 for more details
It’s A Wonderful Life (cert U)
Sunday 22 (8pm) and Tuesday 24 (3pm)
December
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
See page 58 for more details
Lunchtime Concert
Organ Sleigh Ride
Monday 23 December 1pm
See page 46 for more details
The Muppet Christmas Carol (cert U)
Tuesday 24 December 11am
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
See page 59 for more details
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in Concert (cert PG)
Saturday 28 December 1pm & 6.30pm
Sunday 29 December 2.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
See page 59 for more details
Pre-Show Cocktails and Canapés: Mamma Mia! Happy
New Year
Tuesday 31 December 6pm
Music Room
See page 33 for more details
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Thank You for the Music: ABBA on New Year’s Eve
Tuesday 31 December 7.30pm
See page 33 for more details
New Year’s Day Proms
Wednesday 1 January 3pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
See page 47 for more details
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Messiah
Saturday 11 January 7pm
See page 47 for more details
Le Vent du Nord Pokey LaFarge
Tuesday 20 August 8pm
Music Room
£28
This is a standing event.
If you have any access needs, please contact the Box Office.
Plus support from John Miller
American troubadour Pokey LaFarge invites you to experience his critically acclaimed new album, Rhumba Country, in an intimate and memorable live show that will transport you to a plethora of eras and cultures all guided in the comforting and familiar vessel of blues and folk.
Le Vent du Nord
Friday 23 August 8pm
Music Room
£20
This is a standing event.
If you have any access needs, please contact the Box Office.
A leading force in Quebec’s folk movement, Le Vent du Nord’s vast repertoire draws from both traditional sources and original compositions, all enhanced by a broad range of global influences. Le Vent du Nord has enjoyed meteoric success, performing across the globe, and racking up several prestigious awards. The group exhibits great finesse and flexibility, working on a wide range of projects, collaborating with a diverse selection of artists and creating joyful and dynamic live performances.
Julian Taylor
Wednesday 28 August 8pm
Music Room
£18, £15
Kristian Bush In The Round with Jeff Cohen and Robert Vincent
Friday 30 August 8pm Music Room
£19, £16, £14
Seating is reserved.
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Julian Taylor has been part of Canada’s musical landscape for over two decades. A musical chameleon, one minute he’s playing electrified rhythm and blues with his band, the next he’s delivering a captivating solo set at a folk festival. Taylor is an explosive live performer –he’s toured North America countless times and appeared at major festivals. His 2020 album, The Ridge, earned millions of digital streams, as well as airplay and positive press worldwide.
La Feria Festival 2024 (10–15 September) will be filled with the beauty and diversity of Latin America. The spirit and vitality of the continent will be expressed by a range of artists and communities who will join us on this year’s journey.
Singer-songwriters Kristian Bush, Jeff Cohen and Robert Vincent join forces to perform and tell the stories behind their music. Expect original songs from all three acts as well as insights into cuts for other stars such as Sugarland, The Shires, Josh Groban, and The Spin Doctors. Performing ‘In The Round’ – taking it in turns to perform their songs – this will be an intimate, acoustic show where fans can get never heard before insights into Kristian, Jeff and Robert’s music.
Luma Creations presents Nano Stern & Marta Gomez La Feria Festival
Thursday 12 September 8pm Music Room
Lulo Reinhardt & Yuliya Lonskaya
Friday 6 September 8pm
£17, £14
Lulo Reinhardt, great-nephew of the legendary Django, is an awardwinning Sinti guitarist, his music acclaimed for its inspiring and unmistakable fusion of styles. A brilliant and versatile guitarist, Yuliya Lonskaya has performed alongside prestigious orchestras and toured the globe. Now, they unite to present their first recording together. Piece of Soul is a celebration of several musical styles, embracing ‘gypsy meets classical’ and featuring new arrangements of iconic classical guitar works and several world premieres too.
£19
Luma Creations presents a unique experience that will bring together two of the most recognised and acclaimed Latin American singer-songwriters. Nano Stern is a Chilean artist whose diverse work develops a mixture of roots music, folk, rock, jazz, trova, and musical experimentation. Marta Gomez, a Latin Grammy winner, is a Colombian singer-songwriter who creates a beautiful blend of jazz and LatinAmerican folk rhythms. She has been influenced by muses such as Violeta Parra, Mercedes Sosa, Carole King and Liuba María Hevia.
Luma Creations presents Hamilton de Holanda Trio La Feria Festival
Friday 13 September 8pm Music Room £19
Virtuoso, brilliant, and unique are just a few of the adjectives used to describe Hamilton de Holanda, a multi-award-winning improviser and composer from Rio de Janeiro, who inspires audiences worldwide. He is joined by Thiago ‘Big’ Rabello whose dynamic energy and intricate rhythms push the boundaries of traditional percussion, and Salomão Soares on keyboards, who brings a rich palette of rhythmic and creative textures. The synergy between Hamilton’s pioneering mandolin, Rabello’s dynamic drumming, and Soares’s inventive keyboard work creates a timeless musical experience.
This is a standing event. If you have any access needs, please contact the Box Office.
Liverpool Acoustic presents Anthony John Clarke and Richard Digance
Saturday 14 September 8pm Music Room
£17, £14, £12
Seating is reserved.
An Evening With Guy Chambers
Wednesday 18 September 8pm Music Room
£24, £21
Ben Ottewell
Thursday 19 September 8pm Music Room
£21
Plus support from Bobby West
This is a standing event.
If you have any access needs, please contact the Box Office.
James Walsh
Friday 20 September 8pm Music Room
£23, £20
Plus support from Paul Crowe
Richard Digance has graced every stage in his expansive career as a songwriter, performer and author. TV appearances include The Old Grey Whistle Test and 17 years on Countdown, and Richard has opened every Saturday at Fairport Convention’s Cropredy Festival for as long as anyone can remember. Anthony John Clarke’s entertaining shows and incredible folk songs have made him a stalwart of the music scene for over 30 years. His show with Dave Pegg was a sell out, so this one is not to be missed!
Glasswerk presents Gemma Hayes
Wednesday 25 September 8pm Music Room
£24, £21
Songwriter Guy Chambers has worked with everyone from Tina Turner to Kylie Minogue. He is perhaps best known, however, for co-writing iconic Robbie Williams hits including ‘Angels’ and ‘Rock DJ’, and features heavily in Netflix’s smash-hit documentary about the singer. Now, he presents a show where he’ll perform original material and interpretations of his many hits, sharing the stories behind them too. And, he’ll even write a new track with the help of the audience on the night.
Thursday 26 September 8pm Music Room
£6
Presented as part of Liverpool Neurodiversity Arts Festival
Award-winning Irish singer-songwriter Gemma Hayes hits the road ahead of the release of her sixth studio album, Blind Faith. Over the last year, Gemma has been busy touring her stirring live show to soldout venues and has released three tracks – ‘High & Low’, ‘Feed The Flames’ and ‘Hardwired’ – from her new record. Gemma’s music is also frequently heard in film and TV – she has recently contributed to the soundtrack of Greyhound of a Girl and the US series Pretty Little Liars.
Ben Ottewell is the gravel-voiced frontman of seminal genre-hopping group Gomez, founded in Southport in 1995. Ben returns to the Music Room following a triumphant performance in May 2023, when he played Gomez’s debut 1998 Mercury Prize-winning album Bring It On in full and as a solo act for the first time. This performance will see Ben play tracks from Bring It On alongside other Gomez classics as well as tracks from his acclaimed three solo albums.
James Walsh, the front man of acclaimed indie band Starsailor, performs an intimate solo show. Having just completed a sell-out UK tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of their Silence is Easy album, Starsailor are now getting ready to release their first new studio album in six years, Where the Wild Things Grow. Tonight, expect to hear classic material from the band’s hit albums Silence is Easy and Love is Here, along with selections from James’ solo albums.
Monday 30 September 8pm
Music Room
£36, £29.50, £26
Seating is reserved.
Composer and violinist Ruby Colley discusses her brand-new work Hello Halo – a composition which will premiere at Liverpool Philharmonic next year – with writer Kirsteen McNish. Hello Halo, a collaboration with vocal ensemble Exaudi, is based on Ruby’s non-verbal brother Paul’s alternative forms of communication. Ruby and Kirsteen will reflect on how the outside world connects with those who communicate in different ways to the mainstream. Following this, Ruby will perform previous compositions inspired by natural environments.
Guitarist and producer Jesse Cook creates experiences that delight audiences. When he composed his first album, Tempest, over 25 years ago, Jesse could not have imagined that it would spark such a musical legacy. He’s performed thousands of concerts around the world, sold over 2 million albums, starred in TV specials, and earned millions of digital streams. Now, Jesse and his extraordinary band are returning to the road with their unique brand of rhythm and rhumba.
Wednesday 2 October 8.15pm
Music Room
£19, £16
Taking you back to the golden age of jazz, The Easy Rollers are a roaring sevenpiece jazz outfit performing hits from the Jazz Age and Swing Era. Originally established in Manchester, and all award-winning musicians, they have been offering audiences an authentic underground speakeasy experience since 2016. They’ve appeared at festivals around the UK, embarked on national tours, and will release their second studio album later this year.
Friday 4 October 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£39, £33, £29
The Real Thing are back! Original vocalists Chris Amoo and Dave Smith present their first new album of original material in 44 years, A Brand New Day. Having enjoyed success in the 1970s and 1980s, The Real Thing’s number one hit ‘You To Me Are Everything’, ‘Can’t Get By Without You’, ‘Can You Feel The Force’ and many more are still featured on major UK radio stations every day, showing they are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.
‘How Long’ 50th Anniversary Paul Carrack
Saturday 5 October 7.30pm
Sunday 6 October 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£52, £46, £41
Fast
Paul Carrack, the maestro behind the global hit ‘How Long’, returns to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Known as ‘The Man with the Golden Voice’, Carrack has earned millions of fans around the world and his impressive career is filled with songs that have become timeless classics. His exceptional voice features on tracks such as ‘Tempted’ by Squeeze, ‘The Living Years’ and ‘Silent Running’ by Mike + The Mechanics, and his own solo hit, ‘Don’t Shed a Tear’.
Saturday 5 October 8pm
Music Room
£22, £19
A group of acclaimed musicians present a sensational tribute to one of the best-selling artists of all time.
HSP presents Nick Harper
Friday 4 October 8pm Music Room
£18.50
This is a standing event.
If you have any access needs, please contact the Box Office.
Recorded in Abbey Road Studio 2 on Earth Day 2024, Earth Day
Blue is the fourteenth release from Nick Harper, the wildly talented and much-loved singer-songwriter. The album is peppered with acoustic ear-worms written with a Beatles-esque approach of short, immediate songs, but with portent and legacy, there’s poignancy and emotion underlying the album. For Nick Harper fans and for new fans alike, here’s an album that witnesses a solo artist without dilution or compromise.
Sunday 6 October 8pm
Music Room
£21, £18
Back for 2024, world-touring acoustic blues pioneer Catfish Keith has established himself as one of the most exciting country blues performers of our time. Catfish’s innovative style of foot-stomping, deep delta blues and American roots music has spellbound audiences the world over. Performing music packed with power, artistry, beauty and vitality, he has won countless awards, been inducted into the IA Blues Hall of Fame, and shared the stage with the likes of John Lee Hooker and Ray Charles.
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Connolly & Honeyfeet
Tuesday 8 October 8pm
Music Room
£19.50
This is a standing event. If you have any access needs, please contact the Box Office
BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year Ríoghnach Connolly has an eclectic taste for musical adventure. Along with her companion players, Honeyfeet, they collectively drive a broad terrain of musical textures, from esoteric protest songs to floor-thumping dance rhythms. Ríoghnach (pronounced ree-oh-nah) and the Honeyfeet ensemble are equally proficient in headlining festival stages as they are stripping back to sublime obscure jazz on theatre stages – always bringing an energetic performance packed with creative joy
Lamb Highlights and Solo Steve Hackett: Genesis Greats
Wednesday 9 October 7.45pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£60.50, £55.50, £50.50, £46
Legendary guitarist Steve Hackett marks the 50th anniversary of The Lamb Lies on Broadway – one of Genesis’ most acclaimed albums. Steve’s timeless guitar-work, versatility and talent is not only woven throughout Genesis’ back catalogue, but also his many innovative solo albums. Now, to celebrate half a century of ‘Lamb’, Hackett, his band and special guest Amanda Lehmann present a selection of highlights from the remarkable album, Hackett’s solo tracks and other Genesis greats.
Flo Perlin
Thursday 10 October 8pm
Music Room
£16.50, £13.50
Reviewed by Americana UK as the ‘arrival of a major talent’, Flo Perlin is a singersongwriter with Iraqi and Belarusian heritage fresh from releasing her new album Clay. She has been hailed as a ‘true storyteller’ by BBC Radio 6 Music, with a style that blends contemporary folk, jazz and soul. Her songs explore themes such as family history, human nature and being good to yourself, and her unique, emotive voice and lush instrumentation draw you deeper into her lyrics, revealing more with every listen.
Lady Nade Sings Nina Simone
Friday 11 October 8pm
Music Room
£23, £20
Experience an extraordinary celebration of Nina Simone’s timeless legacy. Lady Nade, acclaimed for her unique and awardwinning vocal talent, stands as a shining star in the UK music scene. A heartfelt homage to Nina Simone –an icon and consummate musical storyteller whose work reached and touched millions – this high-octane performance featuring some of the UK’s most accomplished musicians promises to be an unforgettable show.
Gilbert O’Sullivan
Monday 14 October 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£41, £37.50, £33, £28
First rising to fame in the early 1970s, Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan is enjoying one of the most creative and successful periods of an outstanding career. Looking to the future while his back catalogue has won respect and adoration all over the world, his 2022 album Driven reached the top 30 in the UK. Now, he returns for a solo show featuring classics such as ‘Alone Again Naturally’, ‘Clair’ and ‘Nothing Rhymed’.
Judie Tzuke presents an intimate evening of old favourites and songs from her acclaimed new album, Jude The Unsinkable. Judie Tzuke
Saturday 12 October 8pm
Music Room
£34, £31 Sold Out
Out of Phase presents Ronnie Foster
Tuesday 15 October 8pm
Music Room
£36
This is a standing event. If you have any access needs, please contact the Box Office.
Long Farewell Tour Elkie Brooks
Sunday 13 October 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£46, £41, £36
After a remarkable 64 years of performing live, ‘British Queen of Blues’ Elkie Brooks embarks upon her Long Farewell Tour
Expect a captivating celebration of Elkie’s illustrious career, featuring some of her biggest hits including ‘Pearl’s A Singer’, ‘Lilac Wine’, ‘Fool (If You think It’s Over)’ and ‘Don’t Cry Out Loud’, as well as blues, rock, jazz and material from her eagerly anticipated new album, joined of course by her incredible band.
Sam Carter with Stuart McCallum
Sunday 13 October 8pm Music Room
£17, £14, £12
Plus support from Hannah Scott
Seating is reserved.
Guitarist and songwriter Sam Carter presents Silver Horizon – an album packed with hook-driven indie folk songs. Having played on the recording, guitarist Stuart McCallum (The Breath) joins Sam again tonight, weaving epic reverb-drenched soundscapes around both otherworldly and deeply personal songs. Sam has earned a reputation for vivid songwriting and captivating live performances. “The finest English-style fingerpicking guitarist of his generation” (Jon Boden), Sam’s appeared on Later… with Jools Holland, won a BBC Folk Award, and performed alongside folk’s leading lights.
The Best of Vonda Shepard
Wednesday 16 October 8pm Music Room
£35, £32
Legendary American funk and soul jazz organist Ronnie Foster recorded his much-sampled Blue Note Records in the 1970s and has gained a cult following with the emergence of acid jazz. He’s performed with greats including George Benson, Roberta Flack and Stevie Wonder and now, with works that “loom large in Blue Note’s jazz legacy, and…have been seminal in the shaping of hip-hop” (Don Was) Ronnie hits the road with his trio, featuring his son Chris Foster (drums) and Michael O’Neill (guitar).
Vonda Shepard and her band return to play greatest hits and favourites from her many albums, including her latest release, Red Light, Green Light. Vonda shot to fame through the smash-hit TV show Ally McBeal. The theme song ‘Searching My Soul’ reached the top 10 and Vonda released a series of Ally-inspired albums which sold a staggering 12 million copies worldwide. Including favourites ‘Tell Him’, ‘Maryland’, ‘Proud Mary’ and ‘You Belong To Me’, expect a nostalgic, feel-good evening!
Parr Jazz presents Emily Francis Trio
Thursday 17 October 8pm Music Room
£20, £17
Led by renowned keyboardist Emily Francis (fresh from touring with Toyah Willcox and King Crimson founder Robert Fripp) and featuring writing collaborator and bass maestro Trevor Boxall, and drum superstar Jamie “Drumcat” Murray, the band fuses high-energy, melodically-driven jazz with sounds from the worlds of progressive rock and pop, electronic music, and 60s, 70s, and 80s influences. Never wanting to remain still, the band continue to push sonic boundaries, delivering a high impact show from beginning to end.
Saturday 19 October 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£47, £41, £36
HSP presents Martin McAloon of Prefab Sprout
Saturday 19 October 8pm Music Room
£26.50, £23.50
Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells Live In Concert
Friday 18 October 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£63.50, £52.50, £46.50, £36.50, £26.50
Please note, this show is endorsed by Mike Oldfield but he will not be appearing.
Following last year’s 50th anniversary celebrations of Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells, the multi-million-selling and multi-award-winning album will be performed live in concert all over again! Soundtracking the 1973 horror classic The Exorcist, ‘Tubular Bells’ is one of the most celebrated examples of music in film. Now, featuring an expansive live group, and conducted and arranged by Oldfield’s long-term collaborator Robin Smith, experience the iconic album performed in full, alongside other Oldfield tracks including ‘Moonlight Shadow’ and ‘Ommadawn’.
Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra
Sunday 20 October 8pm Music Room
£19, £16
Steve Knightley
Friday 18 October 8pm
Music Room
£25, £21
Renowned Westcountry songwriter Steve Knightley, former Show of Hands frontman, hits the road with a new solo tour. After a remarkable 30-year stint of non-stop touring with his old band, Knightley is now focused on promoting his latest album, The Winter Yards –a profound shift and fresh new chapter in his solo musical journey. Known for haunting narrative songs and captivating storytelling, expect a powerful and evocative continuation of his influential legacy in acoustic music.
British music legend Leo Sayer is back and still feels like dancing! An iconic singer and songwriter, Leo has produced an army of smash hits over the last five decades and is known the world over for tracks such as ‘Thunder In My Heart’, ‘I Can’t Stop Loving You’ and the transatlantic number ones, ‘When I Need You’ and ‘You Make Me Feel Like Dancing’. With this performance, Leo and his band bring boundless energy, exuberance and a hit-packed show.
Although Martin McAloon was born with the open road in his blood, Prefab Sprout appear to have had a forty-year aversion to playing live and Martin hopes these new shows will address his gigging addiction. He’ll be revisiting the repertoire written by his brother Paddy that stretches back through all the classic Prefab Sprout albums. Expect the hits and pared-back acoustic versions of Prefab Sprout’s most beloved songs.
Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra have been gleefully trampling over genre boundaries for over a decade, chucking rockabilly, blues, country, swing, soul and more into their musical gumbo, but always sounding mostly just like themselves. Playing everywhere from Glastonbury and Cambridge Folk Festival to village halls and barns, the group are well-known for their energetic live shows and dry humour, and have toured with big-name Americana outfits such as Pokey LaFarge, The Dead South, and Sierra Ferrell.
Monday 21 October 8pm
Music Room
£20, £17
The Phil Shotton Big Band return with a tribute to the Swing Era clarinettist, Benny Goodman. With bespoke arrangements by award-winning drummer and band leader Ronnie Bottomley, Phil serves as clarinet soloist in a programme packed with Benny’s greatest hits, including ‘Sing Sing Sing’, ‘Avalon’, ‘Let’s Dance’ and ‘Rhapsody In Blue’. With some of the Northwest’s finest jazz musicians taking to the stage, expect exciting swing, memorable melodies and gentle ballads in this celebration of the ‘King of Swing’.
Mikey Kenney
Thursday 24 October 8pm
Music Room
£18, £15
A passionate advocate for traditional music, Mikey Kenney is a brilliant Liverpool-style fiddler, drawing primarily on his native North West English and Irish heritage, but grounded in present-day reality. Kenney is a musician with wide-open horizons and insatiable curiosity for new possibilities, and his latest album, The Reverie Road, showcases his adventurous yet earth-bound songwriting. A multi-talented collaborator, he’s worked with Of Burns, his electric trio World Turned Upside Down, BBC 6 Music favourite Alabaster DePlume and Vinicio Capossela.
Monday 28 October 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£266 (VIP), £150, £126, £96, £76, £56, £41 Limited
Tuesday 29 October 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall £101 (VIP), £57, £51, £43.50, £33.50
Be swept away by the powerful voices of Il Divo as the renowned classical crossover vocal group celebrate their 20th anniversary! Urs Bühler, Sébastien Izambard, David Miller and Steven LaBrie form a group with indefinable magic. Having sold 30 million albums and scored 50 #1 hits, they’ve released XX – their first album since the tragic passing of founding member Carlos Marin. Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with stunning vocals, breathtaking music, and the magic of Il Divo.
Caoilfhionn Rose
Friday 25 October 8pm
Music Room
£16, £13
Manchester’s Caoilfhionn Rose digs deep to find experimental new ways of expressing her wonder at nature’s beauty, her love of music’s diversity, and her belief in the restorative powers of both. Inspired by folk, jazz and all the twentieth century’s classic tunesmiths, Caoilfhionn (say ‘Keelin’) has created a magical space, blending core piano with synths, and pitting a live rhythm section and saxophone embellishments against ambient samples and future-facing production techniques. Caoilfhionn Rose is a fresh creative force for 2024.
Limited
Antmusic Adam Ant
Friday 25 October 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£52, £46, £41
Pop icon Adam Ant announces a brand-new and exciting tour, Antmusic. He’ll be taking to the stage to perform his classic charttopping hits and personal favourites. Speaking about the tour he says, “I’m really looking forward to the thrills and spills of playing live again – there’s nothing like it!”
Frankie Archer
Wednesday 30 October 8pm
Music Room
£18, £15
Guy Davis
Sunday 27 October 8pm
Music Room
£22, £19
Multi-instrumentalist Guy Davis is a Grammynominated musician, actor, author and songwriter. Not ‘just a bluesman’, he’s a troubadour of the folk tradition, blending roots, blues, folk, rock, rap, spoken word and world music to address social injustice, historical events, and common life struggles. Guy has performed around the world alongside the likes of Pete Seeger, Bruce Springsteen, Chuck Berry, Joan Armatrading and BB King. Tonight, expect original material and covers of classics by Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and Bob Dylan.
Thursday 31 October 8pm
Friday 1 November 8pm
Music Room
£22, £18
10+ (suitable for families with older children)
Sydnie Christmas, winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2024, heads out on tour. Sydnie has taken the nation by storm with her exceptional talent. Her performances of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’, ‘My Way’, and ‘Tomorrow’ captivated both the Britain’s Got Talent judges and the public, and her voice has even earned the praise of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Sydnie’s show features fan favourites from her time on Britain’s Got Talent and many more songs which showcase the extraordinary talent that has made her so popular across the country.
Frankie Archer has exploded onto the electrofolk scene with music that transcends stereotypes using a combination of manipulated samples, synths, drum tracks and earthy Northumbrian fiddle and voice to capture her audience. Winner of the 2023 Christian Raphael Prize, Frankie has been featured on Later… With Jools Holland and championed by tastemakers at BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music
Following the release of her debut EP Never So Red, she has supported the likes of Futureheads and The Last Dinner Party.
Howl with the Hounds of Love and dance on the moors with Wuthering Heights! Whether you’ve been a fan for decades or recently joined the shoal via the Stranger Things phenomenon, release your inner Bush at this joyful and mind-blowing show. Following its critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe premiere, London seasons and sold-out tours, this smash-hit, awardwinning show is back. Sarah-Louise Young and co-creator Russell Lucas pay homage to the music, fans and mythology of one of British music’s most influential voices.
The Art of The Lie
John Grant
Saturday 2 November 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£36, £31, £28.50
Plus support from Big Special
John Grant returns with his new album, The Art of The Lie, an idea first conceived in the autumn of 2022 after an introduction to producer and composer Ivor Guest at Grace Jones’ Meltdown Festival. The result is his most opulent, cinematic, luxurious album yet. A record juxtaposed by beauty and cruelty, it underpins a particularly emotional new chapter in the novelistic solo life of John Grant.
Liverpool Acoustic presents Unplugged in New York: A Tribute to Nirvana with Mike Ryan
Saturday 2 November 3pm & 8pm
Music Room
£17, £14, £12
Seating is reserved.
Expect a special concert featuring Mike Ryan –a Wirral-based singer-songwriter and twotime winner of the Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge Audience Favourite Award – and a collective of local musicians including Mozin, Mike Eastaugh and Amy Chalmers, performing Nirvana’s classic album Unplugged in New York in its entirety. Released in 1994, the album captured Nirvana at their most stripped back and intimate. Going on to win a Grammy, it is widely considered to be one of the greatest live albums of all time.
Sunday 3 November 8pm Music Room
£24, £20
Award-winning singer and writer, and “our greatest interpreter of Dylan’s songs”, Barb Jungr returns with a collection of Dylan and Cohen’s most iconic tracks, mixing her award-winning interpretations with a selection of challenging new arrangements of these classic songbooks. Working with her longstanding pianists and collaborators Jenny Carr or Simon Wallace, and also with double bass, Barb will include her groundbreaking arrangements of two of the most important songwriters of this and last century.
HSP presents Tom McRae
Tuesday 5 November 8pm Music Room
£27.50, £24.50
Tom McRae’s ninth studio album, Étrange Hiver, is made up of duets with some of his favourite French artists. Collaborating with both established and undiscovered stars including Keren Ann, Chien Noir, Clou and Alex Beaupain, these songs acknowledge Tom’s love of French music, and deepen his relationship with mainland Europe, following Britain’s decision to leave the EU.
Eddie Chacon
Wednesday 6 November 8pm Music Room
£20.50
This is a standing event. If you have any access needs, please contact the Box Office.
Eddie Chacon made an indelible mark in popular music as half of the duo Charles & Eddie with the hit single ‘Would I Lie to You’. The group’s rocket to the stars lasted a few years, and Eddie spent the next couple of decades carving out a career as a photographer and creative director. He returned to music in 2020 with his debut album Pleasure, Joy and Happiness, since followed up with the critically acclaimed Sundown in 2023.
Julia Fordham
Thursday 7 November 8pm
Music Room
£34, £31
Julia Fordham returns with her first headline tour in seven years, performing an array of her classic songs including ‘Happy Ever After’, ‘Porcelain’, ‘Love Moves (In Mysterious Ways)’ and ‘Manhattan Skyline’, alongside songs from her forthcoming album. Known for her stunningly rich voice and intelligent and heartfelt lyrics, Julia was recently seen as part of the all-female group Woman to Woman featuring Judie Tzuke and Beverley Craven, releasing an acclaimed album and touring the UK.
Sunday 10 November 8pm
Music Room
£19, £16
2022 MG ALBA Musician of the Year nominee Ryan Young brings new and exciting ideas to traditional Scottish music, receiving international praise for his spell-binding interpretations on the fiddle. Focusing on traditional Scottish music, Ryan brings new life to very old, often forgotten tunes by playing them in his own unique way. His sound is very distinctive and takes the listener on an emotional and adventurous journey in any performance.
Miller Band
Wednesday 13 November 8pm Music Room
£21, £18
Sunday 10 November 4pm
The Tung Auditorium
£25
Seckou Keita returns to his roots with Homeland – an album that explores identity, belonging and the idea of home. Once again, Seckou bridges musical genres and blends traditional rhythms and modern compositions to create a unique sound, embracing afro-pop, urban and hip-hop. His magical 22-string Kora and soulful vocals, accompanied by his phenomenal band, produce an explosive live show that will certainly keep the audience on their toes and undoubtedly bring them to their feet to dance!
Milap presents Rajeeb Chakraborty & Kousic Sen
Friday 15 November 7pm Music Room
£16, £13
Sunday 10 November 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£41, £35, £30
As he releases his new album Music Man, Ireland’s top entertainer Nathan Carter heads off on tour! Born in Liverpool to Irish parents, Nathan Carter has released 13 studio albums and six live albums, with a sound that traverses pop, Irish folk, country music and timeless ballads. With tracks such as ‘Wagon Wheel’ and ‘I Wanna Dance’ becoming huge hits, he is one of Ireland’s biggest artists and has sold out venues across the world.
Rob Lamberti Presents Perfectly George
Saturday 16 November 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall £43, £37, £33.50, £30
Join Scotland’s folk sensation, Siobhan Miller, as she embarks on her first-ever full band tour. Bringing the infectious energy of festival arenas, Siobhan, accompanied by her dynamic fivepiece band, weaves a captivating set of freewheeling, feel-good folk spanning her five acclaimed albums. With a stellar ensemble of musicians, including guitarist Innes White and award-winning fiddler Charlie Stewart, Siobhan’s latest release, Bloom, showcases timeless melodies with standout tracks like ‘I’m a Rover’ and ‘Queen of Argyll’.
The soulful sounds of the sarod return with world renowned musician Dr. Rajeeb Chakraborty. A celebrated musician, composer and educator, Rajeeb’s mastery over the instrument is unparalleled. His performances are renowned for their emotional depth and technical brilliance, effortlessly transporting listeners to the heart of Indian classical music. Joining Rajeeb is highly-acclaimed tabla maestro Kousic Sen, whose intricate beats and dynamic range perfectly complement Chakraborty’s sarod, making their collaboration a true celebration of Indian classical music.
Dynamic and exciting, Perfectly George tactfully celebrates the career of the iconic George Michael. Featuring the incredible voice of Rob Lamberti, the show has wowed audiences around the country and Europe, featuring tracks from Wham! all the way through George’s solo career – expect timeless hits like ‘Careless Whisper’, ‘Faith’, ‘I’m Your Man’, ‘Club Tropicana’ and more. Rob Lamberti is a star in his own right after featuring on the BBC’s Even Better Than the Real Thing in 2017.
Monday 18 November 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£62, £56, £46, £36
Suzi Quatro is back to celebrate the 60th year of her reign as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Back in 1971, an entranced public snapped up 2.5 million copies of her monster hit ‘Can The Can’, catapulting her to the top, where she has stayed. A star was born. Having now sold over 55 million records, she still has the knack for great rock and roll, and the sheer energy and power of a Suzi Quatro show remain undimmed.
Tuesday 19 November 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£115.50 (VIP), £43.50, £40.50, £35.50,
£32.50
Following sold-out tours across the globe, Brit Floyd returns with P·U·L·S·E, their biggest and most spectacular production to date. Get ready for a celebration – and faithful recreation – of Pink Floyd’s record-breaking 1994 Division Bell tour, complete with a stunning laser and light show, circular screen, and classic tracks from magnificent albums including The Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, Wish You Were Here, Animals, The Division Bell, Meddle and more.
Wednesday 20 November 8pm
Music Room
£18, £15
After a decade of critically celebrated albums and touring across the world, The Rheingans Sisters perform material from their latest album. Influenced as ever by the past, The Rheingans Sisters’ music continues to lean defiantly forward. Experience minimalist and painterly compositions describing modern life with the warmth and empathy their songwriting has become well-known for. As ever, their live show keeps audiences at the edge of their seats, held in a musical journey unlike any other.
Thursday 21 November 8pm
Music
£29, £26
The Long Ride Home Tour Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri
Friday 22 November 8pm Music Room
£29, £25
For over 25 years, Kiki and Carmelo have been touring their spellbinding acoustic live show. Performing in this stripped-back fashion, each of their exceptional talents shines through and they create a wonderfully warm and intimate show. Join Kiki and Carmelo for an acoustic journey through songs, stories, tracks from the new album, unique covers, and of course Kiki’s own hits including ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’, ‘I Got The Music In Me’ and ‘Amoureuse’.
Business: Aziz Ibrahim and Inder Goldfinger
Saturday 23 November 8pm Music Room
£16
This is a standing event.
If you have any access needs, please contact the Box Office.
Aziz Ibrahim (The Stone Roses/Ian Brown/ Asia/Simply Red) and Inder Goldfinger (Ian Brown/Fundamental/Transglobal Underground) perform Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown’s debut solo album, Unfinished Monkey Business, in full. Expect hits such as ‘My Star’, ‘Corpses’ and ‘Can’t See Me’, and some Stone Roses tunes too, as two of the North West’s most acclaimed musicians join forces as Monkey Business to celebrate the beats and guitar hooks that made the record such a success.
Sunday 24 November 7.30pm
Audience favourite Nell Bryden is back with a new and deeply personal album, I Love You So Much I’m Blind. Putting a raw spin on her American blues and soul roots, Nell’s latest tour-de-force shows off her gorgeously rich and emotional voice. A New York songwriter who bravely shares her vulnerabilities, it feels like she is singing just for you. After years of struggling with heartbreak and infertility, Nell leads us through her journey of acceptance and redemption. I Love You So Much I’m Blind may be her most emotionally powerful record to date.
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£56, £46, £36, £28.50
With special guests The Longest Johns
In 2004, Bellowhead burst onto the British folk scene like nothing before or since. Conjured up by duo Spiers & Boden, they roped in friends until the big band was born. Bellowhead went on to record five studio albums, win two silver discs and eight BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, and play to hundreds of thousands of people, regularly lauded as “one of the country’s greatest live outfits”. Now, join Bellowhead as they celebrate their 20th anniversary.
Kezia Gill
Sunday 24 November 8pm
Music Room
£26
Join Kezia Gill as she shares her personal journey – the tale of a girl and her guitar. With her soulful voice and genre-blending artistry, Kezia Gill has enraptured country music enthusiasts worldwide. A BBC Radio 2 favourite, she’s shared stages with legends and modern country stars, opened for Bruce Springsteen, topped the charts and will appear at this year’s coveted CMA Fest in Nashville. Kezia Gill embodies the essence of modern country music, captivating audiences with every note.
Northern Soul Orchestrated
Monday 25 November 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£86, £66, £50.50, £40.50
Following the phenomenal success of the Northern Soul Orchestrated UK tour earlier this year, writer and BBC Radio 6Music broadcaster Stuart Maconie, alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra and Manchester’s composer and conductor Joe Duddell, return with brand-new dates. The show will transport audiences back in time, capturing the spirit of a movement. Curated by Stuart and conducted by Joe, the orchestra will perform amazing new arrangements of Northern Soul classic anthems with a host of very special guest vocalists.
HSP presents Bill Ryder-Jones & Gruff Rhys
Thursday 28 November 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£41, £36, £31, £28.50
Gruff Rhys and Bill Ryder-Jones present a very special show. Gruff Rhys is a songwriter, producer and award-winning storyteller. After a string of blissful and adventurous solo records, his latest album Sadness Sets Me Free was released to rave reviews and acclaimed as some of his finest work. Following a sold-out European tour, Bill Ryder-Jones and his band present his ambitious, critically acclaimed album, Iechyd Da. Joyous and grand, intimate and heartbreaking, Bill has expanded into new territory, embracing everything from tender strings to disco samples.
Thursday 28 November 8pm
Music Room
£23, £19, £16
Seating is reserved.
When one of the world’s most celebrated gypsy jazz guitarists reworks the world’s greatest band’s music, magic can happen. George Harrison was a fan and friend of Robin Nolan, one of the world’s leading authorities on gypsy jazz guitar. Nolan’s new album was recorded using three of George’s famous Beatles guitars. This is the first time these guitars have been recorded since the 70s, an exciting prospect for all Beatles fans. Robin will play songs from the new record, original compositions and some favourite gypsy jazz classics. The line up also features UK guitar virtuoso Chris Quinn.
Friday 29 November 8pm
Jamie Cullum
Tuesday 26 November 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£110 (VIP), £70.50, £58.50, £46, £36
Plus support from Billy Lockett
Critically acclaimed musician and songwriter Jamie Cullum hits the road, having recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of his multi-million selling album, Twentysomething. Since that album was released, Jamie has gone on to hit 10 million album sales, forge a career as an award-winning music broadcaster, earn nominations for countless awards, win an Ivor Novello, and perform live shows featuring artists as diverse as Herbie Hancock, Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar and Lang Lang.
Music Room
£19, £16
Plus support from St Vitus Dance
Noel Burke was offered one of the most difficult gigs in rock when he was asked to front Liverpool legends Echo & The Bunnymen in 1989. The former St Vitus Dance frontman joined up with remaining EATB members Will Sergeant and Les Pattinson and released the album Reverberation in 1990. Reverberation has gone on to become a cult classic and now Noel Burke will perform the album in full with a band for the first time.
Greatest Hits Tour 2024 The Stylistics
Saturday 30 November 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£44, £38
The iconic soul group that have captivated audiences for decades with their smooth harmonies and timeless hits are back! The Stylistics are known instantly for hits including the Grammy-nominated ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New’, ‘Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love)’, ‘Let’s Put it All Together’, ‘Stop Look Listen’, ‘You are Everything’ and more. The Stylistics remain the real deal, fabulously entertaining and musically breathtaking, plying audiences with the hits that made them a household name.
Sunday 1 December 8pm
Music Room
£24, £21
Ceremony Concerts presents Ezio
Saturday 30 November 8pm
Music Room
£24, £21
Formed in 1990, Ezio are singer-songwriter Ezio Lunedei, and guitarist and best friend Booga (Mark Fowell). Since forming, they’ve released many studio and live albums, from the critically acclaimed Black Boots on Latin Feet and Diesel Vanilla, to the most recent release, Daylight Moon. In this time, Ezio have toured and performed around the globe, gaining a reputation for dynamic and exciting performances delivered with energy, humour and emotional beauty.
One of Ireland’s most accomplished singersongwriters, Eleanor McEvoy returns to delight fans with her latest material. Eleanor started her career as a session musician working with the likes of U2, Sinead O’Connor, Midge Ure and Mary Black, and has gone on to release numerous albums. Her 2021 release, Gimme Some Wine, received enthusiastic acclaim, and her 2023 single, a festive reimagining of her hit South Anne Street, has resonated with audiences around the world.
Tuesday 3 December 8pm
Music Room
£20, £17
Fifth Annual Christmas Show
Astles & The Balloon Moon Orchestra
Wednesday 4 December 8pm
Music Room
£16, £13
Friday 6 December 8pm Music Room £23, £20
Stick In The Wheel’s work is rooted in traditional music, informed by the modern electronic sounds that grew out of their hybrid East London heritage. This radical duo is known for their intense live shows exploring the raw holler of folk, electronica, spoken word and intricate rustic dobro guitar. Nicola Kearey and Ian Carter make full-force reworkings of centuries-old work-songs, speaking to contemporary issues of class, using multi-layered sonic palettes to reflect hidden histories, told with a razor-sharp authenticity.
Liverpool-based singer-songwriters Astles and Abby Meysenburg host the fifth edition of their annual Christmas show. Joined by an array of friends, musicians and creatives, Astles will also re-assemble the full Balloon Moon Orchestra –including a string quartet and harp –for this special evening that signals the start of the festivities every year.
Continuing to establish themselves as leading voices in the city’s music scene, they will play new and old tunes, with special guests to be announced.
One Eyed Crow blues band and special guests celebrate BB King, Albert King and Freddie King. All inductees of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, each was a major influence on the likes of Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. Tonight, expect a selection of their best-known tracks – BB’s ‘Everyday I Have the Blues’ and ‘The Thrill Is Gone’; Albert’s ‘Blues Power’ and ‘Born Under A Bad Sign’; Freddie’s ‘Hideaway’ and ‘Let The Good Times Roll’; and so much more!
LIPA Christmas Concert
Saturday 7 December 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£26, £21, £16
£13, £10.50, £8 (children/under 25s)
Take a break from the glorious chaos of Christmas preparations to enjoy an evening of festive classics, carols and seasonal melodies from across the ages. Performed by students from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), this annual feel-good, family concert features the LIPA Big Band, strings, choirs, vocalists, and dancers in a wonderful evening of yule-tide light entertainment.
Limited
Sunday 8 December 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£76 (VIP), £49.50, £43.50, £37.50, £34.50
Arise
Sunday 8 December 8pm
Music Room
£22, £19
Robert Vincent
Saturday 7 December 7.30pm
The Tung Auditorium
£22
Liverpool Acoustic presents
After The Gold Rush: A Tribute to Neil Young with Visions of Albion
Saturday 7 December 3pm & 8pm
Music Room
£17, £14, £12
Seating is reserved.
Change is in the air for award-winning artist Robert Vincent. The Scouse singer-songwriter released his muchanticipated fourth studio album Barriers in June and its music is something new. “The songs are less traditional sounding,” he reveals, “I’m learning how to lower my barriers and have made a more personal album than ever before.”
Robert’s critically acclaimed 2020 release In This Town You’re Owned won the prestigious Americana Music Association UK’s ‘Album of the Year’ award.
Wednesday 11 December 7pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£41, £35
Visions of Albion shine a spotlight on Neil Young’s seminal 1970 masterpiece, After The Gold Rush. Led by Samantha Shields (vocals) alongside Daniel Ryan (guitar), Helen Maw (piano), Chris Jones (bass) and Pete Roper (drums), the stage is set for an unforgettable evening as Visions of Albion bring Young’s masterpiece to life. From the raw emotion of ‘Tell Me Why’ to the haunting beauty of ‘Birds’ and the socially-charged anthem ‘Southern Man’, experience the full spectrum of Young’s musical genius.
Regarded the world over as the gold standard of tribute, The Bootleg Beatles return for another nostalgic whirlwind trip through the sixties. With fastidious attention to detail, and with a little help from their orchestral ensemble, the band spectacularly recreate the sound and look of the Fab Four through each iconic phase of their illustrious career with what can only be described as uncanny authenticity. Don’t miss this incredible musical and visual experience!
Friday 13 December 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£42, £36
Featuring traditional songs, folk carols, spoken word and newly written music to galvanise and brighten this darkest season, Awake Arise is a warm gift from five of the most engaging performers on the English folk scene – Lady’s Maisery’s Hannah James, Rowan Rheingans and Hazel Askew, and Jimmy Aldridge and Sid Goldsmith. Awake Arise is more than just a great night out – these are essential songs which remind us who we are and why we matter to each other.
Forever proud to call herself a folk singer, the hugely acclaimed Kate Rusby rounds off 2024 in style with her annual, and much anticipated, festive tour –hailed as ‘the Start of Christmas’ for many. Alongside her band of musicians, she’ll bring a show full of warmth, humour, sparkles and her unique festive music, featuring songs from her latest charting Christmas album Light Years and a selection from her ever-popular previous six Christmas albums.
62 years of music, loves, losses, long summer days and longer, darker nights are vividly recalled by ‘our greatest living songwriter’. Michael Head and The Red Elastic Band play out flickering scenes from his life on his new album, Loophole. With no shortage of fervour amongst his long-term listeners and those discovering him anew following Dear Scott’s success, fans have the chance of gathering to hear many of the songs that sang their lives.
Friday 13 December 8pm
Music Room
£24, £21, £18
Seating is reserved.
Bask in the harmonic glow of Yorkshire’s much-loved folk duo Belinda O’Hooley and Heidi Tidow as they celebrate winter in all its forms.
From the icy piano splendour of ‘The Coventry Carol’ to the heartbreaking ‘The Last Polar Bear’, Belinda and Heidi enkindle the full spectrum of emotion. Compositions such as ‘The Winter Folk Carol’ have earned the duo critical acclaim, but it is their interpretation of ‘Fairytale of New York’ that won the hearts of a nation.
Cocktails and Canapés: Mamma Mia! Happy New Year
Tuesday 31 December 6pm
Music Room
£35
Voulez-vous a New Year’s Eve extravaganza?
Saturday 14 December 8pm
Sunday 15 December 8pm
Music Room
£34, £30
Legendary 70s Tyneside folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne present a classic five-piece line-up of long-time members, fronted by founder-member Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar. With a repertoire of unforgettable songs like ‘Meet Me On The Corner’, ‘Fog On The Tyne’, ‘Lady Eleanor’ and ‘Run For Home’, and a reputation for live performance second to none, Lindisfarne’s power to galvanize festival and concert audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get the crowd on their feet and singing along.
Baked A La Ska
Friday 20 December 8pm
This is a standing event.
If you have any access needs, please contact the Box Office.
Start your Christmas celebrations with Baked A La Ska performing their funloving seasonal album, Ska of Wonder. Enjoy Christmas classics that have been sprinkled with ska dust –‘Walking In The Air’, ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’, ‘Winter Wonderland’ and many more! Baked A La Ska have been serving up good party vibes, vintage ska sounds and an eccentric platter of covers since 2008. A band of assembled oddballs and pranksters, Baked A La Ska feature one of the tightest rhythm sections in Manchester.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Thank You for the Music: ABBA on New Year’s Eve
Tuesday 31 December 7.30pm Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£62, £54, £45, £40, £37, £24
This performance will be signed by BSL interpreter Natalie Davies – see page 60 for booking details.
As the Orchestra prepare to bring you a Super Trouper showcase of the legendary ABBA, step back into the seventies in style with a preshow party in the Music Room. From Babycham to Lambrusco, you’ll be sipping on vintage classics as you enjoy a disco packed with the decade’s biggest hits. And that’s not all – we’ll have a mouth-watering selection of retro canapés that’ll make you say Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Think cheese and pineapple skewers, vol-au-vents, devilled eggs and, of course, prawn cocktail. Dig out your finest 70s threads and join us for this sparkling celebration before we say Thank You for the Music over in the Hall.
Alfonso Casado Trigo conductor
Alice Fearn vocalist
Lucy May Barker vocalist
Rob Houchen vocalist
Luke Brady vocalist
Natalie Davies BSL Interpreter
ABBA, the world’s number one 70s pop group, stormed onto the international stage back in 1974 with their Eurovision-winning song, ‘Waterloo’. Fifty years later, it’s safe to say that their music has stood the test of time, still filling dancefloors around the globe. Tonight, see in the New Year with the ultimate ABBA celebration – presented by four leading West End artists and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, get ready to experience over 20 of the group’s most famous songs including ‘Waterloo’, ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Take a Chance on Me’, ‘The Name of the Game’, ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Money, Money, Money’, ‘Super Trouper’, ‘The Winner Takes It All’, the immortal ‘Thank You for the Music’ and of course, ‘Happy New Year’.
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra are bringing you plenty to look forward to over the next few months…
From bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel and percussionist Colin Currie to pianists Angela Hewitt and Simon Trpčeski, sensational soloists will be taking to our stage, performing some of the biggest and most brilliant works ever composed. With Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan returning for his fourth season, get ready for the show-stopping, the heart-melting, the jaw-dropping and everything in between.
Lunchtime Concert
Leeds International Piano Competition Recital I
Monday 23 September 1pm
Music Room
£13, £9
Seating is reserved.
Enjoy a piano recital from the third prize winner of the 2024 Leeds International Piano Competition. Details announced after the Competition final in September.
Sponsored by
Lunchtime Concert
Leeds International Piano Competition Recital II
Tuesday 24 September 1pm
Music Room
£13, £9
Seating is reserved.
Enjoy a piano recital from the second prize winner of the 2024 Leeds International Piano Competition. Details announced after the Competition final in September.
Sponsored by ! TOURING
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Serenades
Thursday 26 September 7.30pm
Sunday 29 September 2.30pm
The Tung Auditorium
£29
Dvořák Wind Serenade
Hindemith Kammermusik No.5
Brahms Serenade No.2
Domingo Hindoyan conductor
Nicholas Bootiman viola
A tortured genius, Brahms was known for his serious and sombre style, but this afternoon we see a different side to the composer, as we’re treated to the whimsical and sun-drenched Serenade No.2. And, rumour has it we can thank Brahms for another work in today’s programme. Dvořák’s Wind Serenade – a fun and joyous celebration of the Czech folk tradition – was allegedly inspired by music the composer heard while on his way to visit, you guessed it, Johannes Brahms. Completing today’s programme is something quite different – a dramatic and hard-hitting work by Hindemith.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Jasdeep Singh Degun, sitar
Wednesday 9 October 7.30pm
The Tung Auditorium
£29
Prokofiev Classical Symphony
Jasdeep Singh Degun Arya, Concerto for Sitar and Orchestra
Jasdeep Singh Degun (arr. Gupta) Lament
Beethoven Symphony No.2
Harish Shankar conductor
Jasdeep Singh Degun sitar
Harkiret Bahra tabla
Winner of the Royal Philharmonic Society’s 2024 Instrumentalist of the Year Award, Jasdeep Singh Degun was born in Leeds, but his music evokes whole worlds, and his sitar playing…well, let’s just say that it has to be heard to be believed. Tonight at The Tung Auditorium he joins the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and tabla virtuoso Harkiret Bahra to perform his own Sitar Concerto Arya – a lyrical, brilliantly imaginative tale of different musical cultures, united by a willingness to explore, and (above all) by the spirit of song. A night of wonder with an artist born to inspire.
Close Up Concert
Liverpool Wind Collective
Monday 14 October 8pm
Music Room
£21, £18
Seating is reserved.
Richard Rodney Bennett Travel Notes 2
Bozza Trois Pièces Pour Une
Musique de Nuit
Françaix Quatuor
Schulhoff Bassnachtigall
Tansman Suite for Wind Trio
Villa-Lobos Wind Quartet
Helen Wilson flute
Ruth Davies oboe
Ausiàs Garrigós Morant clarinet
Gareth Twigg bassoon
There’s nothing to match the colours of a woodwind ensemble – put four terrific wind players together and it’s like opening a musical paintbox! Four of the Orchestra’s own woodwind superstars travel from swinging London to the jungles of Brazil in this joyous recital.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Season Opening Concert
Thursday 17 October 7.30pm
Sunday 20 October 2.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£56, £51, £42, £36, £29, £19
Sponsored by
Juan Bautista Plaza Vigilia
Strauss Four Last Songs Mahler Symphony No.1
Domingo Hindoyan conductor
Sarah Wegener soprano
Let’s begin at the beginning – with the sound of silence. That’s how the young Gustav Mahler launched his First Symphony, and there’s no more thrilling way to open the new season: this is music of breathless beauty and youthful passion, gripping drama and roofraising joy. Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan sets the scene with a gorgeous gift from his native Venezuela, and there’s pure loveliness from the German soprano Sarah Wegener in Richard Strauss’ heartmelting Four Last Songs.
Lunchtime Concert
Marcel Becker, double bass and David Dear, piano
Monday 21 October 1pm
Music Room
£13, £9
Seating is reserved.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra The Planets
Saturday 26 October 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£56, £51, £42, £36, £29, £19
Handel Concerto No.3 for Double Bass
Bruch Kol Nidrei Op.47
Schubert Arpeggione Sonata in A minor
Marcel Becker double bass
David Dear piano
The double bass might be the largest of string instruments, but it has the soul of a great singer. In the hands of the Orchestra’s principal bass Marcel Becker it’ll stretch its wings in music by Handel, Bruch –the passionate Kol Nidrei – and Schubert.
Chamber Music
Sunday 27 October 2.30pm
The Tung Auditorium
£29
Supported by
Walton Battle in the Air (from Battle of Britain)
Bliss Piano Concerto Holst Suite, The Planets*
Andrew Manze conductor
Mark Bebbington piano
Sopranos and Altos of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir*
So you think you know British music? Everyone loves Jupiter from Holst’s The Planets, but tonight you’ll hear so much more as Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze takes the Orchestra on a voyage to infinity and beyond. We’ll join William Walton in a Spitfire over wartime London – and travel to 1939 New York, where the young British firebrand Arthur Bliss brings the house down with a volcano of a piano concerto played by Mark Bebbington.
Mozart String Quartet K428
Haydn String Quartet Op.64 No.3
Komitas/Aslamazyan Armenian Songs and Dances
Borodin String Quartet No.2
Levon Chilingirian violin
Mark Butter violin
Simon Rowland-Jones viola
Stephen Orton cello
The Chilingirian String Quartet, the sensational British ensemble, has been known to provoke whoops and cheers out of ordinarily staid audiences.’ The Toronto Star
‘One of the great string quartets of our day.’ The Boston Globe
Four wonderful musicians; one extraordinary sound: there’s a reason why the Chilingirian String Quartet is a legend and this great British string quartet has been astonishing audiences for over fifty years. Today they play three solid gold classics (including Borodin’s ravishing Second Quartet) as well as a magical tribute to their Armenian-born founder and leader, Levon Chilingirian himself.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Sunday Afternoon
Mozart
Sunday 3 November 2.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£56, £51, £42, £36, £29, £19
Robin Haigh Concerto for Orchestra (UK premiere)
Mozart Piano Concerto No.9
Sibelius Symphony No.3
Matthew Halls conductor
Angela Hewitt piano
Sibelius got caught in fog on the boat to England, and those mists of sound swirl around the melodies of his bracing Third Symphony. Mozart wrote his Ninth Piano Concerto to showcase his own youthful talents: he can’t be here, sadly, but Angela Hewitt has a hotline to his imagination. Guest conductor Matthew Halls also shares a joyous new mini masterpiece by the young British star Robin Haigh. We love it, and we think you will too.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Rachmaninov’s Symphony No.2
Thursday 7 November 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£56, £51, £42, £36, £29, £19
Sponsored by
Anna Meredith Nautilus
Barber Violin Concerto
Rachmaninov Symphony No.2
Adam Hickox conductor
Ning Feng violin
Imagine the ultimate Romantic symphony: brooding passions, crashing storms and huge, blissful melodies that seem to unfurl without end. You’re thinking of Rachmaninov’s Second Symphony, the glorious climax of a concert that begins with Anna Meredith’s electrifying fanfare and stars violin phenomenon Ning Feng in Barber’s soaring Violin Concerto. In short, it’s a magnificent Liverpool debut for Adam Hickox – a young British conductor who’s already creating quite a stir.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Bryn in Belshazzar’s Feast
Saturday 9 November 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£62, £54, £45, £40, £37, £24
This performance will be signed by BSL interpreter Paul Whittaker OBE – see page 60 for booking details.
Anna Meredith Nautilus
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
Walton Belshazzar’s Feast*
Adam Hickox conductor
Sir Bryn Terfel bass-baritone*
Ning Feng violin
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir
Paul Whittaker OBE BSL Interpreter
October 1931: William Walton takes a huge choir and a giant orchestra, adds a couple of brass bands, and blasts British music sky-high. Belshazzar’s Feast is big, brassy, and utterly outrageous – now add the one and only Sir Bryn Terfel, and you’ve got a seriously impressive celebration of the human voice. Anna Meredith’s Nautilus and Mendelssohn’s gorgeous Violin Concerto – with international violin sensation Ning Feng returning as soloist – are the icing on the cake.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
An American in Paris
Thursday 14 November 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£56, £51, £42, £36, £29, £19
Post-concert Question Time - starts in the Music Room 15 minutes after the concert ends, with conductor JoAnn Falletta, Danny Elfman and percussionist Colin Currie.
Elfman Percussion Concerto Copland Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo Gershwin An American in Paris
JoAnn Falletta conductor Colin Currie percussion
Danny Elfman is a legend of movie music, the man whose scores for Batman and Edward Scissorhands fused rock ‘n’ roll with orchestral technicolour to dazzling effect. His Percussion Concerto is a gripping way to get to know Colin Currie – as one critic put it, “surely the world’s finest and most daring percussionist”. And conductor JoAnn Falletta – an American in Liverpool – delivers a side-order of highkicking tunes and fascinating rhythms, courtesy of Aaron Copland and George Gershwin.
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestras
Sunday 17 November 2.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£18 (£9 under 25s)
10% discount for groups of 6+
If you book a concession ticket, please bring proof of eligibility with you on the day.
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Academy Orchestra:
Dvořák (arr. Tim Jackson)
Symphony No. 9 ‘New World Symphony’
Alex Dunn conductor
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra: Vivaldi Concerto for Two Trumpets Elfman Wunderkammer
Robert Guy conductor
Hannah Mackenzie and Richard Cowen piccolo trumpets
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Academy Orchestra
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra brass players Hannah Mackenzie and Richard Cowen started out in Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (formerly Merseyside Youth Orchestra). Now, they’re back where it all began, taking to the stage alongside our current Youth Orchestra and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra as soloists in Vivaldi’s sparkling Concerto for Two Trumpets. In the first half, the talented Youth Academy Orchestra perform Dvořák’s New World Symphony, arranged especially for them by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s Tim Jackson.
Ensemble 10:10 Ensemble 10:10
Wednesday 20 November 7.30pm
The Tung Auditorium
£20
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton
Saturday 23 November 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£62, £54, £45, £40, £37, £24
Phoenix Rousiamanis New work
(world premiere commissioned by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society)
Elliott Carter Instances
Knussen Ophelia Dances, Book 1
Berio Rendering
Manoj Kamps conductor
Inspired by unfinished symphonic sketches by Schubert, Luciano Berio decided to “cement the gaps” with his own musical reflections and restorations and created a 20th century classic. Oliver Knussen, inspired by Shakespeare’s Ophelia chanting “snatches of old tunes”, snatched snippets of Schumann and Debussy for his highly compressed set of dances. In the 21st century Elliott Carter’s last orchestral piece, a “series of short interrelated episodes”, is an often lyrical and moving farewell to life, whilst a similar dark beauty occupies the genre defying music of North West based Phoenix Rousiamanis. Manoj Kamps makes their debut with Ensemble 10:10.
Programme to include music from:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure
Beetlejuice
Sleepy Hollow
Mars Attacks
Big Fish
Batman/Batman Returns
Anthony Gabriele conductor Kantos Chamber Choir
Wednesday
Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
Dark Shadows
Frankenweenie
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
Edward Scissorhands Alice in Wonderland
A magical celebration of one of cinema’s most inventive duos. Tim Burton’s films conjure up captivating worlds, and the incredible musical imagination of Danny Elfman brings those stories to life. Outrageously tuneful, deliciously dark or just plain fantastical, there’s no film composer quite like him. Tonight, the Orchestra celebrate music and storytelling, performing works from Beetlejuice, Batman, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Alice in Wonderland, Edward Scissorhands and more, all enhanced by visuals of original sketches, drawings and storyboards on the big screen.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Mozart’s Oboe Concerto
Sunday 1 December 2.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£56, £51, £42, £36, £29, £19
Mendelssohn Symphony No.4, ‘Italian’
Mozart Oboe Concerto
Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte
Poulenc Sinfonietta
Karel Deseure conductor
Helena Mackie oboe
December’s drawing in on Merseyside, but here at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall it’s summer all over again! Mendelssohn’s heart turned somersaults when he arrived in the sunshine of Italy, but today his Italian symphony is just the starting point for a whole afternoon of winter warmers. Karel Deseure conducts Ravel’s dreamy Spanish fantasy, Poulenc’s witty Sinfonietta, and Mozart’s ebullient Oboe Concerto – with the Orchestra’s very own Helena Mackie in the spotlight. It’s music that practically dances for joy.
If you’re looking for an extra special gift for a music lover, or a lasting dedication for a loved one, make your mark on Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and dedicate a seat.
Our brass plaques can be engraved with the name or phrase of your choice, and attached to your chosen seat in our Art Deco auditorium.
Plus receive all the benefits of either a Priority Premium membership or a Silver membership.
Dedicate a seat for £400 per year, or £33 per month.
To learn more, please call the Fundraising Team on 0151 210 2921, email fundraising@liverpoolphil.com or visit liverpoolphil.com/seat
Close Up Concert Equilibrium Advent
Monday 2 December 8pm
Music Room
£21, £18
Seating is reserved.
Emilie Mayer String Quartet No.1
Grażyna Bacewicz String Quartet No.3
Florence Price Folk songs in Counterpoint
Jessie Montgomery Voodoo Dolls
William Grant Still Danzas de Panama
Rebecca Clarke Combined Carols
Kate Richardson violin
Kate Marsden violin
Rachel Jones viola
Hilary Browning cello
There’s no limit to the stories that can be told by a string quartet. The Equilibrium Quartet, four members of the Orchestra who aim to re-balance inequality in music, present a chamber concert with a fascinating difference. They’ll perform works from the first lady of Polish music, Grażyna Bacewicz, Panamanian folk, and the beautiful yet largely undiscovered music of Emilie Mayer, before easing gently into the Christmas season with Rebecca Clarke’s Combined Carols.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1
Thursday 5 December 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£56, £51, £42, £36, £29, £19
Post-concert Question Time - starts in the Music Room 15 minutes after the concert ends, with Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan and pianist Simon Trpčeski.
Sponsored by
Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1
Tchaikovsky The Nutcracker (excerpts)
Domingo Hindoyan conductor Simon Trpčeski piano
With some concerts it’s hard to say which bit we’re looking forward to the most! There’s never a dull moment when pianist Simon Trpčeski is in town: we love him, you love him, and we can’t wait to hear him bring all his charisma and flair to Tchaikovsky’s barnstorming First Piano Concerto. And then Domingo Hindoyan whirls us off to the Kingdom of Sweets, with a lavishly stuffed selection box of tuneful goodies from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Talk about a treat…
Close Up Concert
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Brass Band
Wednesday 11 December 7.30pm Music Room
£10 (£5 under-25s)
Seating is reserved.
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Brass Band continues to excite and inspire the next generation of the North West’s young brass players. Under the baton of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s section leader trombone, Simon Cowen, join Youth Brass Band for a thrilling performance of Brass Band classics.
Musical Postcards: Kathryn Stott’s Final Recital
Wednesday 11 December 7.30pm
The Tung Auditorium
£29
Bach Prelude and Fugue No.1
Lili Boulanger Thème et Variations
Fauré Barcarolle No.4
Ravel Jeux d’eau
Grieg Wedding Day at Troldhaugen
Piazzolla (arr. Kyoko Yamamoto) Milonga del Angel
Shostakovich Prelude and Fugue No.24
Graham Fitkin Scent
Rodgers and Hammerstein/Hough
My Favourite Things
Caroline Shaw Gustave Le Gray
Chopin Mazurka Op.17 No.4
Grainger Molly on the Shore
Carl Vine The Anne Landa Preludes: No.1 – Short Story
Graham Fitkin Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly
Kathryn Stott piano/presenter
Ever since the 1970s, the artistry of pianist Kathryn Stott has won the hearts of audiences and colleagues alike. Now she’s decided to retire, and for this, her very last public concert, she comes home to the place where it all began: Liverpool. “I have enjoyed the most wonderful and fulfilling career,” she says. Tonight, Kathy plays the pieces she loves best of all, as she bids farewell to the concert stage and looks forward to a new chapter in a remarkable career.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
White Christmas
Saturday 14 December 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£62, £54, £45, £40, £37, £24
This performance will be signed by BSL interpreter Paul Whittaker OBE – see page 60 for booking details.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Spirit of Christmas
Tuesday 17 December 7.30pm
Wednesday 18 December 7.30pm
Saturday 21 December 7.30pm
Monday 23 December 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£62, £54, £45, £40, £37, £24
Programme to include:
Let it Snow
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
When a Child is Born
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Santa Baby
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
White Christmas
Richard Balcombe conductor
Graham Bickley, Stuart Matthew Price, Katie Birtill and Laura Tebbutt vocalists
Paul Whittaker OBE BSL Interpreter
Dreaming of a White Christmas? Tonight, holiday wishes come true as we invite you to the most glamorous Christmas party in town. A team of top West End vocalists present a glittering evening of seasonal favourites – the songs everyone loves, from Let it Snow to Santa Baby, wrapped up with a bow and delivered with a swing by the fabulous full Orchestra. You’d better believe it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Roderick Williams OBE presenter/baritone
Matthew Hamilton conductor
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir
It’s Liverpool’s biggest Christmas party – and you’re invited! Come along and help us celebrate the festive season in our legendary Spirit of Christmas concerts. There’ll be classic carols, seasonal readings, audience singalongs, and this year, the fabulous Roderick Williams will be back at the Hall to not only deliver some musical magic, but host the entire extravaganza. So join Roderick, Matthew, the Orchestra and our Choirs in Liverpool’s great musical festive tradition – it just wouldn’t be Christmas without it!
RGL presents Candlelit Carols
Friday 20 December 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£55, £46, £38, £27.50, £20.50
Cullen Joy to the World Handel Christmas Sequence from Messiah
Willcocks Sussex Carol Handel Eternal Source of Light
Divine
Willcocks Deck the Hall
Bach Air on the G string
plus carols for all:
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
O Come, all ye Faithful
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Once in Royal David’s City
While Shepherds watched their Flocks
Steven Devine conductor
Mozart Festival Orchestra
Harriet Eyley soprano
Canzonetta Choir
A sublime concert of carols and seasonal classics, staged in an evocative candle-lit style setting.
Lunchtime Concert Organ Sleigh Ride
Monday 23 December 1pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£13
Bach Chorale Prelude ‘In Dulci Jubilo’
Louis-Claude Daquin Noël X in G major ‘Grand Jeu et Duo’
Bach Fuga sopra il Magnificat
Brahms Chorale Prelude: Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen
Henri Mulet Noël (Esquisses Byzantines)
Richard Elliott Variations on ‘I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In’
Hérold (arr. Tracey) Clog Dance
Leroy Anderson Sleigh Ride
Garth Edmundson Toccata Prelude ‘Von Himmel hoch da komm ich her’
Ian Tracey organ
Liverpool Cathedral and City Organist Ian Tracey needs no introduction. Today he puts the Hall’s magnificent organ through its paces in a recital that celebrates four centuries of festive cheer – from Bach to Sleigh Ride!
RGL presents New Year’s Day Proms
Wednesday 1 January 3pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£51, £44.50, £37, £28, £25, £19.50
Strauss Die Fledermaus Overture
Verdi Brindisi
Ravel Bolero
Bizet Flower Song from Carmen
Puccini ‘O soave fanciulla’ from Act 1 of La bohème
Holst ‘Jupiter’ from The Planets
And all your New Year’s Day
favourites including: Nessun Dorma
Hornpipe
Land of Hope and Glory
Manchester Concert Orchestra
John Andrews conductor
Welcome 2025 with a stirring celebration of favourite classical pieces – and ring in the New Year with Land of Hope and Glory, Nessun Dorma and Hornpipe.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Messiah
Saturday 11 January 7pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£62, £54, £45, £40, £37, £24
Handel Messiah
Benjamin Appl conductor
Anna Devin soprano
Silke Gäng mezzo-soprano
James Way tenor
Alex Rosen bass
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir
Handel’s Messiah isn’t just the greatest story ever told, set to some of the most thrilling – and tuneful – music you’ll ever hear. It’s a celebration of the human voice, and the human spirit, in all their glory. Ev’ry Valley, For Unto Us a Child is Born, The Trumpet Shall Sound… you already know the melodies. But with the brilliant Benjamin Appl – a singer himself – conducting, there’s no more inspiring way to welcome the New Year. Hallelujah!
Under-5s Concert Seeing Sounds
Wednesday 2 October 1pm & 2.45pm Music Room
£12.50
Tickets for under-9 months are free but must be booked in advance with an adult ticket.
Bring your musical paint to create a masterpiece alongside presenter/ producer Claire Henry and musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Watch as an artwork inspired by the music is brought to life before your eyes, exploring all the wondrous colours and shapes that music can produce.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Family Concert
Santa Comes to Town!
Saturday 21 December 11.30am & 2.30pm
Sunday 22 December 11.30am & 2.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£30, £19, £16 (adult)
£19, £15, £11 (child)
Tickets for children under 18 months are free, but must be booked in advance. Family concerts are most suitable for children aged 5-10 years.
The 2.30pm performance on Sunday 22 December will be signed by BSL interpreter Kate Labno –see page 60 for booking details.
Programme to include music from Jonathan Dove’s Gaspard’s Christmas, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, The Twelve Days of Christmas, It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas and of course, Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town.
Michael Seal conductor
Alasdair Malloy presenter
Zeb Soanes narrator
Liverpool Philharmonic Children’s Choirs
Kate Labno BSL Interpreter
Join the merry musicians of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in the fabulously festive Philharmonic Hall for a stockingfull of sensational seasonal songs and surprises. Taking centre stage is the story of how Gaspard the Fox saved Christmas and we’ll also be meeting other animals who are part of the Christmas celebrations –including a certain red-nosed reindeer and a partridge in a pear tree… Even Santa himself takes time out to come along, so don’t miss it!
RGL presents The Glenn Miller Orchestra
Sunday 12 January 3pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£37, £33, £26, £21, £19
Programme includes: Little Brown Jug
Pennsylvania 6-5000
Chatanooga Choo Choo
It’s Almost Like Being In Love
Moonlight Serenade
Dambusters March
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
The UK’s most renowned and exciting big band is returning, swinging you back in time, playing Glenn Miller’s own arrangements of favourite hits from the forties. John James joins Mark Porter and Ray McVay for a tribute to the Rat Pack.
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Vittorio Angelone
Wednesday 4 September 7.30pm
Saturday 7 September 7.30pm
16 and 17-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult
Following the success of his ginormous 75 date run with 74 sold-out shows (thanks Middlesbrough), viral sensation and all-round great guy Vittorio Angelone is extending his tour. Vittorio has cultivated a huge online following from stand-up clips and podcasts, regularly amassing millions of views on various platforms. Following his 5-star, sold-out, award-nominated debut (which solved literally every problem in the world), his new show looks inward to find out who exactly he thinks he is.
Ever feel like this isn’t how it was meant to be? You wanted your life to be a series of stylish, cinematic moments, but in fact you’re taking a broken microwave from your house-share to the recycling centre. Well, then Tom Ward (as seen on Live at The Apollo, QI, Roast Battle) is here for you with his thrilling new show. His hot takes on fantasy vs reality feature ALL the big topics of our times.
Sunday 29 September 8pm Music Room
Join Clare Ferguson-Walker and Robin Ince’s marvellous minds via the vehicles of poetry, storytelling, jokes and general silliness. An acclaimed poet, comedienne, and regular special guest with Dr John Cooper Clarke, Clare’s explosive work takes readers on an intimate journey laced with humour and observation. Award-winning author and former stand-up comedian Robin Ince, best known as the host of the Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage with Brian Cox, has performed his poetry to packed arenas around the world.
Friends of Dorothy Sandi Toksvig
Tuesday 8 October 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall £43, £37
14+
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
Each ticket includes a hardback copy of Sandi Toksvig’s brand-new novel, Friends of Dorothy (RRP £22.00)
Following the sell-out 2022 tour of Next Slide Please, comedian, broadcaster, writer and campaigner Sandi Toksvig returns to celebrate the publication of her new novel. The show will be packed with silly stories, profound truths, fascinating facts, readings from the book and a quick-fire Q&A. Life affirming, wise and funny, Sandi investigates what it really means to be a ‘Friend of Dorothy’.
Wednesday 9 October 8pm
Join comedy legend Nigel Planer and Henry Normal, BBC Radio 4’s ‘poet in reticence’, for an evening of poetry, stories, fun, knitwear and a few surprises. Henry Normal is the BAFTA award-winning writer, poet, producer, poetry festival founder and force behind shows such as The Royle Family, Gavin & Stacey and Alan Partridge. Nigel Planer was part of the 1980s ‘Alternative Comedy’ movement, starring in The Young Ones and The Comic Strip Presents. He also writes novels, scripts, and poetry.
Don’t miss a hugely entertaining access-all-areas conversation with former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner, star of Netflix’s smash hit docuseries Drive to Survive.
Saturday 12 October 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£48, £42, £37, £32, £25
Spend an evening with the stars of Channel 4’s hit show Escape to the Chateau, Dick and Angel Strawbridge, and experience the Chateau like never before. Over the past eight years, millions of viewers have been enthralled by the adventures of retired Lieutenant Colonel, engineer and chef, Dick, and his entrepreneur and designer wife, Angel. Now, the pair are heading back out on the road, sharing even more of the adventures, challenges and successes of building and living their Chateau dream. Alongside untold stories and laughs, this highly interactive show will shine a spotlight on the audience.
Wednesday 16 October 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£61, £51, £41, £36
Every ticket will include a hardback copy of Never (RRP £25)
Please note this is an in conversation event.
Join singer, songwriter and musician Astley for a captivating discussion of fame, fortune and the pressures of the spotlight. Sharing on his newly released autobiography, Never, Rick will discuss the tumultuous world of pop and how the hit song ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ changed his life. Hear him open up about his difficult childhood, becoming the viral internet sensation behind ‘Rickrolling’, and his Glastonbury performance. Authentic and resilient, hear Rick as he goes deep into his unparalleled life.
Screwed Up
Simon Brodkin
Sunday 20 October 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£29.50, £24.50
14+
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
You...
Tales From The Grand Old Lady
Thursday 24 October 7.45pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£46, £41, £36, £26
Sunday 27 October 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£36, £30
14+
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
After selling out 110 dates across the UK and Europe, Simon Brodkin, the world-famous prankster, Lee Nelson creator and most-watched British stand-up comedian on TikTok, brings his outrageous stand-up show to Liverpool. In Screwed Up, Simon rips into celebrity culture, social media, the police, Putin, Prince Andrew and God! Nothing is off limits in this critically acclaimed show.
Witness a series of hilarious and poignant tales about one of football’s most historic stadiums, as told by Everton legend Peter Reid, Joe Royle and one ex player to be announced. They’ll recount match-day experiences at Goodison Park, and there’ll even be opportunity to take part in a Q&A. A live band, The Toffee Men, will perform Everton anthems, and there’ll be footage of iconic Goodison games. Join us in celebrating our final season at Goodison Park with an unforgettable show.
Standing up so you don’t have to take it lying down anymore, the Pub Landlord is back to make sense of the questions you probably already had the answers to. You know what they say: there’s no school like the old school, with the dodgy overflowing toilets.
Sunday 3 November 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£39.50, £33.50
Following a sold-out 2019 UK tour, Ben Elton, the undisputed godfather of modern stand-up, is going back on the road with his new show, Authentic Stupidity. First exploding into the national consciousness hosting Channel 4’s ground-breaking Saturday Live in the 1980s, Ben’s been setting the standard for gag filled, taboo busting, tonsil rattling, mind expanding stand-up ever since. As well as being a successful stand-up comedian, actor and novelist, Ben has been an influential creative force behind iconic British sitcoms, including The Young Ones and Blackadder.
Tuesday 5 November 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£36, £30, £26
Age Guidance 16+
Do psychopaths rule the world? Are you friends with a psychopath? Are you worried you might be one? Renowned journalist, filmmaker and author Jon Ronson takes you on a thrilling exploration of madness and the psychopathic mind. Join Jon for an electrifying journey into the enigmatic world of psychopaths and the perplexing concept of normalcy. In an age where society’s rationality is questioned, Jon delivers an evening of incisive inquiry and revelation, seasoned with his trademark
and profound insights.
Wednesday 6 November 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£46, £36, £31
Presenter and gardening writer Monty Don shares his passion for gardens and the unique role they play in human wellbeing. Monty has been lead presenter of Gardener’s World since 2003 and now he’s back on the road sharing tales from his career, useful gardening practices and how he fell in love with the natural world. With something for seasoned gardeners and green-fingered novices alike, join Monty for a thought-provoking celebration of the ever-surprising and comforting presence of nature.
30 Years of Dirt
Frank Skinner
Sunday 17 November 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£29
14+
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
Following a sell-out UK and Ireland Spring tour, and after announcing a third run in London’s West End at The Gielgud Theatre, comic legend Frank Skinner returns with extra tour dates for his critically acclaimed new stand-up show, 30 Years of Dirt.
Wednesday 27 November 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£31, £26
16+
BAFTA nominee and star of Taskmaster, Lucy Beaumont is going to let loose and let slip on her roller coaster world. With off-beat stories and bizarre journeys through modern day womanhood, life through the Beaumont lens is more surreal than you could ever imagine. Lucy Beaumont is co-host of charttopping podcast Perfect Brains with Sam Campbell, and creator and star of the award-winning Meet the Richardsons.
Tuesday 3 December 8pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£42, £36, £31, £26
Spend a delicious evening with the inimitable chef and restaurateur Yotam Ottolenghi, celebrating the release of his highly anticipated new cookbook, Comfort. Live on stage, alongside one of his coauthors, Yotam will share expert tips on infusing your kitchen with the unmistakable Ottolenghi flare, creating comforting meals that burst with colour, flavour, bounty and sunshine. Yotam will recount stories of his childhood, travels and home, and how he translated these formative experiences into evocative comfort recipes: each a celebration of the connections we make through cooking, and the cherished traditions passed from generation to generation.
The antidote to the multiplex, watching a film at Liverpool Philharmonic is a unique experience. Enjoy fantastic films on the world’s last remaining working Walturdaw cinema screen, which rises out of the stage. Each cinema screening features an organ introduction from resident organist Dave Nicholas, as well as an intermission.
Thursday 31 October 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£16, £13, £10 (adult)
£13, £10 (child)
Director Henry Selick
Voice starring Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara
‘This is Halloween’… Join us as we step into Halloween Town with a screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas. This Academy Awardnominated stop-motion musical fantasy tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, who discovers Christmas Town and plots to take charge of the festive season. With a magical soundtrack by Danny Elfman, this screening comes ahead of two fantastic Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concerts that feature music from the acclaimed composer. So once trick-or-treating is over, come along for more Halloween fun.
Monday 2 December 7.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£73.50, £54.50, £43.50, £33.50
A Christmas favourite, the star-studded Love Actually will be presented live in concert, with a full orchestra playing the score liveto-film. Love Actually follows ten different, yet interweaving, stories of love around the festive period, involving a variety of individuals, many of whom are interlinked as the plot progresses. Written by awardwinning composer Craig Armstrong OBE, the score and music for Love Actually is considered some of the most recognisable across the modern romcom genre.
Sunday 22 December 8pm
Tuesday 24 December 3pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£18, £14, £11
Frank Capra
Starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Henry Travers
Beset with problems, George Bailey – played by James Stewart – finds his previously happy life falling apart around him on Christmas Eve. His impish guardian angel shows him what his hometown would be like without him, and shocked by what he sees, George begs to return to the problems of the present. Beautifully crafted, its humour and gentleness imbued at times with an almost Dickensian darkness, the film is now a cult classic and one of the most enduring of all Christmas traditions.
Tuesday 24 December 11am
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£18, £14, £11 (adult)
£15, £11, £8 (child) Film with Live Orchestra
Director Brian Henson
Starring Michael Caine
The Muppets reimagine Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol by adding a hilarious and heartfelt touch of Muppet magic. Ebeneezer Scrooge is a wicked, cold-hearted moneylender, angered by the Christmas spirit of his colleague Bob Cratchit (played by Kermit the Frog) and those around him. However, the arrival of the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future teach him to embrace the warmth and good will that comes with Christmas time.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in Concert (cert PG)
Saturday 28 December 1pm & 6.30pm
Sunday 29 December 2.30pm
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
£62, £54, £45, £40, £37, £24
Under-25s (limited availability)
£18
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR.
Cars fly, trees fight back, and monsters are on the loose in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! This concert features the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in high definition, on a giant screen, while the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performs John Williams’ unforgettable score. Relive every magical moment as the music brings life to a story that has enchanted the world.
Performances last 3 hours including one interval. This performance will have subtitles.
For new announcements and the latest updates on film screenings, sign
Online: liverpoolphil.com
Telephone: 0151 709 3789
In Person: Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BP
For opening times, visit liverpoolphil.com/get-tickets
For directions, public transport and parking details, as well as information on refreshments, access and FAQs, visit liverpoolphil.com/plan-your-visit
To book for any of our BSL concerts, please email Box Office at ticketing@liverpoolphil.com or call 0151 709 3789 for further details on how to book the most suitable seats.
Online & Phone: 9% per ticket administrative fee. A £2.50 postage fee will be applied on all orders if opting for postal delivery.
In person: No charge
may include a £1 venue restoration levy, included in the ticket price. This fee supports building investment at the Grade II-listed Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.
For most Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performances, under-25s, students and those in receipt of Universal Credit or Jobseekers’ Allowance can purchase tickets for just £9. Concessions are subject to availability and your tickets will need to be collected from the venue as proof of eligibility is required.
£9 tickets can be purchased online, in person or by phone on 0151 709 3789
For more information and the latest updates on what to expect during your visit to Liverpool Philharmonic, please visit liverpoolphil.com/FAQs
Wed 13 8pm Siobhan Miller Band 23
Thur 14 7.30pm An American in Paris 40
Fri 15 7pm Rajeeb Chakraborty & Kousic Sen 23
Sat 16 7.30pm Rob Lamberti Presents Perfectly George 23
Sun 17 2.30pm Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestras 40
Sun 17 8pm Frank Skinner 56
Mon 18 8pm Suzi Quatro 24
Tue 19 8pm Brit Floyd 24
Wed 20 7.30pm Ensemble 10:10 41
Wed 20 8pm The Rheingans Sisters 24
Thur 21 8pm Nell Bryden 24
Fri 22 8pm Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri 25
Sat 23 7.30pm Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton 41
Sat 23 8pm Monkey Business: Aziz Ibrahim and Inder Goldfinger 25
Sun 24 7.30pm Bellowhead 25
Sun 24 8pm Kezia Gill 26
Mon 25 7.30pm Northern Soul Orchestrated 26
Tue 26 7.30pm Jamie Cullum 26
Wed 27 8pm Lucy Beaumont 56
Thur 28 7.30pm Bill Ryder-Jones & Gruff Rhys 27
Thur 28 8pm Robin Nolan: For the Love of George 27
Fri 29 8pm Noel Burke performs Reverberation 27
Sat 30 7.30pm The Stylistics 28
Sat 30 8pm Ezio 28
Sun 1 2.30pm Mozart’s Oboe Concerto 42
Sun 1 8pm Eleanor McEvoy 29
Mon 2 7.30pm Film with Live Orchestra: Love Actually (cert 15) 58
Mon 2 8pm Equilibrium Advent 43
Tue 3 8pm Yotam Ottolenghi 56
Tue 3 8pm Stick In The Wheel 29
Wed 4 8pm Astles & The Balloon Moon Orchestra 29
Thur 5 7.30pm Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1 43
Fri 6 8pm The Three Kings Of The Blues 29
Sat 7 7.30pm LIPA Christmas Concert 30
Sat 7 7.30pm Robert Vincent 30
Sat 7 3pm After The Gold Rush: A Tribute to Neil Young with Visions of Albion 30
Sat 7 8pm After The Gold Rush: A Tribute to Neil Young with Visions of Albion 30
Sun 8 7.30pm The Bootleg Beatles 31
Sun 8 8pm Awake Arise 31 Wed 11 7pm Kate Rusby 31
Wed 11 7.30pm Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Brass Band 44
Wed 11 7.30pm Musical Postcards: Kathryn Stott’s Final Recital 44
Fri 13 7.30pm Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band 31
Fri 13 8pm O’Hooley & Tidow: WinterFolk 32
Sat 14 7.30pm White Christmas 45
Sat 14 8pm Lindisfarne 32
Sun 15 8pm Lindisfarne 32
Tue 17 7.30pm Spirit of Christmas 45 Wed 18 7.30pm Spirit of Christmas 45 Fri 20 7.30pm Candlelit Carols 46 Fri 20 8pm Baked A La Ska 32 Sat 21 11.30am Family Concert: Santa Comes to Town! 48 Sat 21 2.30pm Family Concert: Santa Comes to Town! 48
21 7.30pm Spirit of Christmas 45
22 11.30am Family Concert: Santa Comes to Town! 48
22 2.30pm Family Concert: Santa Comes to Town! 48
22 8pm It’s A Wonderful Life (cert U) 58
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