From local legends to global sounds, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Music Room is celebrating 10 years of bringing you closer to grassroots music, their birthday celebrations will be held from 28 September to 13 October.
Over the past decade, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall’s Music Room has done it all. They’ve brought you incredible shows spanning the whole spectrum of musical genres, plus intimate chamber concerts, musical adventures for their youngest audiences and inspiring community music workshops too. They’ve welcomed a vast array of artists, nurtured new talent, and collaborated with partners to present a programme that’s exciting, diverse and truly unique.
Now, they’re marking this special occasion with a huge celebration of all the Music Room does. So head along, join the party and help celebrate a decade of the Music Room – a real treasure of Liverpool’s music scene.
Discover their Music Room 10 programme below…
Cerddoriaeth Cymru: 9Bach, Cerys Hafana and VRi (3 October)
In every corner of Britain, there are tales to be told – and great folk artists ready to tell them through song. In the Music Room, they have a proud folk music tradition, and so as part of their tenth anniversary celebrations they’re shining a spotlight on folk musicians from across the home nations, celebrating their countries and their music.
First up at Cerddoriaeth Cymru, they welcome three captivating Welsh artists, VRï, Cerys Hafana and 9Bach, back to the Music Room.
Daughters of Albion: Kathryn Williams and Sarah Smout (5 October)
The Music Room has always been a beloved home for folk music – and they’re finishing theirr tour of Britain’s folk tradition by returning home to England with Daughters of Albion. In two exciting shows, you’ll see female folk artists, both established stars and up-and-coming talent, come together on stage in inspiring showcases of the English folk genre, its history and its future too. This afternoon, they welcome Kathryn Williams and Sarah Smout.
Kathryn Williams is a Liverpool-born, Mercury Music Prize nominated singer-songwriter with 16 albums under her belt. Cellist, singer and poet Sarah Smout weaves together nature, creativity, and activism to provoke thought and inspire change. Her music has been played on BBC Radio 2, she’s worked with Greenpeace and been a session musician for artists such as Michael Chapman and Bridget St. John
Music Mondays (6 October)
Over the last ten years, the Music Room has been home to lots of Liverpool Philharmonic’s award-winning Music and Health work – an integral part of their activity within the community, helping thousands of people every year. They’re proud to celebrate that programme during this anniversary.
So, today they’re hosting a very special edition of Music Mondays. Running as a social prescribing programme, Music Mondays aim to boost mood, increase social connection and build confidence through learning about music and making music together too. Sessions are open to anyone aged 18+ from across the Liverpool City Region, and participants can self-refer or be referred by a GP/community organisation.
Hope St. Blues: Catfish Keith and Jo Harman with very special guest Connie Lush (7 October)
Foot-stomping, heartbreaking and spellbinding, some Music Room legends return to sing the Hope St Blues. On this tenth anniversary, the pioneering Catfish Keith makes his tenth appearance on our stage, and award-winning, best-selling blues/soul vocalist Jo Harman performs for the third time too.
They’re also delighted to welcome back Connie Lush from retirement to perform a couple of songs. She was the artist who performed the very first test event at the Music Room’s launch and treated them to a Christmas residency in 2019.
One Night on Sugnall (9 October)
As part of their celebrations, they’re welcoming back some of the city’s most exciting young stars in One Night at Sugnall – artists who have all risen up through the Music Room, and have each headlined their own show in the space. Head along as Ellis Murphy, Astles, MT Jones and Motel Sundown perform as you’ve never seen them before.
Ellis Murphy has amassed a cult following with his timeless brand of storytelling, through his songs that are both current and fresh but also reminiscent of a time when troubadours were the voice of a generation. Astles’ songwriting has piqued the interest of the NME, Clash Magazine and even Sir Paul McCartney. He has supported the likes of Bill Ryder Jones, The Mysterines and Michael Head.
MT Jones evokes a sound that transports you back to a smoke-filled speakeasy, while also feeling fresh and innovative and Motel Sundown draw listeners with their blend of 70’s soft rock and luscious three-part harmonies.
They Say It’s Our Birthday: Baked a la Ska (10 October)
Today’s the day – it’s officially the Music Room’s tenth birthday! And what better way to celebrate this anniversary than with an all-out, irresistible party hosted by none other than Baked A La Ska – the incredible group who have brought so much fun and joyful energy to the venue over the years.
With their annual Christmas show, and plenty of other visits besides, they’ve introduced us to vintage ska sounds and an eclectic platter of covers – and now they’re back, marking a decade of the Music Room with a specially-curated, never-before-seen show. In this very special performance, they’ll be sprinkling some ska dust on Beatles hits and rarities, and travelling through their own back catalogue, bringing you tracks from all five of their albums. Get ready for a real extravaganza, from one of the tightest rhythm sections in Manchester.
Klezmer-ish – Celebrating 10 Years of Music and Memories (12 – 13 October)
Klezmer-ish returns to the Music Room to celebrate a remarkable milestone — the 10th anniversary of both the band and this iconic venue. These special performances will be a vibrant celebration of nostalgia, joy, and musical magic.
To mark the occasion, they’ll welcome back special guest artists who have collaborated with them over the years, while also showcasing the talent of new young performers, coming together to create a dynamic and exciting blend of sounds and styles.
Youth Company Celebrates 10 years of the Music Room (12 October)
Since 2015, the Music Room has been an invaluable venue for Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company, giving the region’s brightest young musicians a space to stage incredible concerts, and celebrate their talent and hard work. For their anniversary, Youth Company Celebrates 10 years of the Music Room, they’ve invited two of Youth Company’s stellar ensembles to head along and really put on a show.
Both Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Session Band and Brass Band are no stranger to the Music Room – they have regularly taken to the stage over the years to sell-out audiences. Hear the best of the company’s contemporary and brass ensembles in an electrifying, high-energy performance of pop favourites new and old, and brass music that will bring the house down.
For full event listings and tickets visit liverpoolphil.com.