Liadov Baba-YagaVictoria Borisova-Ollas Oh Giselle, remember me… (UK premiere / RLPS co-commission with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra)Shostakovich Symphony No.7, ‘Leningrad’Vasily Petrenko conductorVictor Julien-Laferrière cello
A great city is under siege, and as the bullets fly, the defenders of Leningrad use loudspeakers to blast Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony, defiant and colossal, at the Nazi forces. Everything about the Leningrad Symphony is supersized, and trust us: when Vasily Petrenko conducts it, you’ll feel the air shake. This is music that’s larger than life, and we’ve paired it with an emotional and much-anticipated new concerto by Victoria Borisova-Ollas, co-commissioned by Liverpool Philharmonic and performed for the first time in the UK.
Boccherini/Berio Ritirata notturna di MadridBernstein Chichester Psalms*Copland Clarinet ConcertoEinojuhani Rautavaara Cantus ArcticusSibelius Symphony No.5Geoffrey Paterson conductorJulian Bliss clarinetAgustin Pennino countertenor*Royal Liverpool Philharmonic ChoirMatthew Hamilton Director of Choirs and Singing
“What beauty!” exclaimed Jean Sibelius, as he saw a flight of swans in the northern sky. They inspired his magnificent Fifth Symphony, and that radiant piece is tonight seamlessly introduced by Finnish composer Rautavaara’s haunting ‘Concerto for Birds and Orchestra’. But conductor Geoffrey Paterson begins with midnight in Madrid, honouring Berio’s 100th birthday with a work that received its UK premiere here in Liverpool from our Orchestra. It’s a wonderful contrast to Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and the all-American sunshine of Copland’s Clarinet Concerto, played by Julian Bliss.
Schubert Piano Trio No.1 in B-flat major, D898Schubert Piano Trio No.2 in E-flat major, D929Imogen Cooper pianoHenning Kraggerud violinAdrian Brendel cello‘Three distinguished players carving out an oasis of warm but focused performances … the ensemble was magical.’ – The StradWhen you bring together the great British pianist Imogen Cooper, inspirational Norwegian violinist Henning Kraggerud and cellist Adrian Brendel, you might call the result a classical supergroup. But with these three, it’s only ever about the joy of making music, and chamber music doesn’t get more lyrical or poetic than Schubert’s two gloriously tuneful piano trios.
Come for the music, stay for the cause. Together, we can make a difference by supporting people seeking asylum.
Life can be very hard for people seeking asylum, arriving here with little and often feeling alone. Asylum Link offers them welcome, kindness, and support as they start again.
Your presence truly matters, as every ticket and every smile helps make life brighter for someone finding their feet in a new country. By coming along, you’ll be helping to keep that spirit of care alive.
- ✨ Uplifting performances from our incredible choir
- ✨ Live music from Liverpool’s premier Americana band, The Good Intentions
- ✨ Every ticket helps welcome people seeking asylum with kindness and support.
There will be also be delicious refreshments available to purchase, with every cup helping to raise a little more for the cause.
Tickets are pay what you can, with a suggested donation of £7 – this helps us claim gift aid – and are available now on Eventbrite, on the door, or by emailing info@asylumlink.org.uk
We’d love to see you there!
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.
The Liverpool String Quartet return to the beautiful setting of Norton Priory with a concert full of energy, colour, and unforgettable melodies.
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is one of the most popular pieces of classical music ever written, instantly recognisable and packed with drama, from birdsong and thunderstorms to icy winter winds.
After the interval, the quartet perform Dvořák’s American Quartet, a warm, joyful piece inspired by the wide-open landscapes and folk music of the USA.
Join us for a truly memorable musical experience in the stunning surroundings of Norton Priory as we present an evening with the award-winning Cheshire Chord Company, led by the talented Joanne Braham.
This versatile and vibrant ladies a cappella chorus, based in the heart of Warrington, brings together singers from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups, creating a rich tapestry of talent, harmony, and joy.
Specialising in high-energy, captivating performances, the chorus delivers a diverse repertoire – from soul-stirring ballads to toe-tapping pop hits, and from contemporary favourites to the timeless harmonies of barbershop classics. Every performance is infused with passion, precision, and a shared love of music.
With a pure silken voice and lyrics that inspire and captivate, Martha Tilston has gained a large and loyal following. She has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, released several critically acclaimed albums, gained a nomination for BBC best newcomer, appeared as a guest vocalist for Zero 7, toured internationally and worked with some of the world’s most inspiring performers. The past few years have seen Martha venture into the world of film making. She recently released her first feature film, The Tape, which is garnering much praise and excitement.
With her long-time collaborators and musicians Matt Tweed and Matt Kelly, she entwines raw vocals, sparkling melodies and thought-provoking lyrics with filmic movements and earthy baselines. To see them live is to connect with longed-for parts of ourselves…
Nadia Reid’s Enter Now Brightness is an album of departure and questioning, a reminder that songwriting can transform pain, joy, thoughts, and anger into something new. “I’m so much better off now that it exists,” she says. “Now feels like a new time.”
Moving further from her folk roots, Reid establishes a sound distinctly her own—poised and expansive. The title, drawn from a book passage, evokes light breaking through, the feeling of stepping onto a stage, of life beginning.
A record of great beauty and change, Enter Now Brightness captures Reid’s evolution, blending textural pop, country-leaning folk-rock, and striking emotional depth. The Guardian describes her sound as “halfway between Haim’s sophisticated pop sparkle and Sharon Van Etten’s full-throated songcraft.”
With support from Kevin Fowley
Reflections on minor league football, empty nest syndrome, learning to swim, Cook-in Sauce and of course, the Gecko as a metaphor for contemporary society!
Tom Robinson and Chris Difford are fans while Stick In The Wheel and The Unthanks look to him as an influence. In a world of soundbites and distractions Chris Wood is a truth seeker. His writing is permeated with love and wry intelligence, uplifting and challenging as he celebrates the sheer one-thing-after-anotherness of life.
Winner of 6 BBC Folk Awards, he’s played with The Royal Shakespeare Company and was a key member of The Imagined Village along with Billy Bragg, Martin and Eliza Carthy. A wise and soulful craftsman, his concerts are a cliche free zone.
