Event type: Concert

Over the past two decades of British folk music, Jim Moray has marked himself out as having a singular, idiosyncratic vision that has rarely wavered in style and substance.

The cinematic vision of albums such as Skulk (2012), Upcetera(2016), and his game-changing debut Sweet England(2003) show just how far the old songs can be taken. As Moray embarks on his third decade as a professional musician, he finds himself one of the most celebrated interpreters of folksong in the UK. And never satisfied with staying still, there’s a sense that he has only just begun.

Martyn Joseph is a completely unique and mind-blowing artist. Take everything you think you know about singer songwriters and rip it up. For one man and a guitar he creates a performance with a huge far-reaching sound that is energetic, compelling, and passionate.  Be it to two hundred people or twenty thousand, he blows the crowd away night after night.

2024 kicked off with the release of a new “masterful and career-defining” (Fatea UK) studio album, This Is What I Want To Say. The album was followed by a sell-out UK tour and shows in mainland Europe and North America.

He is gifted with the rare ability to speak to the soul with his expressive and poignant lyrics and has a career spanning over 40 years, 27 studio albums, over a half a million record sales and thousands of live performances.

Compared to Bruce Springsteen, John Mayer, Bruce Cockburn and Dave Matthews, he has created his own style and reputation as a mesmerising live performer and stands in his own right, built on a reputation for giving what thousands have described as the best live music experience of their lives.

He is hailed as a raconteur weaving tales on topical concerns, as well as stories on the fragility of love, with a magical ability to reach out to his listeners through his passion and humour. Stunning reviews single him out as an unmissable solo performer whose music stays with you long after the show has ended.

Crosby Symphony Orchestra proudly presents ‘British Inspirations’, a celebration of British musical heritage and its profound influence. Under the baton of two brilliant young conductors, Julius Akira Mauldin and Stephanie Godwin, both students at the Royal Northern College of Music, we explore the rich tapestry of British-inspired compositions.

Gordon Jacob: Old Wine in New Bottles

Gordon Jacob’s “Old Wine in New Bottles” is a charming suite that takes traditional folk tunes and dresses them in modern orchestral attire. Each movement offers a fresh interpretation of familiar melodies, making them feel both nostalgic and contemporary. Jacob’s wit and skillful orchestration shine through, providing a delightful listening experience.

Ralph Vaughan-Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis

Vaughan-Williams’ “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis” is a profound and hauntingly beautiful work based on a theme by the 16th-century composer Thomas Tallis. This piece is known for its lush string textures and ethereal quality, creating a spiritual and transcendent atmosphere that resonates deeply with audiences.

Felix Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 (Scottish)

Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3, also known as the “Scottish Symphony,” was inspired by the composer’s visit to Scotland. The symphony captures the rugged landscapes, historical depth, and the mystic charm of Scotland. With its dramatic contrasts and lyrical beauty, it remains one of Mendelssohn’s most evocative works.

Working with Future Talents

At Crosby Symphony Orchestra, they are committed to nurturing the next generation of musical leaders. They are thrilled to collaborate with Julius Akira Mauldin and Stephanie Godwin, two exceptionally talented conductors from the Royal Northern College of Music. Their passion, dedication, and fresh perspectives bring a vibrant energy to their performances. By providing them with a platform to hone their skills, they contribute to their development as future leaders in the world of classical music. Their involvement in this concert not only enriches the musical experience but also strengthens the bridge between established musicians and emerging artists.

Join them for an evening of remarkable music, as they journey through the inspirations of British musical traditions and witness the promising talents of tomorrow.

Siapiau is a quartet of Maggie Nicols (voice/keys), Fran Bass (electric bass/voice), Richard Harrison (drums/voice) and Phil Hargreaves (reeds/voice).

Maggie Nicols has been a major presence in improvised music since the 60’s, through her work with John Stevens and the Feminist Improvising Group.

Deep Cabaret Un is singer and guitarist Steve Lewis. Based in Morecambe, he’s inviting you to consider your place in the wider ecology of your island.

Kraus and Lick are two exciting locally-based improvising trios.

Kraus features Keith Parkins, Robert Harrison, and Angela Vowles, blending jazz-inspired instruments with spontaneous creativity. Their performances embrace unpredictability, crafting a unique and ever-evolving sound that reimagines harmony and chaos. Lick, comprising Aous, Jon, and Paula, transforms everyday found sounds into unconventional music. Incorporating vocals and clay flutes, they explore the fringes of musical expression with playful innovation. Together, these trios promise an unforgettable evening of avant-garde artistry.

For their spring concert the University of Liverpool Symphony Orchestra will be delving into the classics, with a programme including Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture as well as excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s ballets, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.

Conducted by Gethyn Jones, cellist with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the concert will also feature the winners of the Concerto and Composition Competitions, showcasing the solo performance and compositional talent of our students.

Taking audiences by storm, Saltlines is a compelling and absolutely unique Prose and Music collaboration between bestselling author Raynor Winn (The Salt Path) and folk-roots supergroup The Gigspanner Big Band, which features some of the biggest names on the folk scene.

Together they celebrate the beauty, stories and traditions of the South West Coast Path in a seamless performance of old songs with their origins in the South-West, and brand-new compositions written by Raynor Winn especially for this production.

Raynor says “The coastline of the south west holds a rich past, a vibrant present and has changed my life in ways without measure, so to find inspiration for Saltlines wasn’t hard. The Gigspanner Big Band brought together a beautiful collection of songs from the area to form the basis of the project and my words have come in response to the history, texture and sense of place those songs evoke”

Saltlines is an unmissable experience for those with a love of lyrical writing and inspiring music, and for anyone who values the social and natural history of Britain’s rural landscape, and the common threads that bind its fragile communities and wildlife.

Following the success of his first two productions, which have captivated over 80,000 audience members across the UK, Ireland, and Germany in the last two years, Daniel Martinez returns with a new show that places flamenco dance at the forefront.

“Art of Andalucia” shifts the focus entirely to the art of flamenco dance, offering audiences an immersive experience where the dancers take centre stage, bringing the passion and energy of Andalucia to life. If that weren’t enough, Daniel will also perform new pieces from his highly anticipated third album.

One of the stars of this production is the world-renowned dancer Angel Reyes, a key member of Manuel Linan’s company and the second dancer in Jesus Carmona’s company for many years. Angel’s impeccable technique, skill, and fiery passion will captivate and mesmerise, elevating the performance to an unmissable cultural experience. His powerful presence and artistry bring an electric energy to the stage.

Joining Angel is Gabriela Pouso, the principal dancer of the Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company. Gabriela has played an instrumental role in the company’s success, performing on some of the UK’s most prestigious stages. Her performances are filled with elegance, grace, skill, and intensity, showcasing her remarkable technique and drawing audiences in with every movement.

The dancers will perform to original compositions by Daniel Martinez, created specifically for this show. The performance is further enriched by the incredible vocals of Inma Montero and Danielo Olivera, and the rhythmic pulse of percussionist Julian Ticotico. Together, they create an unforgettable night of flamenco, where music and dance are perfectly intertwined.

“Art of Andalucia” is a celebration of flamenco dance, a vibrant journey into the heart of Andalucia, where the tradition and passion of flamenco are brought to life through stunning choreography and powerful performances.