A joyful musical journey where tradition and spirituality meet science fiction.
Join Manchester Collective, percussionist extraordinaire Sidiki Dembélé and his band for folksong and storytelling from the Ivory Coast, Mali and Senegal. Along the way, lead violinist Rakhi Singh breathes new life into familiar classical works. You can be sure that rhythm will be your friend here.
Adding her own colours to this vibrant palette is Nwando Ebizie. The composer and multidisciplinary artist creates a brand-new work filtered through her very own Afrofuturist vision and sonic rituals, hurtling us into the future.
Presented in partnership with Liverpool Philharmonic, in association with Africa Oyé
Following a sell-out performance last year, Paul Lewis returns with the next instalment of his Mozart+ series.
Shining a spotlight on Mozart’s often-overlooked piano sonatas, Paul will also explore the contrasts and connections between them and the works of other composers. We’ll dive into the vocally inspired world of Chopin and Schubert, tracing threads between these pieces and Mozart’s remarkable piano music.Promoted by Liverpool Philharmonic
In the late 1920s, the young Samuel Beckett travelled to Kassel in Germany to visit his aunt Cissie. There, he fell tragically in love with his first cousin Peggy and, through her art dealer father William ‘Boss’ Sinclair, came face to face with German expressionism which will prove a profound influence on his work.
The Six Paintings concert explores the interplay between visual art and music, developed by Unreal Cities in consultation with Professor Mark Nixon, the director of the Beckett International Foundation and the editor of Beckett’s German diaries, to be published for the first time in 2026.
The programme brings together six of the world’s leading musicians to respond to six paintings that each play a role in this complex story, alongside Samuel Beckett’s impressions and writings narrated by Anna Nygh. Featuring Iarla Ó Lionáird (voice and electronics), Michelle O’Rourke (voice), Cheng Yu (guqin), Niwel Tsumbu and Benjamin Dwyer (guitars), and Mary Dullea (piano), the performance explores Beckett’s work through a rich blend of voices and instruments.
(Image above: Leyhausen, Karl – Peggy Sinclair, 1931 (cropped))
Presented by Unreal Cities in association with the Institute of Irish Studies, University of Liverpool as part of the Beckett: Lieben 2026 festival
Marc Bolan, with his band T.Rex, was one of the most flamboyant and charismatic stars of the original glam rock era. With Bolan’s special ingredient of Rock-a-Boogie songs, the band had a string of huge hits throughout the 1970s including Love to Boogie, Telegram Sam, Jeepster and 20th Century Boy.
T.Rextasy have now been performing around the world for over 20 years, a career that ironically out lives Marc’s very own T.Rex. The band is now accepted as the world’s only official live tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan & T.Rex, and the only band endorsed and approved by Marc Bolan’s family, estate, original ex-members of T.Rex, and Bolan’s catalogue management. The band has been described by many as ‘beyond the boundaries of tribute’.
Truly a rock’n’roll concert for all ages – If you would like to know exactly what a Marc Bolan concert was like in the 1970s, this show is for you!
Experience the joy and energy of gospel music, with some of the UK’s most successful current gospel artists in this concert brought to you by the National Gospel Music Centre here in Liverpool.
Whether you are new to gospel music or already part of the fast-growing UK audience for this iconic genre, this concert has something to interest and inspire you.
Featuring some of the UK’s most celebrated and successful modern artists, the event will showcase brand new work in a world-first performance, along with gospel classics.
Gospel music is a genre with extraordinary range, diversity and creativity but with a common thread of love and joy, that has endured and flourished across continents and generations. Most music genres, from rock to R&B can trace their origins and influences to and through gospel music.
Whilst gospel is unapologetically rooted in the Christian faith, this event celebrates the music as a genre and welcomes everybody, from all faiths or none.
This performance will feature outstanding gospel choirs, alongside individual artists from across the UK in a special one-off performance as part of the programme for the Liverpool Gospel Music Festival.
Curated by the National Gospel Music Centre based at Liverpool Lighthouse, the night promises to be a special event not to be missed.
Presented in partnership with the National Gospel Music Centre
A much-anticipated live performance by folk ‘supergroup’ Spell Songs, the musical evolution of the iconic Lost Words and Lost Spells books by acclaimed author Robert Macfarlane and award-winning artist Jackie Morris, commissioned by Folk by the Oak Festival and featuring the collaborative genius of Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Seckou Keita, Kris Drever, Rachel Newton, Beth Porter and Jim Molyneux.
Spell Songs are renowned for enthralling live performances that expertly blend virtuosic kora, electroharp, cello, Indian harmonium and more, gorgeously layered with musical and linguistic influences spanning from Orkney to Senegal. Inspired by Robert and Jackie’s latest work, The Book of Birds, Spell Song’s new studio album In Thin Air is released on 4th September and this uplifting performance will include a wealth of beautiful new songs alongside favourites from The Lost Words Spell Songs (2019) and Spell Songs II, Let The Light In (2021).
Spell Songs will be joined on stage by Lost Words artist Jackie Morris conjuring creatures and birds from ink and watercolour, bringing a captivating artistic dimension to all the shows.
The Lost Notes come to the Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room as winners of the FATEA Band of the Year 2025, recognised for their harmony‑rich songwriting, sharp wit, and quietly dazzling musicianship. Their live shows blend foot‑tapping folk, soulful Americana, and warm, generous humour. FATEA praised them as “a band at the top of their game – inventive, heartfelt and engaging from first note to last.”
Michell, Pfeiffer & Kulesh bring their acclaimed blend of close‑harmony vocals, intricate arrangements, and exquisitely crafted original songs. Drawing on English, American, and Eastern European folk traditions, they create a sound that feels both timeless and strikingly contemporary. Folk London described them as “a trio of rare finesse – voices that blend like smoke and light, with songs that linger long after the last note.”
Together, these two standout acts promise an evening of rich storytelling, luminous harmonies, and musicianship shaped with real heart. Expect songs that make you smile, moments that stop you in your tracks, and performances that celebrate the breadth and beauty of modern folk.
With two headline sets in one night, this is a rare chance to experience two of the scene’s most compelling live acts in the intimate surroundings of the Music Room.
Michael Ball announces a new solo album of original material for 2026! ‘Glow’ will be Michael’s 23rd solo album, due for release early next year.
Speaking on the news, Michael Ball said: “There’s probably only one thing I enjoy more than being in the studio — writing, producing, and singing songs with people I love — and that’s taking it all out on the road and performing those songs as well as all the old favourites to the audiences I love. I hope you enjoy the new album, and I hope you come to see us on tour next year. It’s going to be an exciting year, and I can’t wait to see you all’’
Michael Ball is Britain’s leading musical theatre star, a double Olivier Award-winning, Grammy nominated, multi-platinum recording artist and a hugely popular radio and TV presenter. For over 40 years he has been at the top of his game, starring in musical theatre productions in the West End and on Broadway, winning critical acclaim, a devoted following and awards for his stage work and recording career.
He regularly tours the UK as a concert artist and has sold millions of albums over the last 40 years; he’s performed in Australia, China, USA, Japan and, in 2007, made his BBC Proms debut: An Evening with Michael Ball at the Royal Albert Hall which marked the first time a musical theatre star had been given a solo concert at the Proms.
Join National Children’s Orchestras and musicians from In Harmony Liverpool Philharmonic for an afternoon of glorious American music.
For NCO’s eldest musicians, just 13 and 14 years old, this concert is the culmination of their final week-long NCO residential of the year, which has included rehearsals, creative sessions and more. They are delighted to share the stage today with musicians from In Harmony Liverpool Philharmonic.
NCO’s concerts are for everyone. Join us as we appreciate the sheer joy and energy that can be experienced nowhere else than in the presence of a wonderful children’s orchestra and be part of supporting the next generation of musicians. Expect a warm, welcoming audience and to be dazzled by really remarkable young musicians!
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival presents the world premiere performance of the hugely anticipated second album from Tamsin Elliott (UK) and Tarek Elazhary (Egypt). The album, currently untitled, is scheduled for release in September 2026.
Together, Tamsin and Tarek explore the intriguing parallels and idiosyncrasies of Egyptian Maqam and English folk traditions in a captivating fusion of songs, tunes and textures, finding commonality, fostering cross-cultural connection and helping heal the scars of a colonial past through meaningful and conscious collaboration.
