Event type: Performance

Shostakovich Symphony No.7

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.

Sibelius Symphony No.5

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.

Imogen Cooper, Henning Kraggerud, Adrian Brendel Trio

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.

Michael Rosen: Getting Through It

Getting Through It is a powerful, deeply personal yet universally relatable, double bill of monologues and poetry.

In the first part, The Death of Eddie, Michael explores his experience after losing his 18-year-old son to meningitis, recalling the strange and contradictory mix of emotions felt after the unexpected loss. This story, memorably captured in Michael’s children’s book The Sad Book, is told in vivid and poetic detail.

In the second part, Many Kinds of Love, Michael recounts his 48-day period in intensive care, after contracting COVID-19 early in the pandemic, and having to face his own mortality. Both stories are told with Michael’s signature positivity, humour and poetry. Together, the two pieces are a testimony to the spirit of recovery.

 
 

Andy Zaltzman: The Zaltgeist

Following a sell-out 2024/2025 tour host of The Bugle, New’s Quiz, Test Match Special and Taskmaster champion Andy Zaltzman, extends his hit tour into 2026 (with extra material added due to phenomenal world chaos).

One of the UK’s leading satirical comedians, Andy assesses the state of Planet Earth and its most famous and controversial species – the human race. Attempting to concoct vaguely plausible answers to perennial questions such as What?, Who?, Where?, and above all Why?

Spoken Word Poetry

Head along and enjoy poets and wordsmiths bringing their views and experiences to life, featuring Dionne Simpson, Sabiya and Janoma Omena. The experimental The Spoken Word Poetry Night has always been such a well-loved segment of the festival from audiences and artists alike.

BlackFest have shortlisted the talented and passionate artists to develop their work over a series of professionally facilitated workshops and rehearsals. The comedy veers from breaking intergenerational curses to dark and witty humour, covering themes of abuse, race, culture and identity.

The Alternative Black Cabaret Comedy Showcase

The Alternative Black Cabaret Comedy Showcase is hosted by Che Burnley, hailing from Oldham and an honorary Scouser. In the last few years Che has established his own showcase show in Edinburgh and Liverpool, provided tour support for Reginald D Hunter, written his own solo shows and still found time to gig across the country.

Join the festival comedy showcase for Che and some excellent supporting acts from Liverpool and beyond.

BlackFest October Scratch Night Take Over

Join the BlackFest October Scratch Night Take Over as artists Shak, Chelsey, Resila and BluBoy bring exciting experimental new works using their disciplines and theatre to bring their stories to life.

Some of the artists use their writing and directing skills, some their own performance and poetry skills and some a combination of singing performing and writing. They are also creating open mic slots after the artists have performed, you can sign up before the event at andi.herring@blackfest.co.uk.

Head along and enjoy a highly varied set of work from ambitious creatives.

The Poems of Poe

Head along and join Norton Priory for this evocative and immersive Halloween season performance with a difference.

The poems and works of literary legend and gothic American writer Edgar Allen Poe are brought to life by VML theatre in the atmospheric setting of the Norton Priory Undercroft.

The company will perform a selection of excerpts from Poe’s most well known and classic poems and stories such as The Pit and The Pendulum, The Raven, The Tell Tale Heart and Masque of the Red Death.

The performance starts at 7pm with an interval of 20 minutes. Refreshments will be available during this time.

Martha Tilston

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…