Interest area: Music

US folk quartet Windborne is an internationally acclaimed group of vocal chameleons who specialise in close harmony singing, shifting effortlessly between drastically different styles of traditional music. Their music spans many continents and cultures, but they remain deeply rooted in American folk singing traditions.

They share a vibrant energy onstage – profoundly connected to each other, their music, and folk music’s longtime alliance with social activism, labour and civil rights, and other movements championing the oppressed, the poor, and the disenfranchised.

Premiered in June 2024 in Aldeburgh, this will be the first performance in Liverpool of Planet, composed by the previous Master of the King’s Music, Judith Weir.

Schumann’s Piano Concerto is a staple of the repertoire and after the interval we will hear one of the most popular Beethoven symphonies, No. 7. Its second movement is so beautiful that it was encored in its entirety at the premiere!

There will be a free pre-concert talk starting at 2.15pm that all ticket holders are invited to attend.

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.