Liverpool Philharmonic Archives

Rachmaninov’s symphony No. 2 in E minor – Liverpool Philharmonic

12Nov

By Johanna RobertsNo Comments

North West

Rachmaninov’s symphony No. 2 in E minor – Liverpool Philharmonic

It is a measure of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s standing among the international music community that they can attract the very best to perform with the orchestra and choir. Nowhere was this more clearly seen than at last night’s performance, which saw young British award-winning conductor Adam Hickox take up the baton to conduct the orchestra in Rachmaninov’s symphony No. 2 in E minor, and internationally acclaimed violinist Ning Feng in Samuel Barber’s violin concerto. However, in keeping with the programming of traditional pieces with newer or lesser-known works, the concert began with ‘Nautilus’ by contemporary composer Anna Meredith. A short but intense piece featuring particularly the brass section, it was first composed in 2011 then orchestrated in 2021, Meredith says her i...

Domingo Hindoyan’s Bruckner – Liverpool Philharmonic

1Mar

By Mark HumphreysNo Comments

North West

Domingo Hindoyan’s Bruckner – Liverpool Philharmonic

This week, Liverpool’s famous youthful talent took to a prestigious stage and celebrated great success with a charismatic grey-haired leader. No, not Carabao Cup-winning Liverpool FC with their academy starlets under Jurgen Klopp, but the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra under former percussionist and ‘the scouser in our team’ Sir Simon Rattle. But on Thursday night it was the seasoned pros of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra who celebrated the music of two composers who showed that talent can materialise at either end of the age spectrum. On the one hand, the Violin Concerto by prodigious child prodigy-turned-Hollywood-star-composer Erich Korngold, and on the other the monumental Seventh Symphony by Anton Bruckner, who was in his late 50s by the time he bega...

30Jun

By Donna M DayNo Comments

North West

Sixteen Swans – Liverpool Philharmonic

Sixteen Swans was a collection of dramatic and enchanting music, which created a wonderful evening of high emotion played by very talented musicians. Conducted by Roderick Cox, this combination of Strauss, Tchaikovsky and Sibelius is a powerful combination which mesmerised and enthralled the captive audience. The dramatic opening of Strauss’ Don Juan with powerful percussion allowed the flutes, played by Cormac Henry and Helen Wilson, to really shine through with an air of mystery. The tinkling of a triangle provides an air of sweetness before the strings sweep away as gentle melodies contrast well with more intense themes. Accomplished pianist, Inon Barnatan plays on Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1. Another piece with a dramatic opening, staccato piano is complimented by pizzi...

<strong>Handel’s Messiah – Liverpool Philharmonic</strong>

8Jan

By Ezzy LaBelleNo Comments

North West

Handel’s Messiah – Liverpool Philharmonic

Hallelujah! Renowned and revered, George Frideric Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah, fills Liverpool Philharmonic Hall to provide a sumptuous evening of music. Led by eminent German maestro Clemens Schuldt, this rousing aural experience is not to be missed. First performed in 1742, Messiah has become one of Handel’s most successful works. Fusing the traditions of Italian Opera, German Passion and English Anthem, it has both a geographical and timeless appeal that often cuts to the core of audiences, and this performance is no different. Featuring four of the finest singers in Europe on the solos – Dorothee Mields (soprano), Anna Stéphany (mezzo-soprano), Caspar Singh (tenor) and Benjamin Appl (baritone) – the marriage between musicians, choristers and soloists is truly harmonic. Messi...

The Proclaimers – Liverpool Philharmonic

11Oct

By Anne PritchardNo Comments

North West

The Proclaimers – Liverpool Philharmonic

Identical twin brothers, Craig and Charlie Reid are strikingly individual in the flesh. Born in Leith in 1962, they list their influences as being early rock ‘n’ roll and country artists. After playing in punk bands they formed The Proclaimers in 1983; their first big break came in 1986 when they were invited to tour with The Housemartins. In January 1987 they appeared on Channel 4’s The Tube, singing in regional accents about Scotland, its emigration and its politics, they became a phenomenon almost overnight and the rest is history. They walked onto the stage without fuss or ceremony, both dressed similarly in black tops and jeans with the audience giving them a welcome cheer and launch into their first song, ‘Dentures Out’. Immediately that unmistakable, instantly recogni...

Daniel Sloss: Can’t – Liverpool Philharmonic

11Oct

By Lou SteggalsNo Comments

North West

Daniel Sloss: Can’t – Liverpool Philharmonic

Daniel Sloss is a man on a mission. Dubbing himself the ‘Steve Irwin of comedy’ he’s on the lookout for the ‘Stingray’ joke that is going to end his career. It won’t be the one we’d expect he says, it will be something innocuous, that starts off about wallpaper. Nevertheless, he’s clearly relishes the opportunity in front of him to test the audience’s limit. In Sloss’ firing line are the death of the Queen, progressive liberals, magicians, and people who get travel sick. He loves the idea of us discovering that our fellow audience members absolutely hate him; that their discomfort will only serve to make the experience even funnier. Two Netflix specials have help Sloss hone his act, but he remains a man of two sides; one minute perching on a bar stool like he’s about to break into a ...

Vaughan Williams’ Fifth Symphony – Liverpool Philharmonic

7Oct

By Ezzy LaBelleNo Comments

North West

Vaughan Williams’ Fifth Symphony – Liverpool Philharmonic

Marking the 150th anniversary of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ birth, this concert combines the magical with the majestic, and drama with the delicate. Engaging but not overpowering, it provides a wonderful evening of music. The concert is of two halves, with the second half being dedicated to Vaughan Williams. Opening with Edward Elgar's Froissart overture, the room bursts into life. Making use of the full orchestra, Elgar's first large-scale work permeates the atmosphere. As the music gathers pace, the enthusiasm from Principal Guest Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Manze, is tangible. His mesmerising movements ooze wizardry. All eyes are on him as he leads the orchestra, almost dancing - you can't help but enjoy watching the craft of conducting. Followi...

5Oct

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

North West

Three Phantoms – Liverpool Philharmonic

Imagine every West End and Broadway musical having a full and complete orchestra to play its soundtrack and how amazing it would sound… If that is something you want to get on board with, then look no further than an evening with Three Phantoms. Comprising of Earl Carpenter, Jeremy Seacomb and Richard Woodford, along with Katie Hall and Olivia Brereton; Three Phantoms is an evening of entertainment with something for everyone to enjoy. From classic musical theatre songs to newer and more unusual show tunes, with a bit of Disney thrown in for good measure, it would be hard to leave the concert without having a smile on your face. Fresh from the UK tour of Les Misérables, Carpenter and Hall show their close friendship truly is and bring other friends along for the ride. It is clear to ...

Tim Peake: My Journey into Space – Liverpool Philharmonic

7Sep

By Jenn McKeanNo Comments

North West

Tim Peake: My Journey into Space – Liverpool Philharmonic

What does a man from West Sussex have in common with Tom Cruise? The fact that his life seemed to be following the films that Cruise was starring in. There are not many people who have no idea who Tim Peake is, in this day and age, but very few probably know his story. That will soon change, as he has just released his autobiography ‘Limitless’. However, reading someone’s story is not the same as hearing them tell it, their excitement about their favourite moments and the genuine fear that they’ve experienced. Peake is no different. It was so fascinating to hear his story, in his words, spoken by him. The evening was split into two halves. The first half was about how Peake made his way to becoming an astronaut, his humble beginnings, his earlier jobs, the astronaut selection process...

David Essex ‘I’ll Be Missing You’ Tour – Liverpool Philharmonic

6Sep

By Jenn McKeanNo Comments

North West

David Essex ‘I’ll Be Missing You’ Tour – Liverpool Philharmonic

How do you scare a man in his mid-70s from East London? Lock him in a room with hundreds of scouse women screaming for him. Some people might think that David Essex is well past his prime, still going on tour into his 70s, but being on stage at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, it seemed as though he was still in his prime. Still sounding almost exactly the same as he did on his records and still able to fully captivate an audience. As someone who grew up, only knowing his biggest hits and learnt more of his back catalogue through his musical ‘All the Fun of the Fair’, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. We were treated to a fabulous set from Tim Newman, as Essex’s support act and he definitely got the crowd warmed up and ready for the main event. He sang some of his own tracks, in...