Five concerts to catch at Liverpool Philharmonic this spring

The New Year has brought with it a new set of concerts and performances at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall.

And while Covid is very definitely still with us, it’s a very different start to 2022 compared to 12 months ago.

With no lockdown (currently) and no compulsory social distancing, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is back up to full strength on stage and has a cornucopia of classical delights in store for audiences between now and Easter.

From Dukas to Debussy, Rossini to Rachmaninov and Bach to Bruch to Bernstein, the programme is bursting with delicious melodies and dramatic moments.

The Phil’s new chief conductor Domingo Hindoyan continues his inaugural season on the podium at Hope Street, while there is an exciting line-up of soloists and guest conductors heading this way.

Here are just five concerts to look out for between now and Easter.

Bruckner’s Eighth Symphony – January 27

If Anton Bruckner’s symphonies have been described as a ‘cathedrals in sound’, then his Eighth Symphony must surely be Liverpool Cathedral.

The mighty musical masterpiece is stunningly beautiful and profoundly moving.

It’s also one of chief conductor Domingo Hindoyan’s favourite five symphonies of all time, so expect something special when he stands in front of the RLPO.

Organ Symphony – February 5

Enjoy hearing the Philharmonic Hall’s newly restored Rushworth and Dreaper organ being put through its paces in this concert which features Saint-Saëns’ brilliant Organ Symphony.

Lee Ward is at the console, while the programme also includes Stravinsky’s Jeu de Cartes, and Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto played by rising Dutch star Noa Wildschut.

Elena Schwarz conducts.

The Lark Ascending – March 10

Returning artist-in-residence Roderick Williams appears in this lovely Thursday evening concert at Hope Street.

The British baritone will perform Mahler’s tender Rückert Lieder, while the programme also features Dutch-American violinist Amarins Wierdsma who will play Vaughan Williams’ exquisite Lark Ascending, oft named Classic FM listeners’ favourite piece of music.

The concert is completed with a pair of symphonies – Schubert’s Second and Sibelius’s Seventh, all delivered under the baton of guest conductor Mihhail Gerts.

All American – March 24

Unfurl the Star-Spangled Banner, because for one night only the Americans are taking over the Philharmonic Hall.

The programme features favourites from Bernstein and Gershwin, and perhaps lesser know works by Joan Tower (Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman) and Amy Beach (her Second Symphony).

Sarah Hicks conducts, and Ian Buckle is at the piano.

Bluebeard’s Castle – April 7

Domingo Hindoyan conducts Bela Bartók’s psychological thriller on the Philharmonic stage.

Duke Bluebeard’s castle has seven doors, and his new wife Judith is determined to unlock them all. But some questions are best left unasked.

Károly Szemerédy will appear as Bluebeard while Liverpool mezzo Jennifer Johnston will sing Judith.

And if that wasn’t enough, the programme opens with a spot of Mahler.

For more details and to book any concerts visit the website HERE