Encore Spring/Summer 2012

encoreSpring / Summer 2012 | liverpoolphil.com

News from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

Royal LiverpoolPhilharmonicOrchestra2012/13 SeasonAnnounced Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenkocommences his seventh season conductinga range of concerts demonstrating hisrenowned versatility

Petrenko explores the music of Stravinsky and theBallets RussesSoloists roll-call includes Simon Trpc̆eski,TasminLittle, Tine Thing Helseth, Daniel Muller-SchottLiverpool debuts include Leif Ove Andsnes, AliceSara Ott, H J Lim, Mario Brunello and BehzodAbduraimov, Nelson Freire.Concerts to celebrate Britten Centenary and Wagner200th AnniversaryThe Orchestra’s Cormac Henry gives world premiereperformance of Schwertsik’s Flute Concerto.New this Season – Coffee ConcertsPrestigious chamber and new music series

New Season Booking DetailsTuesday 1 MayPostal booking opens for renewing subscribers,members and groups

Tuesday 15 MayTelephone and in person booking opens for renewingsubscribers, members and groups

Friday 1 JuneBooking opens for new subscribers

Monday 11 JunePublic booking opens –ALL TICKETS NOW ON SALE.

Full details atwww.liverpoolphil.com

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Seethe RoyalLiverpoolPhilharmonicOrchestra at theBBC Proms

Despite the OlympicGames, Maestro TourManagement has been ableto secure a block of roomsat the Copthorne TaraHotel located less than 10minutes walk to the RoyalAlbert Hall.

Maestro is offering a one nightunescorted break including topprice ticket for the RoyalLiverpool PhilharmonicOrchestra’s Prom, room &breakfast for £149 per personsharing a twin or double roomand £199 per person singleoccupancy of a double room.Extra nights can be added for £75per person twin/double shareand £130 per person singleoccupancy.

For further details visit aboutthis trp and information on otherforthcoming opportunities to seeVasily Petrenko and the RoyalLiverpool PhilharmonicOrchestra in internationaldestinations visitwww.liverpoolphil.com/travelor call Stacey Friend on0800 678 5747.

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The Royal Liverpool PhilharmonicOrchestra and Chief Conductor, VasilyPetrenko will perform at the BBC Proms onThursday, 23 August 2012. The concertprogramme features Sir Peter MaxwellDavies’ Symphony No. 9, Delius’ ViolinConcerto performed by Tasmin Little andShostakovich’s Symphony No.10.

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies is Master of the Queen’sMusic. His ninth symphony was commissioned byLiverpool Philharmonic as a Diamond Jubilee tributeand the world premiere performance is at LiverpoolPhilharmonic Hall on 9 June.

Liverpool Philharmonic has enjoyed a long-standingand fruitful partnership with the world-class soloistTasmin Little, while the Orchestra and VasilyPetrenko’s signature interpretations in concert and

on disc of the Shostakovich symphonies haveattracted international critical acclaim and numerousplaudits, including the Gramophone AwardsOrchestral Recording of the Year for Symphony No.10.

The August date is the Royal Liverpool PhilharmonicOrchestra’s third Prom with Vasily Petrenko, whomade his Proms debut with the Orchestra duringLiverpool’s Capital of Culture Year in 2008. TheirProm in 2010 was The Sunday Times ‘ClassicalConcert of the Year’. Vasily is also PrincipalConductor of the National Youth Orchestra of GreatBritain and will conduct them at the Proms onSaturday 4 August.

The BBC Proms is the world’s largest classical musicfestival with a global audience of millions. BBCProms 2012 is also part of the London 2012 Festival,the cultural celebrations of the Olympic Games.

If you can’t get to London to hear the Prom, it will bebroadcast live on BBC Radio 3 at 7.30pm.

Michael Eakin, Chief Executive of LiverpoolPhilharmonic said:

‘The BBC Proms has a world-wide audience ofmillions through its radio, television and on-linebroadcasts. It’s a fantastic showcase and as one ofthe UK’s leading orchestras, it’s very special too to bepart of this world-class international festival duringthe Olympics year.”

Royal LiverpoolPhilharmonicOrchestra at theBBC Proms 2012

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↑Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra andVasily Petrenko at the BBC Prom 2010


Refurbishment of LiverpoolPhilharmonic HallLiverpool Philharmonic has been successful insecuring £634,000 from Arts Council England(ACE) in 2012, the first step towards a majorrefurbishment of Liverpool PhilharmonicHall.

The seed funding from ACE will enableLiverpool Philharmonic to appoint a designteam of architects and surveyors to developthe initial design phase of the project. Thecapital development project will focus on threebroad areas; improving the experience for ouraudiences, participants and visitors;improving the experience for our artists; andincreasing sustainability both environmentallyand financially. Liverpool Philharmonic hasset an ambition for this project of up to£10million and we plan to complete all of theworks to our iconic home by 2015.

Liverpool Philharmonic will be making majorapplications for public and private support in2013 and we will keep our audiences,supporters and stakeholders informed as weprogress through each stage of the project.

CatalystLiverpool Philharmonic generates over twothirds of its own income through a variety ofsources including box office, orchestralengagements, broadcast and recordings, hiresof Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, bars andcatering and fundraising.

A successful application to Arts Council England’sCatalyst Arts scheme has secured an award of£240,000 over three years which will enable usto maximise our fundraising potential anddevelop more innovative ways, such as theLiverpool Philharmonic Challenge Fund, toattract new donors to support our artistic activity.

Michael Eakin, Chief Executive, Royal LiverpoolPhilharmonic said: “In challenging economictimes, when we are striving to drive costs downand income streams up, we greatly appreciatethis investment from Arts Council England. Ourartistic reputation has never been higher, andthis award will help us achieve still more, byencouraging further growth in the amount offunding we bring in from private sources.”

Christopher Allen, Head of Fundraising, RoyalLiverpool Philharmonic added: “I’m sure thatthe strong history of philanthropic support forthe Royal Liverpool Philharmonic fromindividual donors, corporate sponsors andgrant-making trusts played a part inpersuading Arts Council England to make thisaward. We are hugely grateful for theircontinuing support and will work hard to takefull advantage of their investment.”

ACE Support!The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is grateful for the support of Arts Council England asone of its National Portfolio Organisations. With planning now under way for a majorrefurbishment of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and our 175th anniversary in 2015, ACEhas provided further significant investment which will be crucial to our ability to buildon our current successes and continue to deliver world-class music in Liverpool.

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Irish SeaSessions withLiverpool AcademyIn March, North Liverpool Academy tookpart in Reflections, a performance of songscomposed by Academy students andinspired by Liverpool Philharmonic'sacclaimed Irish Sea Sessions production.

Composer and musician Ian Stephens and Irish SeaSessions musician Ian Prowse worked with studentsto write music inspired by family history and heritage.They were joined for the performance at LiverpoolPhilharmonic at the Friary by fellow Sea Sessionsperformers Gino Lupari and Meabh O'Hare.

The programme is part of Liverpool Primary CareTrust's Artists in Residence programme, which hasbrought international artists to Liverpool to workwith communities from across the City.

←(Top) Ian Stephens, Ian Prowse and Gino Lupari (bottom) withyoung performers from North Liverpool Academy.

→Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra SchoolsConcerts 2012

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Schools’Concerts 201215,500 children and teachers from 234 schools acrossthe region attended 11 Schools’ Concerts for Key Stage2 & 3 performed by the Royal Liverpool PhilharmonicOrchestra at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and oneconcert at Preston Guild Hall during March.

THANK YOU…To over 250 donors, who donated toour Bright Future Through Musicappeal in 2012 which has so farraised £20, 281to enable children toattend our Schools’ Concerts for thevery first time, and hopefully inspirea lifelong love of music.

If you would like to donate to ABright Future Through Music tosupport new attendances at ourconcerts for Key Stage 1 children inJune, please contact Gemma Lynchon 0151 210 2921 or [email protected]

Spotlight onOur MusiciansLesley Gwyther

Lesley plays in the first violinsand joined the Royal LiverpoolPhilharmonic Orchestra on1st May 1978.

Born in Cardiff, her family moved to Newport whenshe was 11. Says Lesley “Music was thriving in thatpart of the world at the time and there were lots ofopportunities for young musicians deciding to makemusic their career. My parents weren’t musical;although they both enjoyed music, and theyintroduced me to lots of different types of music,including classical which my dad really enjoyed. I wasinvolved in a lot of music making through my primaryand secondary schools, the Newport Youth Orchestraand the National Youth Orchestra of Wales of which Iwas a member for several years. And at primaryschool like all Welsh people, we were always singing,and I also played the recorder which I really enjoyed.So there were signs from around the age of 6 or 7 thatmusic was important to me and that I had a certainflair for it, though I didn't start playing the violin untilI was 10.

“Although I enjoyed music and playing the violin inparticular, I didn’t really think about taking it upprofessionally until quite late. I was good at languagesat school and always thought I was going to teach orfollow a career where I could use my languages. Andthen suddenly, at the age of 16, I got Grade 8Distinction on the violin and everyone started to say Ishould go to music college and think about pursuingmusic as a career. It really made me think about thingsand as I did enjoy it so much, I thought that perhapsthey were right and I should actually go down thatroute. I auditioned for music colleges and was delightedand slightly amazed when I got into the Royal Academyof Music (RAM). I couldn't turn down such a greatopportunity and so that was it, I was on my way.”

Lesley also studied singing at the RAM for a while;

“I love musicals and musicaltheatre and in another life wouldlove to have sung in a West Endshow. Not much chance of thatnow though I'm afraid!"

After college, Lesley joined the Las Palmas SymphonyOrchestra in the Canary Islands and spent 9 monthsthere. “It was a real experience! We got through a lot ofrepertoire and I played a lot of chamber music while Iwas there, but the actual orchestra itself was not of aparticularly high standard. It was great fun though andI made lots of friends there including two people wholater followed me into the Liverpool Philharmonic -Danny Hammerton (double bass ) and Eddie Thomas(former Principal Double Bass) who, many years later,I went on to marry!

“I auditioned for Orchestra at Christmas time 1977.I had a friend in the viola section at the time who toldme that there was a job vacancy in the 2nd violins andarranged for me to have an audition, would youbelieve. That would never happen now! I was the onlyperson auditioning, and I think it was in between arehearsal and a carol concert. I was given a week's trialat the end of which I was offered the job, starting at theback of the section. I spent just over a year in thesecond violins before moving across to the firsts. Ittook another fifteen years or so before I got theposition where I have been ever since, sitting No. 4 inthe first violins.”


THANK YOU…To Miss Mary Riddoch; Dr W E and Mrs JM Kenyon; CHE who have ‘adopted’Lesley through Liverpool Philharmonic’sAdopt a Player scheme.

If you’d like to find out more about howyou can adopt a player in the RoyalLiverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, gain awonderful insight into the life ofLiverpool Philharmonic, withopportunities to meet your adoptedmusician and others in the Orchestra,contact the fundraising team on0151 210 2921 or [email protected]

In 34 years with the Orchestra, Lesley hasseen a lot of changes. “Huge changesactually. For example, when I joined in 1978the average age of the orchestra was much, muchhigher than it is now. I was the youngest person in itwhen I joined at the age of 22, and there were actuallyvery few younger people in the orchestra at that time.And there are a large number of women that are in theorchestra compared to when I joined, and behind thescenes now there are so many more people on themanagement side of things due to the very diversenature of what we now do across the entireorganisation.”

Walter Weller was Principal Conductor when Lesleyjoined the Orchestra. “He made a huge difference tothe sound of the orchestra” says Lesley. “I feltprivileged to be in the Orchestra at that time becausehe was doing such great things and he was such agreat musician, a wonderful conductor and really gotthe best out of the strings. As a string player it was agreat time to be in the orchestra. And I have a verysoft spot for Libor (Pešek, Principal Conductor from1987 to 1997), whose performances of his nativeCzech music and Mahler symphonies were alwayssomething special. It’s lovely when he occasionallycomes back now to do concerts with us - he has such aunique relationship with the orchestra and theaudience. And I love doing Carl Davis’ concerts.When we used to do Summer Pops, in the Big Topdown at the Albert Dock that was a very special time.And the music he’s written for silent films - absolutelyamazing. Other favourite conductors include Vernon‘Tod’ Handley, whose interpretations of Elgar werejust perfect; Sir Charles Mackerras, whose energy andamazing musicianship were difficult to surpass andwho could forget Junichi Hirokami, the diminutiveJapanese conductor, whose performance of Berlioz’Symphonie Fantastique will long live in my memory,not least for the number of times he left the rostrum,leaping into the air with excitement!”

And favourite soloists? “Gosh, over the years therehave been so many of them. I remember as far back as1980 Pinchas Zuckerman came to play the Elgarconcerto with us at the Malvern Festival - what anunforgettable performance that was. Other violinists Ihave really enjoyed working with over the years areBoris Belkin, Joshua Bell, Josef Suk, and morerecently, Janine Jansen and James Ehnes.... continued on page 8 & 9


Interview

“In her first gig in Liverpool since2009, she took to the stage to rapturousapplause and seemed genuinely at easewith the Liverpool audience. As legends offolk go, Baez is second only to Dylan. But shegave him a run for his money last night in the sold-out Philharmonic Hall.” 10/10. Liverpool Echo reviews Joan Baez atLiverpool Philharmonic Hall, March 2012

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“The overwhelming impression isone of mounting exhilaration. It's atour de force for the NYO, who performedit from memory and were greeted with astanding ovation, richly deserved.”

The Guardian reviews National Youth Orchestra’sperformance of Anna Meredith's HandsFree, oneof the PRS Foundation for Music’s New Music20x12 commissions and given its world premiereat Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, January 2012


Pianists would have to include Cecille Ousset,Christian Blackshaw, Alfred Brendel, John Lill,Garrick Ohlsson, Jorge Bolet (who used to bring hisown piano! ) and more recently Martin Roscoe andSimon Trpčeski.

The renowned cellist Paul Tortelier has to be includedon this list for his fantastic playing, musicianship andeccentric personality!”

Lesley has toured extensively with the Orchestra."My first tour was in 1979 with Walter Weller and itwas to Austria and Yugoslavia, followed by manytours to Europe, to Germany, Switzerland, the CzechRepublic and Spain several times, as well as a fewtours to the east coast of America, including a fourweek tour with Carl Davis, starting in Florida andending up in New York which included playing themusic for the Chaplin film "City Lights". Furtherafield included a Far East tour and more recently theorchestra has been to China and Romania.

“I’ve enjoyed so many marvellous concerts, includingplenty recently with Vasily; we’ve actually beenrehearsing Parsifal today, which we performed ontour in Spain (in 2010). That was a very specialconcert to be involved in. A long one too - 5 hours longto be precise ! Libor introduced us to some wonderfulCzech composers and their music - our performanceof Josef Suk's Asrael Symphony at the Proms wasabsolutely magical. And with Walter Weller, we didthe whole cycle of Beethoven symphonies which werefantastic. We performed and recorded the fourSchumann symphonies with Marek Janowski, someof my all time favourite pieces of music. I rememberon a tour of Switzerland with him we played thesecond symphony which has a notoriously difficultsecond movement for the First Violins. We played itevery night for a week or so and by the end of thattime I remember it was actually pretty good!

Over the years. Lesley has played in a number ofchamber ensembles. “I played in a string quartet from1980 to 1990 called the Braga Quartet, named afterthe viola player Bob Braga, who had been principalviola in the Orchestra from just after the war until themid 1970s. I was also one of five LiverpoolPhilharmonic players that made up the Palm CourtGroup "Grand Circle " in the 1980s. And in the 1990s Iformed a piano trio called the Florian Trio, which is

THANK YOU…To Gillian and Jonathan Stone whosponsored the young Korean cellist-turned-conductor Han-Na Chang for herLiverpool debut with the Royal LiverpoolPhilharmonic Orchestra in Februaryconducting a programme of music byGlinka, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven.

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still going, and although we don’t doconcerts anymore we still meet to play,once a month perhaps, when we sit arounddrinking a lot of tea and coffee and chatting, aswell as playing trios! Most recently I have been amember of the Valrhona Quartet and nine yearsago we were instrumental in setting up the verysuccessful Rodewald Concert Society ‘PlayDays’ -one day chamber music courses for adult amateurmusicians which are still going strong to this day.I 'm very proud to say that even after all this timeI still really enjoy playing the violin. I love musicand making music with friends must be one of themost satisfying ways of doing that."

In a busy schedule, Lesley also does a lot ofteaching. “I’ve got about a dozen students at themoment, ranging in ability from about Grade 4 upto Grade 8 and beyond. And they range from a 10year old to adults who I know wouldn't mind mesaying, are considerably older than that! Teachinghas always been a very important part of my life,and I find that having to think about how you do acertain thing, to be able to explain it to a pupil,really helps you with your own playing ."

So in a long and varied career,does Lesley have a favouritepiece of music?“I couldn’t pick one favourite,that would be impossible! Ihave favourite composersrather than pieces. Elgar isprobably top of my list, but Ialso love Schumann, BrahmsRachmaninov, Josef Suk andRichard Strauss. If you gaveme any piece by any of thosecomposers that would bewonderful”

Interview“And it was standing room only at thePhil last night too – but then everyone wasstanding, to scream, sing and sway, as thetrio delivered 20 slick harmonic hits from downthe decades..the Osmonds haven’t been in thebusiness for so long without learning a thing ortwo about putting on a show.” Liverpool Echo reviews The Osmonds atLiverpool Philharmonic Hall, April 2012

“Vasily Petrenko’s pedigree as a choral conductorwas written all over this immensely stylishperformance. With well over 100 choristers onstage, this was big-scale Bach, but it also soundedfresh and finely tuned, with the sort of crispentries and corporate discipline that speak of thehighest standards of preparation.” Financial Times reviews Bach’sSt. Matthew Passion, April 2012

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“The Welsh mezzo has an engaging, easy warmth,carrying her through a series of numbers thatshowcased different vocal styles.”Liverpool Echo reviews Katherine Jenkins atLiverpool Philharmonic Hall, January 2012

Rachmaninov Symphony No. 3,Caprice bohémien, Vocalise (EMI Classics)The first release on EMI Classics for Vasily Petrenkoand the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra,recorded at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

“The Liverpool Philharmonic plays magnificently,responding to Petrenko’s purposeful beat.”Gramophone Magazine

“Petrenko instinctively conveys the essentialquality of soul that the interpretation ofRachmaninov requires.” 5* The Telegraph

Hear the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestrawith Vasily Petrenko perform Rachmaninov’sSymphony No.1 on 10 & 11 April 2013 at LiverpoolPhilharmonic Hall

On the Record

All CDs can be purchased from the online Shopat liverpoolphil.comand on Orchestra concertnights from the Information Desk in the GrandFoyer Bar at Liverpool Philharmonic

Offenbach Un Mari á la Porte(A Husband at the Door) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Vasily Petrenko conductorSingers of the European Opera CentreThe third recording with the brilliant youngsingers from the European Opera Centre,recorded live in concert at LiverpoolPhilharmonic Hall.

“Well worth hearing. Recorded sound andproduction values are high throughout.In fact the whole this reeks of Gauloise.”The Liverpool Post

Symphony No. 2 ‘To October’and Symphony No. 15 (Naxos) The latest release from Vasily Petrenkoand the Royal Liverpool PhilharmonicOrchestra’s acclaimed Shostakovich symphonycycle, recorded at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

“At last: the next unmissable instalment …taut, tense, dry and electrifyingly dramatic inPetrenko's hands. The stunning playing of theLiverpool Philharmonic reveals new depths (inNo. 2). Petrenko's blistering, penetratingreading (of No. 15) scorchingly played…with asensational finale and a thunderous choralshout from the Liverpool Philharmonic Choirthat will bring you out of your seat.”Herald Scotland

The latest CD releases from Liverpool Philharmonic


Tine Thing Helseth Storyteller(EMI Classic)The second disc from the brilliant youngNorwegian trumpeter who dazzled audiences in2011's Spirit of Christmas concerts at LiverpoolPhilharmonic Hall. Recorded with the RoyalLiverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at LiverpoolPhilharmonic at the Friary in West Everton

“A new star in the classical music sky … Sheplays with radiance strong enough to light upthe entire hall.” Zürcher Landzeitung

Hear Tina perform Arutyunyan’s TrumpetConcerto with the Royal Liverpool PhilharmonicOrchestra and Vasily Petrenko on 7 & 8 November2012 at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and in recitalat St. George’s Hall Concert Room with pianistKathryn Stott on 15 May 2013.

Ensemble 10/10 and composer Michael Torke’srecording, Tahiti has been awarded InstrumentalRecording of the Year in the 11th AnnualIndependent Music Awards


↑ In Harmony at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall→ Sea Odyssey Giant Spectacular

What a year it’s been so far for the youngmusicians of In Harmony Liverpool.In March, they celebrated three years of theRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic’s ground-breaking project in West Everton with thenow annual celebration concert at LiverpoolPhilharmonic Hall.

For the grand finale, 125 children in West EvertonChildren’s Orchestra and West Everton SuperStrings were joined on stage by 24members of theRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

In April, the In Harmony Liverpool Ensemblefeaturing 14 children aged 11-years-old openedLiverpool’s 3-day Sea Odyssey Giant Spectacular.The children played to the Little Girl Giant to wakeher up in Stanley Park to start her journey on 20April playing Thomas Gregory’s Fiery Fiddlers on2 double basses, 3 cellos, 5 violas and 4 violins.

In HarmonyLiverpool –Celebrating 3 Years

THANK YOU…To Liverpool University Women’s Clubwho have made a generous donation of£500 to In Harmony Liverpool

↑Catriona Irving Club Treasurer (left) and JackieVellenoweth, Club Secretary (right) present VasilyPetrenko with their club’s donation

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YouthOrchestraGears Up forNew SeasonPrincipal Conductor Dane LamGuest Conductor Vasily PetrenkoGuest Soloist Julian Lloyd Webber

Liverpool Philharmonic YouthOrchestra is in the midst ofauditioning new members for a busyand exciting 2012/13 season.

The Youth Orchestra’s final concert in thecurrent season is on Sunday 27 May at7.30pm (see page 17 for details).

The Youth Orchestra’s 2012/13 season willinclude guest appearances by VasilyPetrenko, and cellist Julian Lloyd Webberperforming Elgar’s Cello Concerto; a side-by-side rehearsal with the Royal LiverpoolPhilharmonic Orchestra, regular coachingfrom Royal Liverpool PhilharmonicOrchestra players and performances atLiverpool Philharmonic Hall.

For further information about LiverpoolPhilharmonic Youth Orchestra [email protected].

Young SingersWanted!Liverpool Philharmonic Youth ChoirAged 12 – 18? APPLY NOW!

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir is one ofthe North West’s finest youth choirs.

It is an upper voice choir drawn from talented youngsingers from the region, providing them withexceptional choral training and performanceexperience including with the Royal LiverpoolPhilharmonic Orchestra. The choir’s repertoire coversa wide variety of musical styles including classical, jazz,folk and world music.

This summer members will also take part in theworld premiere of Emily Howard’s Zatopek!, a newwork commissioned as part of the 2012 CulturalOlympiad, with the Royal Liverpool PhilharmonicChoir and Ensemble 10/10. On the 15th July, theywill perform the work for a second time in the PurcellRoom at London’s South Bank Centre.

Membership of the Choir is open to experiencedsingers, girls and boys (unbroken voices) agedbetween 12 and 18 years.

For further information about joining LiverpoolPhilharmonic Youth Choir and Youth Orchestra,including how to apply, [email protected] or apply onlineatwww.liverpoolphil.com/joinyouthchoir

The closing date for applications for the new seasonis Friday 8 June 2012.


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The Association of BritishOrchestra's (ABO) AnnualConference returned to Liverpool inJanuary for the first time since2003, hosted by the Royal LiverpoolPhilharmonic Orchestra.Over 200 delegates from the UK and beyond,drawn from ABO members, venues, broadcastingand media, agents, publishers, education, theMusicians' Union, many musicians and playersand a host of other delegates descended on cityfor a 3-day conference programme of agenda-leading debate, discussions and presentationswith guest speakers and panellists. The RoyalLiverpool Philharmonic’s Chief Executive &Chairman of the ABO, Michael Eakin welcomeddelegates to Liverpool and the conference wasofficially opened by the Minister of State forCulture, Communications and the CreativeIndustries, Ed Vaizey MP and Cllr. WendySimon, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Memberfor Culture and Tourism.

As part of the conference programme, VasilyPetrenko participated in a discussion withRichard Morrison, Music Critic of The Times,moderated by Darren Henley, ManagingDirector of Classic FM, on how the conductor

and critic measure the success ofthe orchestra and the concert.

Peter Garden, Liverpool Philharmonic’sExecutive Director (Learning) along withinternationally acclaimed cellist, JulianLloyd Webber presented a session on theimpact on young people’s lives of InHarmony Sistema England, with a specialfocus on In Harmony Liverpool. Musiciansof the Royal Liverpool PhilharmonicOrchestra also took part in discussionsthroughout the conference programme.

Delegates attended a performance by theRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra ofShostakovich’s mighty LeningradSymphony and the UK premiere ofChinese-born composer, Qigang Chen'sEnchantements Oubliés conducted byVasily Petrenko.

Orchestras’Conference inLiverpool


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THANK YOU…To Liverpool Philharmonic corporatemembers Alex Finch and BDO whosponsored hospitality for delegatesduring the ABO conference, includingthe conference dinner at the MaritimeMuseum and pre-concert reception atLiverpool Philharmonic Hall.

The Advertising Standards Councilhas not upheld a complaint whichchallenged the claim on the RoyalLiverpool Philharmonic’s website tobe “the UK's oldest survivingprofessional symphony orchestra”.

The ruling reported that the claim had been properlysubstantiated with comparative, documentaryevidence drawn from Liverpool Philharmonic’sextensive archive. Following an award from theHeritage Lottery Fund, the archive was completelycatalogued to an international archival standard bya professional archivist and a team of 30 volunteersand from 2008, has been housed at LiverpoolRecord Office and available to the public.

Prior to this time, the conventional wisdom inclassical music circles was that Manchester’s HalléOrchestra was the UK’s oldest surviving symphonyorchestra; Liverpool Philharmonic was essentiallyan amateur organisation whose players wereprovided by the Hallé Orchestra.

However, documentary evidence in the archive showsthat from 1850, the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestraconsisted overwhelmingly of professional players whowere contracted on an annual basis, and from 1853 itconsisted exclusively of such players. From this date,concert programmes show that there was a continuousseries of concerts performed by a permanent,professional symphony orchestra.

Liverpool Philharmonic ArchiveAccess Arrangements

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s archive is available tothe public and is normally held at Liverpool RecordOffice, Central Library, William Brown Street,Liverpool L2 8EW.

Central Library is currently undergoing a majorredevelopment. For further information about accessarrangements and contact details please telephone0151 233 5817.

It’s Official!

Support LiverpoolPhilharmonic Liverpool Philharmonic FundraisingChallenge 2012 Supported by TheKenneth Stern Trust In this increasingly challenging economicclimate, we appeal to music lovers to supportLiverpool Philharmonic by donating to ourFundraising Challenge Appeal. For 2012 TheKenneth Stern Trust and a number of privatedonors have generously agreed to match anydonation made to this appeal up to £30,000.

A £100 donation will be worth £200 to us today!(£225 if you are able to Gift Aid your donation!)

Donate now by visiting our websitewww.liverpoolphil.com or by calling Gemma on0151 210 2921.

↑The programme of the very first concert of theLiverpol Philharmonic Society, 19 March 1840


News

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’scorporate partnerships with a widerange of businesses and organisationsin the city and beyond are central toour success and to supporting athriving cultural life in Liverpool.We are delighted to welcome thefollowing organisations as newcorporate members and sponsorsand thank them for their support.

Clanwww.clan.co.ukThe Northwest’s premier structural repaircontractor, operating on a nationalBasis, Clan completed the works to the exteriorof Liverpool Philharmonic Hall in 2011. Clanhave made a three-year commitment ascorporate members.

Liverpool Organic Brewerywww.liverpoolorganicbrewery.comEstablished in 2008, and based in Kirkdale,Liverpool the microbrewery provides cask andbottled ales to pubs, bars, restaurants and beerdrinkers across the UK.

Liverpool Organic Brewery has sponsoredBrendan Ball (trumpet) and Fiona Paterson (flute)in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestrathrough our ‘Adopt a Player’ scheme.

It’s Good Business! Gap Personnelwww.gap-personnel.com One of the fastest growing and most dynamicindependent recruitment agencies in the UK.

MgMaStudiowww.mgmastudio.co.ukAs Chartered architects, this enterprising designagency based in the Grade I listed Oriel Chambers inLiverpool city centre provide creative architectureand design solutions to the residential, commercial,cultural and leisure sectors in the North West.

“Liverpool is the premier cultural institution inthe city of Liverpool and recognizedinternationally. To a new business like ours,Corporate Membership provides fantasticexposure, and the team really go that extra mileto help you make the most of the opportunities.”Matthew Ashton, RIBA MgStudio Director

19-EIGHTY-2www.19-eighty-2.comLiverpool-based designer providing gentlemen’stailoring


THANK YOU…To leading law firm Hill Dickinson, who willsponsor the Royal Liverpool PhilharmonicOrchestra’s The Two of Us: The Lennon andMcCartney Songbook (22 & 23 June). These twoconcerts are part of Liverpool Philharmonic’scontribution to Liverpool’s year-long 50thanniversary celebrations. The deal is a furtherenhancement of Hill Dickinson’s support, as thefirm had already committed to sponsoring twoconcerts by the Royal Liverpool PhilharmonicOrchestra in 2012

↓Vasily Petrenko andMark Hensby, Managing Director of LiverpoolOrganic Brewery,Fiona Paterson (flute) and Brendan Ball (trumpet)

↓L to R: Christopher Morley (horn), Vasily Petrenko, David Wareing(Senior Partner, Hill Dicksinson) andRakhvinder Singh (violin)

News


The award winning Hope Street hotelhas been Liverpool Philharmonic’sHotel Partner since 2007.

Many readers would remember the building as afurniture showroom, booksellers and offices. Theoriginal building was built in a pervading style ofthe day – the Venetian palazzo by The LondonCarriage Works company. The eponymous HopeStreet Hotel was easy but the name of therestaurant was becoming a difficult choice untilthe workmen discovered the original name in theplaster work above the door, hence a Liverpoolrestaurant is called after a London company.

Originally 48 rooms in 2004 it grew to 89 in2009 and will grow again as some rooms expandnext year into the Old Blind School (TradeUnion Centre). Both hotel and restaurant arebased on a simple and natural style, privatelyowned and run with an emphasis onfriendliness, good food and thoughtful serviceand both accommodate the many internationalartists who visit Liverpool to perform atLiverpool Philharmonic Hall, as well as the

many other clients, businesses, agencies andvisiting press and media who engage withLiverpool Philharmonic each year.Mary Colston, who in the 1990’s was Front ofHouse Manager at Liverpool Philharmonic Halland is now Creative Director at Hope Street Hoteland The London Carriage Works, comments:

“When I was Front of House Manager at theHall, we would all look across the road andmuse at the AJ Buckingham building, at whata great spot it was and how it would be lovelyto see it come alive. Now I look the oppositeway and see Liverpool Philharmonic’s loyalaudiences bring their fabulous energy to HopeStreet. Having been lucky to be part ofLiverpool Philharmonic, I am delighted we canoffer local, national and international visitorsa high standard of design and service and theylove the fact that we are just across the road!”

If you would like to book a room atHope Street Hotel, please quote‘Encore’ to receive a 10% room discountand automatic upgrade (if available).

www.hopestreethotel.co.ukTelephone 0151 709 3000

News

Partner ProfileHope Street HotelLiverpool

Liverpool PhilharmonicYouth OrchestraSunday 27 May 7.30pmDebussy Prelude a l’apres-midi d’un fauneLiszt Piano Concerto No. 1Honnegger Pastorale d’eteStravinsky Firebird (1919 version)Dane Lam conductor / Yuanfan Yang* piano*Finalist in BBC Young Musician 2012

Tickets £9 adults, £6 children (under 25s)

Royal Liverpool PhilharmonicOrchestra Beethoven’s NinthSaturday 9 June 7.30pmBritten National AnthemMaxwell Davies Symphony No.9 (world premiere)Beethoven Symphony No.9Vasily Petrenko conductorKatarzyna Dondalska sopranoSarah Richmond altoPaul Charles Clarke tenor / Gidon Saks bassRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic ChoirClassic Intro 6pmComposer Sir Peter Maxwell Davies in conversationwith BBC Radio Merseyside’s Angela Heslop

Tickets £16-£40

Belcea QuartetTuesday 12 June 7.30pmat St. George’s Hall Concert RoomBeethoven String Quartet Op 59 No. 1 in A majorBeethoven String Quartet Op 130 with fugue inB flat major

Tickets £25

Ensemble 10/10 Race Against TimeFriday 15 June at the Epstein Theatre,LiverpoolEmily Howard Zatopek! World PremiereCommissioned by Second Movement with support fromPRS Foundation for Music New Music 20x12

Bohuslav Martinu Concertino for cello, winds,piano and percussionLeoš Janaček ŘikadlaGyörgy Ligeti Chamber ConcertoNew works by Ondřej Kyas and Hui Tak Cheung

Clark Rundell conductorMembers of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic ChoirMembers of Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir

Tickets £10

Zatopek! Additional PerformanceSunday 15 July at the Purcell Room,Southbank Centre, LondonClark Rundell conductorEnsemble 10/10Members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic ChoirMembers of Liverpool Philharmonic Youth ChoirPart of the New Music 20x12 Weekend Celebration. As thecountry prepares to host the Olympic Games the weekendwill feature 20 new compositions all inspired by sport.

Box Office 0844 875 0073 www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Katona Twins guitarsTuesday 19 June 7.30pmat St. George’s Hall Concert RoomWorks by Vivaldi, Boccherini, Paganini and Piazzolla

Tickets £25


What’s On...Events to look out for at Liverpool Philharmonic Halland other venues

Box Office0151 709 3789liverpoolphil.com


What’s On...Events to look out for at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Box Office0151 709 3789liverpoolphil.com

Group Booking discounts may be available, please call Dawn Williams on 0151 210 2918for more details.

The Unthankswith Brighouse andRastrick Brass BandSunday 17 June 7.30pm£18.50, £24.50

DaDaFest presents

An Evening with

Evelyn GlennieSaturday 18 August 7.30pm£20-£27.50

AmericanaWeekend27-28 July

Lazy LesterFriday 27 July 8.30pmRodewald Suite£15

Americana Nightfeaturing Pine Leaf BoysSaturday 28 July 7.30pm£16, £22

Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival

Alif EnsembleSunday 15 July 7.30pm£15, £22.50‘Epitomises the best ofthe new generation of oudplayers... utterly bewitching’Songlines on Khyam Allami


Royal LiverpoolPhilharmonicOrchestraSummer Pops 2012

The Two of Us:The Lennon & McCartney Songbook Friday 22 & Saturday 23 June 7.30pmJohn Wilson conductorMark McGann, Claire Martin, Joe Stilgoe singersScript by Bob Eaton and Mark McGann

White NightsThursday 28 June 7.30pmRachmaninov Three pieces from Aleko:Intermezzo, Dance of the Women and Danceof the MenTchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1 Shostakovich Symphony No.10

Vasily Petrenko conductorSimon Trpc̆eski piano

A Musical Night Of QueenTuesday 3 July 7.30pmAnthony Gabrielle conductorMike Dixon music supervisorSingers include Earl Carpenter of ThreePhantoms fame along with Mathew Craig,Leanne Garretty, Christos Dante, Ross Hunter,Will Knights, Nicola Poustie, Ashley J Russelland Danielle York

Music from Film & Television Thursday 12 July 7.30pmCarl Davis CBE (Hon) conductorHeidi Thomas presenter

Can’t Help Singing: Hollywood’sLeading Ladies in ConcertSaturday 21 July 7.30pmJohn Wilson conductorKim Criswell singer

Last Night of the Summer Pops Sunday 22 July 7.30pm

Carl Davis CBE (Hon) conductorElizabeth Watts soprano

Book 4 or

more conc

erts

SAVE10%

Call 0151 7

09 3789 fo

r details

Box Office 0151 709 3789www.liverpoolphil.com

Sponsored by

encoreEdited byJayne Garrity, Head of CommunicationsTelephone 0151 210 3791Email [email protected] Paul Hooley, Publications OfficerCommissioned photographyMark McNulty and David Munn

Cover PhotoVasily Petrenko, Royal Liverpool PhilharmonicOrchestra Chief Conductor

Back Cover PhotoRichard Wallace, viola player with the RoyalLiverpool Philharmonic Orchestra backstage atthe Grand Hall Bucharest, 2011

Welcome to ...Peter Barronwell IT TechnicianEmma King Capital Development DirectorRebekah Martin Deputy Orchestra ManagerOlga Muszynska Second Violins

And our thanks and best wishes to all who have recently leftLiverpool Philharmonic

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society Founded 1840A company limited by guarantee Registered in England number 88235 Registered charity number 230538

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Thanks to the Cityof Liverpool for itsfinancial support

Documents

Encore Spring/Summer 2012