RLPO unveils live socially distanced concert series
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is to stage a series socially distanced live concerts in plans to re-start its disrupted 2020/21 season.
But just 240 concertgoers will be allowed into the 1,700-seat Philharmonic Hall auditorium for each hour-long performance, with the programmes also being broadcast online as part of a new On Demand service.
And people who buy an On Demand ticket will also be able to watch pre and post-performance Zoom conversations with musicians and artists hosted by Radio 3 presenter Stephen Johnson.
Initial demand from RLPO subscribers has led to the 14-concert programme being increased with the addition of three more performances.
The series, which features two world premieres and one UK premiere, opens on October 1 when Joshua Weilerstein will conduct the RLPO in Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony and works by Mozart, Shaw and Ives.
Artist in Residence baritone Roderick Williams will join pianist Christopher Glynn in a recital of British music by Britten, Finzi and Bax on October 12, while young artist in residence Isata Kanneh-Mason will play in the hall on November 4.
Above: Conductor Domingo Hindoyan
Top: Vasily Petrenko conducts the RLPO. Photos by Mark McNulty
Chief conductor Vasily Petrenko will conduct Boris Giltburg in Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto on October 15 and 18, and incoming chief conductor Domingo Hindoyan takes centre stage in four concerts – on October 29, 31 and on Sunday, November 1 when an 11am performance has been added.
Conductors Andrew Manze and John Iveson, mezzo Jennifer Johnson, Liverpool Wind Collective and Ensemble 10/10 also feature in the October concert line-up.
The audience seating configuration will take in two-metre social distancing while the Phil will also be socially distanced on stage, with a maximum of 30 players involved.
Only 240 audience members will be in the hall. Photo Mark McNulty
RLP chief executive Michael Eakin said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome back our musicians and associated ensembles. These concerts will give the orchestra a chance to get back to what they do best, delighting audiences and bringing music back to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall which has been silent since March.
“The concerts will present new and exciting commissions as well as orchestral favourites, demonstrating the versatility and creativity of the orchestra, conductors and musicians.”
November’s concerts will be announced in early October.
Concert tickets cost from £24 per person and will go on general sale on Thursday, September 10 online at www.liverpoolphil.com or by telephone on 0151 709 3789.
Tickets for Royal Liverpool Philharmonic On Demand concerts cost £10 and can be bought via www.liverpoolphil.com/ondemand. The first concert will be released on Wednesday, October 7.