Five concerts to enjoy at the Tung Auditorium this spring and summer
- May 13
- 3 min read
If you haven’t yet paid a visit to Liverpool’s Tung Auditorium you won’t know it has arguably the most perfect acoustics in the whole city.
Audiences who have discovered the contemporary concert auditorium at the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre in Oxford Street will know what I’m talking about.
But whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular attendee, there is plenty going on at the 400-seat auditorium this spring and summer with a host of concerts of all genres on the programme from contemporary to classical and pop to gospel.
The University of Liverpool venue offers a showcase for some of the region’s most talented orchestral players and soloists, along with visiting artists and the university’s own young performers. It is also the home of the RLPO’s Ensemble 10:10.
Here are just five concerts to look out for at the Tung between now and the summer holidays.
Liverpool Mozart Orchestra: Haydn’s Creation – May 16
Liverpool Mozart Orchestra rounds off its 75th anniversary season - which began with an appearance from its patron Sir Simon Rattle (pictured) - not with Mozart but with his prolific contemporary Haydn – and one of the Austrian composer’s two great oratorios The Creation.
The Creation was first performed in Vienna in 1799 and was published in 1800 with text in German and English. It was an instant hit and is widely considered to be one of his masterpieces.
In three parts, the oratorio depicts and celebrates the creation of the world largely as narrated in the Book of Genesis.
Dramatically scored with an all-star cast, large chorus and bigger orchestra than was normal at the time, the concert promises to be a memorable one.
The concert features the Liverpool University Choir and Oriel Singers, Vanderbilt University Choir, Nashville, and soloists Lucy Farrimond, Anthony Flaum and Alistair Ollerinshaw.
Tickets HERE
Sarah J Morris: The Sisterhood Volume 2 – May 29
The Sisterhood project celebrates the lives and achievements of 12 female singer songwriters, the women – the shape changers – who altered the course of musical history.
A representation of Morris’s roots, inspirations, and indefatigable love of contemporary music-making and its iconic pioneers The Sisterhood, Volume 2 celebrates women who dominated the singing and songwriting of the 20th century including Amy Winehouse, Big Mama Thornton, Debbie Harry, Etta James, Patti Smith and Peggy Seeger.
Morris will be joined on stage by Tony Remy (pitured, acoustic guitar and voice), Marcus Bonfanti (acoustic guitar and voice), and Henry Thomas (bass and voice).
Tickets HERE
The Music of the Lord of the Rings – June 12
Enjoy the unforgettable music from Peter Jackson’s epic, Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings film trilogy
Performed by the chamber ensemble Mystery Ensemble, audience members will be transported to a fantasy world of elves, hobbits, and dwarves.
The hour-long June concert will feature the mesmerising melodies of world-renowned Canadian composer Howard Shore, winner of three Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, and three Grammy Awards for the trilogy.
Tickets HERE
Crosby Symphony Orchestra: American Inspirations – June 28
Crosby Symphony Orchestra returns to The Tung Auditorium with a programme drawing inspiration from the jazz roots of the New World.
Gershwin’s An American in Paris depicts the city of light in all its glory from an American perspective, whilst Ravel’s masterful Piano Concerto in G major, played at this concert by rising star Merseyside pianist Will Bracken, reflects Ravel’s own travels through North America.
Shostakovich’s Jazz Suite No. 2, formally titled Suite for Variety Orchestra, abounds with waltzes, dances and even an American-style marching band.
And the programme comes to an energetic conclusion with Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances.
Tickets HERE
Sing Joy: A Celebration of Gospel Music – July 18
Experience the joy and energy of gospel music, with some of the UK's most successful current gospel artists in this concert brought to you by the National Gospel Music Centre based here in Liverpool.
Featuring some of the UK's most celebrated and successful modern artists, the concert will showcase new work in a world-first performance, along with gospel classics.
Gospel music is a genre with extraordinary range, diversity and creativity but with a common thread of love and joy, that has endured and flourished across continents and generations. Most music genres, from rock to R&B can trace their origins and influences to, and through, gospel music.
This performance will feature outstanding gospel choirs, alongside individual artists from across the UK in a special one-off performance as part of the programme for the Liverpool Gospel Music Festival.
Tickets HERE
Top: The Tung Auditorium. Photo by Gareth Jones