The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic today announced its captivating 2025-26 season, a landmark year celebrating its 185th anniversary and the arrival of new Chief Executive Vanessa Reed. The programme, revealed ahead of general booking opening on May 28th, promises a vibrant mix of classical masterpieces, contemporary premieres, and innovative collaborations.
Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan continues his exploration of French and American music, alongside monumental symphonies by Mahler and Bruckner. A significant highlight is the appointment of clarinettist and composer Mark Simpson as the new Artist in Residence. Simpson, a former member of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, will feature prominently throughout the season, including the UK premiere of his Viola Concerto and the world premiere of a new version of his oratorio The Immortal.
The season boasts an impressive roster of visiting artists, including Mahan Esfahani, Pacho Flores, Timothy Ridout, Carolyn Sampson, Nicky Spence, Ksenija Sidorova, and Sonya Yoncheva. Esteemed Liverpool artists Sir Stephen Hough, Jennifer Johnston, and Paul Lewis will also return. Rising stars Frank Dupree and Adam Hickox are set to make notable appearances.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, the orchestra will join forces with The Orchestral Qawwali Project. Adding further prestige, Sir Simon Rattle will return to Liverpool with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra’s commitment to new music is evident in eleven world and UK premieres, including Roxanna Panufnik’s Double Concerto for Oboe and Cor Anglais, written for two of the orchestra’s own musicians. Conductor Laureate Vasily Petrenko will also return, leading a performance of Shostakovich’s powerful Symphony No. 7, ‘Leningrad’.
Beyond the traditional symphonic repertoire, the season embraces a wide range of genres with concerts celebrating Julie Andrews, Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, video game soundtracks, and the golden age of movies. Vanessa Reed, the new Chief Executive, expressed her excitement for the upcoming season, highlighting the orchestra’s dedication to both musical excellence and nurturing emerging talent from their youth programmes.
The season opens on September 18th with Dvorák’s Symphony No. 9, ‘From the New World,’ featuring Pacho Flores and young musicians from the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company. Hindoyan stated his enthusiasm for presenting Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6 and sharing his passion for French repertoire and opera, alongside welcoming a host of world-class soloists. This anniversary season promises to be a dynamic and memorable chapter for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.
