December 2008

Sep 27 2007

4th December

Kathryn Stott & friends Philharmonic Hall

Kathryn Stott is one of Britain’s most versatile and imaginative musicians. Having studied at the Yehudi Menuhin School and at the Royal College of Music in London, she is now a frequent guest at the world’s major leading concert halls appearing in Britain, throughout Europe, the Far East and Australia. At the age of 20, Stott made her debut with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and thus embarked on a long and happy relationship with both the orchestra and the city of Liverpool.

It comes as no surprise that she has chosen the Philharmonic Hall as the venue for her 50th birthday celebrations in 2008. For the first time Kathryn and thirty of her closest colleagues will join forces in what promises to be an evening of world-class music. Travelling from the USA, Brazil, Hungary, Norway, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Sicily and Czech Republic, these extra-ordinary musicians will come together with British colleagues to collaborate at the very highest level. No less than eight Steinway pianos will grace the stage for a piano extravaganza! 10 international cellists will perform the UK premiere of ‘Vibrez’ by Giovanni Sollima and cellist Yo-Yo Ma will perform the world premiere of ‘L’ by Graham Fitkin, commissioned by Stott .The Brazilian Assad Brothers join the Katona Twins from Hungary to create a very special guitar union.

Norway’s leading violinist, Henning Kraggerud and top chamber ensembles from Prague and St. Petersburg complete this incredible array of artists. What promises to be a lavish and memorable evening will feature music from Mozart to the Argentinian Tango via masterpieces by Dvorak and Faure, as well as the premiere of several new works and popular classics. All proceeds from the concert will be donated to Nordoff- Robbins Music Therapy and St. Stephen’s AIDS Trust.

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December (finale)

Portrait of a Nation

Venue TBC

A picture of a country told by the communities hidden in cities and towns across the nation will bring 2008 to a close. 

A chance for people to parade their heritage and identity in an epic event which will open and challenge the debate on the nature of Britain. In partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund, and working with some of the most exciting practitioners in the country, this event will bring the country together in Liverpool in December 2008.

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December

The Rightful Owners of Song

Venue TBC

A Liverpool Commission, commissioned by the Liverpool Culture Company for European Capital of Culture 2008. Inspired by the poem, ‘The Rightful Owners of The Song’ is a simple idea… It will bring together a group of Liverpool ‘pub-singers’, and ‘karaoke-hosts’; professional or semi-professional singers who form the backbone of a particular strand of Liverpool’s musical culture, for a one-off performance, with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. A spectaculr and emotional charged event inspired event significant both within the specific context of the capital of culture project and as an artistically valid ‘landmark’ event for the city.