A HISTORIC concert room in St George’s Hall is to act as an overspill venue for live music events organised by the Liverpool Philharmonic through the autumn and into Capital of Culture year.

The programme for the 480-seat concert room features chamber music, folk, roots, jazz and contemporary music.

St George’s Hall reopened in April after a £23m refurbishment, with the concert room being restored to its original neo-classical splendour.

Events start this weekend as part of the Cains Liverpool Irish Festival, to be followed by a season of live music programmed by the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

As well as classical recitals, a strong line-up of jazz, blues, folk and roots artists are booked to appear throughout the 2007/8 concert season.

These include the folk-punk hybrid, Oysterband, who will present an acoustic set, and the Buena Vista Social Club pianist, Roberto Fonseca.

Female jazz artists include Brazilian singer Joyce, a favourite of DJ Gilles Peterson, and Claire Martin, who will be singing her trademark cocktail of standards, swing and lesser-known gems.

Liverpool Phil’s new music group Ensemble 10/10, and the Phil’s Rodewald chamber music series also have more dates scheduled at the concert room following previous sell-outs.

As part of the Cains Liverpool Irish Festival, which concludes this weekend, musicians Mike McGoldrick and Emer Mayock will bring their traditional Irish flute and whistle playing to the concert room on Saturday.

The award-winning Cara Dillon will perform at the hall on Sunday with Sam Lakeman accompanying her on piano.

Liverpool city council leader Warren Bradley said: “St George's Concert Room has the potential to be one of the UK’s finest and best- known performance venues and this is why we are working with the Phil to present a world-class programme that will showcase local and international talent. “The Phil’s programming skill and experience, as well as its knowledge of the Liverpool audience, will greatly enhance what is already a shining jewel in the crown of Liverpool’s cultural scene.

“St George’s Concert Room – along with the Great Hall and new Heritage Centre – will impact on the culture of the city indefinitely and, as such, serves as a fine example of the legacy of being European Capital of Culture.”

Lorraine Rogers, chairman of the Royal Liverpool Philhar-monic, added: “Whether it’s jazz or chamber music, folk or blues, audiences can be assured of a great experience in St George’s Concert Room, which is a beautiful, unique and welcome addition to live music venues in Liverpool.” St George's Hall was reopened by HRH Prince Charles on April 23, after a 10-year refurbishment of the Grade I- listed building.

Principal funders were the Heritage Lottery Fund, Liverpool city council, St George’s Hall Trustees, World Monument Fund and European Union.

Tickets and information on all the concerts are available from the Philharmonic Hall box office on 0151 709 3789, or at www.liverpoolphil.com.

alanweston