Artiste: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

After a joyful opener, Julian Bliss stars in Copland's Clarinet Concerto and Agustin Pennino is outstanding in Bernstein. 

In a programme very much rooted in the spirit dance, Britten’s Violin Concerto shines through in Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall. 

Andrew Manze and the RLPO delivered a thrilling evening of bold orchestration, premieres, and unexpected drama — culminating in an incredible performance of Henry Wood’s imaging of Pictures at an Exhibition.

The Reims summer music festival returns this June, and includes appearances from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Nikolai Lugansky, Julia Fischer, Ben Grosvenor and the Percussions de Strasbourg.

At the next general election, the former cellist in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra could become UK Culture Secretary. She tells us about how her musical career has helped her in politics and her desire to rebuild music education.