Performer: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

In Liverpool, an exploration of gay themes makes Gavin Higgins' extensive and virtuoso Clarinet Concerto a work which will surely become a mainstay of concert programmes in years to come. 

The soul-searching of Britten's Cello Symphony, featuring Guy Johnston, finely complements the mystery of the Enigma Variations.

Simone Lamsma is the soloist in Britten’s Violin Concerto, holding the Proms audience in the palm of her hands.

From melancholy moments to pure bravado, Petrenko's White Nights celebration is a triumph for both conductor and violin soloist Johan Dalene. 

The world premiere of Lunar Solar, Roxanna Panufnik’s concerto for oboe, cor anglais and orchestra proves a memorable centrepiece in the RLPO's concert also including symphonies by Weber and Haydn

Frank Dupree’s debut with the RLPO celebrates the 250th anniversary of the USA, with Liverpool audiences treated to sumptuous Copland and barn-storming performances of Gershwin and Duke Ellington.

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.