Take your place as a member of the first public audience to experience live music in the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre’s The Tung Auditorium, as the Spring season of Lunchtime Concerts opens in the University of Liverpool’s new state-of-the-art destination.
The Tung Auditorium, a 400-seat acoustically optimised, flexible, music performance space, capable of facilitating chamber music, vocal groups, electro-acoustic and multi-media work, or up to a 70-piece orchestra, is a major addition to the city’s cultural scene.
And you could be part of the cutting-edge concert hall’s history by joining the first public audience, as the popular, free, Lunchtime Concert Spring series begins on February 2.
The season opens with a performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria from the University’s Staff Choir and Chamber Choir, with Choral Director, Louise Ellinson planning to allow audience members to test out the spectacular acoustics with their own vocal chords.
Welcoming the move to a new home, Dr Helen Thomas, Artistic Coordinator & Public Engagement Officer in the Department of Music, said: “Launching a new Lunchtime Concert Series is always a thrill, but the prospect of listening to musicians in the new Tung Auditorium after two years of almost no live music-making is very exciting indeed.”
The Tung Auditorium Artistic Director, Richard Hartwell (above) said: “It’s fantastic that we have the opportunity to present the University’s well-established Lunchtime Concert series in the new concert hall.
“Whether you are a long-time attendee or have never been before, I would urge you to come and experience a performance in what is definitely one of the finest new venues in the country!”
The Lunchtime Concert series continues on Wednesday, February 9 with multi award-winning British pianist and composer, Rekesh Chauhan and internationally renowned tabla player, Kousic Sen; Wirral Brass Quintet follows on February 16; before five-piece art rock/jazz crossover group, Yaatri take to the stage on February 23.
On March 2, pianist James Kreiling plays Late Scriabin, with a public workshop to follow at 2.30pm. This approach is repeated the following week when Gazelleband oud player, Reem Anbar leads a public workshop in the wake of their performance.
On March 16, the popular Pixels Ensemble return, followed by another favourite – and University Ensemble-in-Residence – The Solem Quartet, accompanied by clarinettist, Mark Simpson, on March 23.
After Easter, on April 27, audiences will be treated to performances of three of Olivier Messiaen’s chamber movements, before the Spring series wraps up with two final concerts of highlights from the Department of Music on the first two Wednesdays in May.
The University of Liverpool’s Lunchtime Concerts series is FREE to attend and takes place in The Tung Auditorium, part of the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, on the corner of Grove Street and Oxford Street. Tickets are available to book from January 17. For more information, please visit https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/music/events/lunchtime-concert-series/