The Autumn programme for Liverpool’s new, state-of-the-art concert hall, The Tung Auditorium, is now available to book, with British jazz legend Courtney Pine headlining with new material from his forthcoming album, Spirituality.
Courtney will be joined on piano by Zoe Rahman and a string quartet, on September 23, as the duo pick up from where they left off with the release of their much-heralded project, Song (The Ballad Book).
But that’s not all, as the new 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, welcomes a huge variety of performers through its doors for only its second public programme of events.
The Tung Auditorium Artistic Director, Richard Hartwell said: “We are delighted to be able share our autumn season for The Tung Auditorium.
“Since opening in February 2022, we’ve already welcomed thousands of audience members to this incredible new concert hall.
“We’ve stayed true to our word and the series includes orchestral, choral, chamber, jazz, folk and electronica, as well as testing the technical capabilities of the venue with live music for film, and two chamber operas!
“In addition to partnerships with Liverpool Philharmonic, Liverpool Mozart Orchestra and Allerton Brass, we are thrilled to be starting work with Milap on a new series of contemporary and classical Indian music.”
The Milap connection brings Mercury Music Prize winning percussionist, producer and composer Talvin Singh to The Tung on November 18; as well as its Great British Gharana concert series, this time showcasing Prabhat Rao, a highly accomplished classical singer from the Hindustani tradition, on October 5.
Milap CEO and Artistic Director, Alok Nayak said: “We’re thrilled to be part of this new chapter in the University’s history at the Tung Auditorium.
Now we’re bringing some of our most valued events and projects to the partnership, including two national ensembles, SAMYO and TARANG and a series of fantastic performances by some of the best artists of England and around the world. Milap’s work is designed to inspire, educate and entertain and we hope that audiences will love the experiences we bring to the venue!’
The Musical Futures series also returns, featuring Australian new music ensemble, Decibel, on November 23; while South African musician – and University of Liverpool lecturer – Jonathan Crossley, will launch his new album at the Tung on December 2.
Manchester Collective follows up its inaugural season success by collaborating with Finnish superstar violinist, Pekka Kuusisto, on December 11.
Manchester Collective Chief Executive, Adam Szabo said: “The Tung truly is a world-class venue, and we can’t wait to explore everything it is capable of over this season.
“It’s a very special place – the pin-drop acoustics allow us to perform incredibly quiet and intimate music, while also tanking out thrilling climaxes along the way.”
The bumper programme sees ensemble-in-residence the Solem Quartet bring celebrated songwriter, composer, pianist and cellist, Ayanna Witter-Johnson to join them on October 21; performances by affiliate Allerton Brass on October 15 and a special Christmas show on December 10; as well as emerging Liverpool acts, such as 21st Century jazz vocalist, Ni Maxine on September 28; and roots duo, Visions of Albion on October 26.
And that still leaves room for the Northern Film Orchestra to present Frankenstein – Live! on October 29, Glyndebourne Opera to bring new chamber opera, Glass Human on November 26; as well as performances by Ensemble 10:10, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Session Orchestra, Pixels Ensemble, Liverpool Welsh Choral, Joby Burgess, Carlo Mombelli and much, much more.
Richard Hartwell added: “This is the culmination of many years’ hard work and yet it’s just the start of our journey as we build a new destination for live music in Liverpool.
“We strive to make the programme high quality, interesting and diverse, and there are so many more possibilities we want to explore.
“We can’t wait to welcome you to the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre!”
For more information, and to book your tickets, please visit https://thetungauditorium.com/