The University of Liverpool’s Yoko Ono Lennon Centre is celebrating its first anniversary with a critically-acclaimed performance from Sarah Jane Morris and the Solis String Quartet in the world-class concert hall, The Tung Auditorium.
One year on from the grand opening of the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre by Sean Ono Lennon, Liverpool will be treated to an audial magical mystery tour with ‘All You Need is Love’ – an extraordinary re-invention of the songs which quickened the senses and transformed popular music back in the 1960s.
This fabulous rendition of songs from The Beatles will showcase Sarah Jane’s four octave range from booming baritone to poignant soprano, combined with the funky, dramatic, sonic factory of a contemporary string quartet at the height of their powers.
As well as providing the latest teaching facilities, including the 600-seat Paul Brett Lecture Theatre, the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre is home to 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.
The Tung Auditorium has already proven itself as a major addition to the city’s cultural scene. In just one year, Liverpool’s latest cultural landmark has issued over 20,000 tickets, held 91 concerts and events and hosted more than 900 performers including Courtney Pine and Eliza Carthy.
Richard Hartwell, Artistic Director at the Tung Auditorium, said: “It’s been a fantastic first year at The Tung Auditorium. It’s been an honour to showcase an eclectic programme of solo, chamber, choral and orchestral performances as well as a variety of jazz, folk, pop, electro-acoustic and experimental music.
“It’s great that we’ve also formed partnerships with some fantastic local organisations including Liverpool Philharmonic and Allerton Brass, Milap and Liverpool Mozart Orchestra.
“We’ve had some great feedback from our audiences so far about the cutting-edge sound quality at The Tung and we look forward to welcoming many more people through our doors for more fantastic musical, creative and cultural experiences in years to come.”
Picture by Gareth Jones
University of Liverpool students have also been at the heart of The Tung’s first year journey with 126 students embracing the opportunity to perform at a unique venue.
Teaching, learning and research have been an integral part of The Tung’s offer to the University community with both staff and students having the opportunity to showcase their work and research, Music Department performance assessments taking place in the auditorium and students gaining vital behind-the-scenes experience through placements and internship roles.
The Liverpool University Music Society (LUMS) has also used The Tung for a number of fantastic live performances and looks forward to hosting a celebration of Euro-pop through the ages on Saturday 6 May, to celebrate Liverpool hosting Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine.
The Yoko Ono Lennon Centre is named in honour of Yoko Ono Lennon, Honorary graduate of the University (Hon LLD 2001), campaign ambassador and long-standing philanthropic supporter.
Richard added: “If you haven’t had the chance to get along to The Tung Auditorium yet – please come and see us soon. We’re in the middle of a fabulous programme of events including a special performance for our first birthday from Sarah Jane Morris and the Solis String Quartet. Do get your tickets booked.”
Sarah Jane Morris and the Solis String Quartet will be performing their show ‘All You Need is Love’ on Saturday 25 March at 7.30pm at the Tung Auditorium in the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre (situated on the corner of Grove Street and Oxford Street). Buy your tickets here: All You Need is Love | The Tung Auditorium.