The programme for Liverpool’s brand new, state-of-the-art concert hall, The Tung Auditorium has launched, with internationally regarded pianist – and son of the city – Paul Lewis, headlining the inaugural Spring season.
One of the leading musicians of his generation, Paul Lewis will return to the city of his birth for a special Steinway Piano Recital – performed on the instrument he selected – on March 29.
The Tung Auditorium looks forward to welcoming a huge variety of performers through its doors for its first public programme of events. The new 400 seat auditorium is an acoustically optimised, flexible music space, capable of facilitating a variety of performances including chamber music, vocal groups, electro-acoustic and multi-media work, all the way up to 70-piece orchestra.
EXCEPTIONAL SPACE
Richard Hartwell, The Tung Auditorium Artistic Director, said, “We’ve got a real Liverpool and North West focus over the next few months, and it’s fantastic that within the programme we already have several co-promotions with prestigious local organisations, from the Liverpool Philharmonic, to Milap and Parrjazz.
“This concert hall is designed to be an exceptional space for classical music, but its versatile design allows us to do so much more, so we will be capitalising on this with a wide and varied programme.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The programme opened on February 2 with Liverpool University’s hugely popular, free Lunchtime Concert series, before the evening shows begin on March 5, with the first of the Musical Futures showcase featuring acoustic, mixed and electroacoustic performers, composers and curators Distractfold.
On April 9, The Tung Auditorium welcomes former The Coral lead guitarist, Bill Ryder-Jones, for a special one one-off performance of tracks from his solo album Yawny Yawn, accompanied by a string quartet.
Other highlights include Legacy and Nine Dragons double bill – part of the Musical Futures series – on April 29; the intense and thrilling jazz four-piece, My Iris, featuring saxophonist, Trish Clowes on April 30; Manchester Collective bring a chamber orchestra project on June 17; and a celebration of 20 years of big band from Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats, on July 2.
The new concert hall, situated on the corner of Grove Street and Oxford Street, will also be the home of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s contemporary music group, Ensemble 10/10, while the Solem Quartet will continue in their role as University of Liverpool ensemble in residence.
Professor Catherine Tackley, Head of the University of Liverpool’s Department of Music, said: “The Tung Auditorium is a very special space which will make a huge impact on the University community and the City.
“The richness and diversity of the launch season makes a fantastic contribution to Liverpool’s cultural offering and we are looking forward to welcoming audiences from far and wide in the coming weeks and months.”
The Tung Auditorium appointed two community affiliate organisations, Allerton Brass and Liverpool Mozart Orchestra (LMO), with LMO debuting on May 14 with a programme of Beethoven.
For full listings and tickets, visit tungauditorium.com
