The Rite of Spring

The evening opens with Britten’s Suite on English Folk Tunes, which collects traditional melodies into a series of five short, distinct sections. You will notice a shift from the light-hearted playfulness of the early movements to a more sombre, reflective conclusion. Following this, the orchestra presents the world premiere of a new Clarinet Concerto by Gavin Higgins. This work is a joint commission by the society and features the soloist as a central voice. We recommend listening for how the clarinet interacts with the larger ensemble in this contemporary setting. The performance concludes with Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. This work remains famous for its aggressive, irregular rhythms and dense layering of woodwind and brass. You will hear the opening bassoon solo in a high register, leading into a series of ritualistic dances that rely on heavy percussion and sudden shifts in tempo, creating a sound that feels both ancient and modern.

Adam Hickox leads the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, an ensemble known for its extensive history and deep roots in the North West. The orchestra regularly presents both standard repertoire and significant new commissions at their home in the city. They are joined by soloist Mark Simpson, a musician who is recognised for his skill on the clarinet and his dedication to performing new music. Together, they demonstrate the ensemble's reputation for technical precision and their ongoing commitment to bringing recently composed works to the concert stage alongside established orchestral masterpieces.

This orchestral concert takes place at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, a venue located in the heart of Liverpool. With a programme that includes a world premiere and a major twentieth-century classic, it is a suitable choice if you are interested in how orchestral music has evolved over the last hundred years. There is no specific dress code for this event, and we suggest arriving early to find your seat in this historic space. The running time has not been confirmed, but the evening is structured as a standard three-work programme.