The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Chief Conductor, Vasily Petrenko will perform Prom 53 at the BBC Proms, the world’s greatest classical music festival, at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Thursday, 25 August.
Prom 53 includes the world premiere of Liverpool composer Emily Howard’s Torus: Concerto for Orchestra which is a BBC Proms and Liverpool Philharmonic 175th anniversary commission. The concert also features Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1 and Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 3, signature Russian repertoire for which together, Petrenko and Liverpool Philharmonic have achieved international critical acclaim for their interpretations.
‘The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic again proves itself the best interpreter of Russian music outside Russia.’ The Financial Times, 5*
Now in her mid-thirties, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s world premiere in 2008 of Magnetite cemented Emily Howard’s reputation as one of the most notable voices in British new music. As in so much of her music, Torus draws its inspiration from Howard’s interest in and knowledge of the worlds of science and mathematics.
‘Howard’s work to date suggests a level of sophistication well beyond her years.’ The Financial Times
For their performance of Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will be joined by the internationally acclaimed Norwegian cellist Truls Mørk.
‘Mørk’s cello playing, delicate yet forceful, is a treat in itself.’ The Daily Telegraph
Vasily Petrenko took up the baton in Liverpool as Principal Conductor in 2006. Ten years on and now Chief Conductor, this August date is Petrenko’s fifth BBC Prom with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra with whom he made his Proms debut during Liverpool’s Capital of Culture Year in 2008.
Their Prom in 2012 was The Sunday Times Classical Concert of the Year; and of their Prom in 2014, The Guardian said: ‘Petrenko and his players went for the material with unstinting relish… a virtuoso performance.’
On their performance at the BBC Proms 2016, Michael Eakin, Chief Executive of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic said: ‘The BBC Proms brings together the world’s greatest artists, orchestras and composers, so it’s always a cause for celebration to be part of this unique, two-month festival of music. With a global audience of millions, the Proms are a wonderful showcase for the thrilling musical partnership between Vasily Petrenko and our musicians, forged in Liverpool over ten years.’