Page 362 - Liverpool Philharmonic 22-23 Season Coverage Book

The Orchestra under leadership of Thelma Handy and Chorusmaster Ian Tracey performed over seventy

concerts last season in its acoustically perfect, prestigious home of the Concert Hall within the Liverpool

Philharmonic Theatre. It is of no wonder that RLPO achieved esteemed accolades such as:Gramophone

Orchestral Recording of the Year and the BBC Music Magazine Award. They are also in concert demand to

collate with classical and popular musical artists.

The evening was presented and kept to timings by Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason who did a sterling job filling

time with anecdotes and poetry readings between performances. She embodied the true meaning of

Christmas with tales of wonderment, family squabbles and the joy and magic of Christmas through the

eyes of a parent. She enthusiatically introduced the concert’s Christmas gift of Artist in Residence Pacho

Flores, who is a sublime accomplished trumpet player with international acclaim. Flores gave an

unbelievable performance which enthralled the audience with awe and astonishment. His versatility to

switch trumpets, take the lead on numerous songs and return to play an integral role as part of the brass

section was captivating. The high calibre of this artist epitomises the great demand he is in around the

world. Astonishingly, he still finds time to play in and ultimately win, many competitions.

The Liverpool Philharmonic Choir and Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir were also exquisitely

sublime, evoking emotions with their searing voices. Simon Emery Artistic director of the youth choir

enthusiastically conductings his tutees and clapped like a proud parent during their final bow. He has

done a wonderful job and clearly has created stars of the future who will no doubt graduate to become

members of the main choir.

Ian Tracey has been conducting the Christmas concerts since 1986. He is a seasoned professional who is

liked and respected by artists and audiences alike.Having also held the position of Liverpool Cathedral
Conductor plus, receiving an honorary doctorate, University of Liverpool for his contribution to music, he

was also appointed to the position of Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside. It is further astonishing that he
has the time to meet the great demand as an organ recitalist around the Uk, Europe and USA. not to

mention record,teach,write and lecture in music.