Page 417 - Liverpool Philharmonic 22-23 Season Coverage Book

25 June 2023

A superb Child of Our Time in Liverpool

By Peter Connors,

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s latest concert began with Jamaican-born
British composer Eleanor Alberga’s Tower, a ten-minute piece for string quartet and
orchestra that was premiered in 2017. Alberga wrote it in memory of her friend the violinist
David Angel who had died unexpectedly that year. The title alludes to his being a “tower of
strength”. The opening for solo quartet (RLPO principals) set the lyrical, evocative tone. It
soon became louder and the orchestration richer, sometimes darker and angrier, but the
prevailing lyricism remained and drew us into the piece’s individual sound world. A fine
tribute to a friend.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir
© Mark McNulty (October 2021)