The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra has announced its 2026/27 season, continuing to shape Liverpool’s identity as England’s only UNESCO City of Music.
Led by Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan in his sixth season, the programme is shaped by major anniversaries, six new commissions, and international collaborations.
At the heart of the season is Hindoyan’s Beethoven Festival, marking 200 years since the composer’s death.
Hindoyan will conduct a complete symphony cycle across five concerts in January, culminating in the “Choral” Symphony No. 9. The season opens on 1 October with Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection” and concludes in July with Orff’s Carmina Burana.
Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan said:
“I am delighted to welcome you to our bold new 2026/27 season, celebrating landmark composers while championing the voices of today.
“From opening with Mahler’s Second Symphony to presenting a complete cycle of Beethoven’s symphonies, this season is a deeply personal journey of passion and ambition.”
New Commissions and Contemporary Highlights
The orchestra welcomes GRAMMY Award-winning Caroline Shaw as its first Composer in Focus.
Her genre-crossing works will feature throughout the year, including a performance of The Observatory in November.
The season also commemorates 50 years since the death of Benjamin Britten.
Highlights include his Cello Symphony featuring soloist Guy Johnston and a performance of his Violin Concerto at the BBC Proms.
Artist in Residence Mark Simpson will premiere a new clarinet concerto by Gavin Higgins, while Liverpool Philharmonic’s contemporary ensemble, 10:10, approaches its 30th anniversary with a focus on British and American repertoire.
Vanessa Reed, Chief Executive of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, said:
“This season reflects everything that defines the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic today: exceptional musical talent, a commitment to new music, and a deep connection to our city and communities.”
World-Class Artists and Made in Merseyside
The 2026/27 lineup includes world-renowned soloists such as cellist Guy Johnston, pianists Víkingur Ólafsson and Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, and bass-baritone Bryn Terfel.
The “Made in Merseyside” series celebrates regional talent through collaborations with Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), Bill Ryder-Jones, and MT Jones.
Pop culture remains a fixture with “May the Fourth Be With You” featuring the music of Star Wars, and the return of “Game On”, a symphonic concert featuring music from The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed.
Family programming includes live-to-picture screenings of How to Train Your Dragon and The Snowman, alongside interactive “Get Singing!” events.
General booking for the new season opens at 10 am on Wednesday 3 June.
The digital programme containing all the season events is available to read here.
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