The University of Liverpool’s state-of-the-art concert hall, The Tung Auditorium, has unveiled its Spring/Summer 2026 programme, promising another rich and wide-ranging season of live music from 14 January 2026.
Renowned for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional acoustics, The Tung once again delivers a high-calibre line-up that spans classical, jazz, folk, indie, film, and contemporary performance – with something to suit both seasoned concert-goers and curious newcomers.
Classical highlights and world-class performers
The season opens with composer and clarinettist Mark Simpson, performing with his own Wind Ensemble. Baroque specialists La Serenissima bring an evening of virtuosic flair, while celebrated pianist Paul Lewis returns to the Steinway he personally selected for The Tung, launching his global Mozart+ tour.
Elgar enthusiasts are in for a treat, with two standout concerts: the Liverpool Mozart Orchestra perform Elgar’s Violin Concerto alongside Brahms’ Symphony No. 1, while cellist Raphael Wallfisch joins Orchestra dell’Arte for a performance of the much-loved Elgar Cello Concerto.
The Auditorium also welcomes a double appearance from harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani – first in a Bach lecture-recital, followed by performances with Liverpool Philharmonic Ensemble 10:10, who present three boundary-pushing concerts featuring UK premieres.
Jazz, film, indie and creative multimedia
Beyond the classical canon, the programme showcases bold and diverse live experiences. British jazz icon Courtney Pine returns with his acclaimed House of Legends project, while silent-film maestro Neil Brand presents a centenary celebration of Laurel and Hardy, with live improvised accompaniment.
Indie fans can enjoy an intimate evening with Miles Hunt, combining acoustic favourites and storytelling, while the extraordinary Sarah Jane Morris returns with The Sisterhood Volume 2 – a powerful tribute to influential female artists.
Celebrating local talent, Liverpool’s Novelty Island and Credits come together for a truly special one-off event, performing Pet Sounds live on Brian Wilson’s 84th birthday.
Folk favourites and distinctive voices
The spring folk programme brings together some of the most distinctive acts from across the UK and Ireland. Highlights include LYR, led by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage; the return of The Irish House Party with champion musicians and dancers from Dublin; Americana-inspired favourites Police Dog Hogan; and rising star Katherine Priddy.
Free lunchtime concerts and new affiliations
The season also marks the return of the much-loved Yoko Ono Lennon Lunchtime Concert Series – a free weekly programme funded by Yoko Ono Lennon via Spirit Foundations. Often cited as the highlight of the week, the series invites audiences to explore new music across genres including jazz, classical, folk, hip-hop and Indian ragas.
New affiliate organisations are also welcomed for 2026. The Liverpool String Academy, part of Early Music As Education, will collaborate with Thelma Handy for an evening of Baroque favourites. Later in the season, Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats bring a big-band reinterpretation of London Suite by Fats Waller.
The Tung will also continue to showcase emerging musical talent this season, with University of Liverpool Department of Music students performing in special showcases, final-year recitals, lunchtime concerts with guest artists and Liverpool Philharmonic musicians, as well as the Liverpool University Music Society and Symphony Orchestra summer concerts.
A spokesperson from Spirit Foundations said:
“It gives us great pleasure to know the popular Lunchtime Concert Series will continue. Music has power — it can heal, connect, and uplift. By supporting this series, it is our hope that audiences from all backgrounds will continue to experience the joy, inspiration and sense of unity that live music brings. The fact that these concerts remain free and accessible makes this support especially meaningful.”
Richard Hartwell, Artistic Director of The Tung Auditorium said:
“We’ve got the makings of a vintage season this year, and it’s great to be working with artists who we can now consider to be regulars. We also have many new faces, with even more shows to be announced, so watch this space!”
The entire Spring/Summer season is now available to book here.
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