A free, celebratory event with over 400 musicians and singers will take place in Liverpool city centre later this year. Liverpool Cathedral and Maghull Wind Orchestra will present an "unforgettable evening of live music" at 7.30pm on Tuesday, November 3.
Landmark community concert
'Celebration in the City' is described as a "landmark community concert" and will feature a collaboration of military, brass, wind and choral ensembles alongside the majestic sound of Liverpool Cathedral's renowned organ. Performers from across the region will come together on one stage at Liverpool Cathedral to create a night that will give people the opportunity to experience the joy of live music together.
The concert will feature the Liverpool Cathedral Choirs, Maghull Wind Orchestra, The Band of The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, Red Rose Concert Band, St Helens Youth Brass Band, St Helens Concert Band and Wirral Symphonic Wind Band, alongside guest organist Julie-Ann Carr.
Musical directors' vision
Stephen Mannings, Director of Music at Liverpool Cathedral, said: "Liverpool Cathedral has long been a place where music can be experienced in all its richness, and we’re delighted to partner with the Maghull Wind Orchestra to perform alongside our own choirs for this special concert. We look forward to hearing them fill this historic space with music and to share an evening that celebrates the joy of bringing people together."
Phil Shotton, Maghull Wind Orchestra Musical Director, said: "As a conductor, there are few experiences more inspiring than hearing hundreds of musicians and singers perform together with a shared sense of purpose. Celebration in the City will showcase the incredible talent that exists across our region, from young musicians to experienced performers who have dedicated their lives to music. Audiences can expect an uplifting, powerful and memorable evening in one of the country's most iconic musical settings."
Programme and ethos
The programme will showcase the variety of the ensembles involved, featuring world premieres, selections from popular musicals Annie and Oliver! alongside the dramatic spectacle of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. The evening will highlight the impressive acoustics of Liverpool Cathedral and the power of its own organ.
Built around Maghull Wind Orchestra's ethos of "Any Age. Any Ability. No Audition. No Fee", the event will celebrate their belief that music should be inclusive and accessible to everyone, welcoming performers of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Open to audiences of all ages, admission will be free, with voluntary donations supporting the ongoing work of Liverpool Cathedral and Maghull Wind Orchestra.
Community spirit
Very Reverend Dr. Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, said: "To partner with the Maghull Wind Orchestra is a real privilege, and one I’m very much looking forward to. It’s wonderful to see that, after 45 years, the orchestra continues to bring people together through the shared joy of making music. That spirit truly resonates deeply with the ethos of Liverpool Cathedral, making it a pleasure to work closely with them and welcome their audience."
Kate Warrier, Maghull Wind Orchestra Chair, said: "Celebration in the City perfectly reflects everything Maghull Wind Orchestra stands for. We believe that music should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, experience or background. Our philosophy of 'Any Age. Any Ability. No Audition. No Fee' has helped create a thriving musical community, and we are incredibly proud to partner with Liverpool Cathedral to bring together hundreds of performers for this special evening. This concert celebrates not only music, but the power of communities coming together to create something extraordinary."
'Celebration in the City' will take place at Liverpool Cathedral on Tuesday, November 3 at 7:30pm. More information can be found on the Liverpool Cathedral website.
