Beloved Liverpool actress Patricia Routledge to make stage appearance at Tung Auditorium

Liverpool’s state-of-the-art, world-class concert hall, The Tung Auditorium has today (Wednesday 13 December) launched its Spring/Summer programme of events for 2024 featuring Dame Patricia Routledge plus a variety of concerts across the genres.

The Merseyside actress and University of Liverpool alumna, best known for her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC comedy series, Keeping Up Appearances, will feature in a special event on Saturday 23 March. In conversation with journalist and presenter Edward Seckerson, Dame Patricia will reminisce on her spectacular career both in television and musical theatre in both the UK and USA.

But that’s not all. From Bach to the Beatles, the eclectic line-up at the Tung features something for everyone as the 400 seat, acoustically optimised, flexible music performance space welcomes a huge variety of performers through its doors for its latest public programme of events.

This season’s programme opens on Wednesday 31 January with the return of the much-loved free lunchtime concert series. The first concert in the series will feature immersive electronic music and experimental audio-visual work from University of Liverpool staff and students.

For International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March, critically-acclaimed vocalist Sarah Jane Morris returns to The Tung to present The Sisterhood Project: celebrating 10 women that blazed their own musical trails. From Kate Bush to Joni Mitchell, Morris’ remarkable rendition is one not to be missed.

Other highlights from the programme include BBC Lifetime Achievement Award winners Fairport Convention. The band that launched British folk-rock half a century ago will take to the Tung for the Liverpool leg of their upcoming tour on Saturday 10 February.

The University of Liverpool’s Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Choir and UNIty Choir will perform in their annual collaborative concert, featuring some of the world’s best-loved choruses on Sunday 5 May.

Later in the year, the BBC’s Bob Harris and author/music journalist Colin Hall will host an intimate talk based around their love and appreciation of The Beatles on Saturday 25 May.

In June the Solem Quartet will collaborate with Iranian kamancheh player, Faraz Eshghi for the conclusion of their Beethoven Bartók Now series, bringing together the late quartets of Beethoven and the quartets of Bartók, uniquely reimagined for a modern-day audience.

The Tung Auditorium Artistic Director, Richard Hartwell said:

“It is hugely exciting to be able to announce the Spring/Summer programme for our wonderful concert hall, The Tung Auditorium.

“As we approach our second anniversary in March 2024, we’re delighted to launch such a varied programme, continuing our collaborations with prestigious local organisations such as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. We welcome back favourites who’ve performed with us over the past two years, such as American countertenor Reginald Mobley, as well as a diverse range of new artists.

“Whilst the current cold weather outside may not lend itself to thinking about the summer, we hope that our new programme gives everyone something to look forward to for the new year – and tickets to our concerts can make the perfect Christmas gift!

“We look forward to welcoming you to The Tung soon.”

Professor Lisa Colton, Head of Music at the University of Liverpool said: “In the Department of Music we’re really looking forward to the upcoming season at The Tung, including several concerts designed to inspire the professional musicians of the future.

“The Singtastic! lunchtime concert on Wednesday 20 March welcomes 150 primary school pupils to a lively performance in our world-class venue, run by our Choral Director Louise Ellinson. Ruth Minton, a professional pianist and Lecturer in our Department will also offer A-level students the chance to hear romantic works from their syllabus live on Wednesday 21 February.

“The Department of Music’s cutting-edge research is on show in Audio-Vision, featuring electronic works by Wendy Smith and Oli Carman, while our undergraduate and postgraduate performers will also work alongside professional musicians from the Solem Quartet and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. It’s a really exciting season ahead!”

Michael Eakin, Chief Executive of Liverpool Philharmonic said: “We are thrilled to be doing more concerts at The Tung Auditorium in 2024. Ensemble 10:10 continues its residency and we’re also presenting concerts featuring the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company and students from In Harmony. This work builds on a wide and active partnership between the University and Liverpool Philharmonic, encompassing concert activity, education and teaching, and the Music Management MA.”

The Tung Auditorium is part of the University of Liverpool and is situated on the corner of Grove Street and Oxford Street. To view the Spring/Summer 2024 programme, and to book your tickets, please visit the website here.