Liverpool Phil is first UK orchestra to restart

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is to resume live performances with audience from October 1.

Each concert will be one hour with no interval. Seating is limited to 240 people, with two-metre social distancing. The orchestra, also be socially distanced on stage, will be limited to 30 players.

There will be 14 one-hour, socially-distanced concerts at Philharmonic Hall from 1 October to 4 November, with more to be announced shortly. Performers include Artist in Residence baritone Roderick Williams and Young Artist in Residence pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason.

Unlike the London orchestras, which are dependent on the South Bank and Barbican to open before they can give concerts, the Phil in Liverpool manages its own hall.

These are its opening events:
Joshua Weilerstein conductor
Thursday 1 October 7.30pm and Sunday 4 October 2.30pm
Mozart Divertimento in D
Shaw Entr’acte for String Orchestra
Ives The Unanswered Question
Beethoven Symphony No. 4

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Andrew Manze conductor
Thursday 8 October 7.30pm and Sunday 11 October 2.30pm
Sibelius Suite, Mignonne
Beethoven Grosse Fuge
Schubert Symphony No. 5