On Friday 22nd August, David and I with deck chairs in hand went to see the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra play at Sefton Park as part of this years Liverpool International Music Festival.
We had been part of the crowd during last years concert in the park and this year I wanted to see them again, though I was not as excited. I think the novelty of last years concert had worn off as this year I knew what to expect.
I was surprised to see Classic FM’s Jamie Crick as host again. He was dressed in a bright red suit, you couldn’t miss him!
Jamie Crick
Though Autumn had arrived unseasonally early, David and I braved the cold wind and sat amongst the swelling crowd as the RLPO took to the stage yet again. They played movie soundtracks such as John William’s Jaws and the theme from Indiana Jones to festival favourites penned by Offenbach, Strauss and Delibes!
Sadly they only played for half an hour (I would have preferred longer!), as the second half of the concert was given over to the Lightning Seeds (a Liverpool band) who would sing ten or so of their songs accompanied by the beautiful rich sound of the RLPO.
If you were a Lightning Seeds fan then you would have enjoyed the set. I however grew rather bored. I only knew two of their songs and the rest sounded ‘samey’! I wanted to see the fireworks finale and when they came they were not to the standard of last years 1812 Overture. They were fired off to Lou Reed’s It’s a Perfect Day. Nice song but crap finale! The only highlight was that the accompanying flames were warming from the frosty chill of the night!
The event was free so there was very little to complain about really. It looked like people were enjoying themselves! Some were clinging to one another dancing and others popping champaign bottles. If the RLPO play at next years festival, David and I will undoubtedly be part of the crowd yet again!
Christine Lucas 