And the Music Plays Again

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra has made a stunning return to its newly refurbished home.

Thursday night saw their return to the Philharmonic Hall in front of a sell-out opening night crowd. Vasily Petrenko conducted a programme that included Debussy's Ibéria, James Horner's Double Concerto and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No.5.

Although the second phase of the Hall's refurbishment will not be completed until 2015, the front of house has been handsomely reworked to reflect many of the design intentions of the original 1939, Grade II listed structure. The refurbishment, unveiled last week for the beloved orchestra's 175th season, rearranges existing volumes to make better use of the space.

Designed by Caruso St John with engineers Max Fordham, the refurbishment project included both structural and environmental improvements to the historic buildings.

Phase two of the refurbishment, with the inclusion of a new, smaller venue, is scheduled to open in the summer of 2015. The £13.8 million funding for the restoration was awarded partly from the Arts Council England, with a noteworthy contribution from Liverpool City Council and further funding received from individual donors, trusts and foundations.