More than 300 musicians and singers came together at Liverpool Cathedral for an unforgettable Celebration in the City, a spectacular evening of music that ended with two standing ovations.
Held on 3 November, the landmark concert brought together performers of all ages, backgrounds and abilities from across the Liverpool City Region, filling one of the city’s most iconic venues with music and celebrating the extraordinary power of community and collaboration.
Three World Premieres
Led by Maghull Wind Orchestra, the event brought together St Helens Concert Band, St Helens Youth Brass Band, Red Rose Concert Band, Wirral Symphonic Wind Band and Liverpool Cathedral Choir, alongside special guest soloists. The scale of the occasion was matched by an ambitious musical programme featuring three world premieres and the magnificent sound of the Liverpool Cathedral organ, bringing wind, brass, voices and organ together in a memorable celebration of the region’s musical talent.
Two Standing Ovations
The audience responded in style, giving the performers two standing ovations during an evening that showcased not only musical excellence, but what can be achieved when different ensembles, generations and communities come together.
Kate Warriner, Chair of Maghull Wind Orchestra, said:
“It is difficult to put into words just how special the evening was. To see more than 300 musicians and singers coming together in Liverpool Cathedral, performing three world premieres, playing alongside that incredible organ and receiving two standing ovations was just amazing.
“But what made me proudest was what the evening represented. Different bands, generations and communities came together simply because they love making music. It showed what can happen when people collaborate, aim high and create something genuinely inclusive and open to everyone.
“A huge thank you to every musician, singer, conductor, volunteer and supporter who made it possible, to Lady Anne Dodd for her incredibly generous support, and to everyone who came and shared such a memorable evening with us.”
The event was generously supported by Lady Anne Dodd, enabling the concert to be offered free of charge to the local community. Donations were collected during the evening to support future community music-making.
Neal Barnes, Canon at Liverpool Cathedral and Flautist with Maghull Wind Orchestra said:
“Liverpool Cathedral was delighted to host Celebration in the City. To see this extraordinary building filled with hundreds of musicians and singers, and an audience responding with such warmth and enthusiasm, was wonderful.
“The Cathedral has always been a place where people and communities can come together, and this evening captured that spirit beautifully. Music has an extraordinary ability to connect people, and Celebration in the City was a powerful demonstration of the talent, generosity and sense of community we have across our city and region.”
For Maghull Wind Orchestra, the concert continued an almost five-decade tradition of ambitious and inclusive community music-making.
The orchestra has performed at venues including Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and Liverpool Cathedral, combining high musical standards with a strong commitment to community and charitable causes. Over the past decade alone, the orchestra has helped to raise more than £20,000 for charity.
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