Classic FM extends partnership with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

22 September 2015, 22:26 | Updated: 24 September 2015, 09:12

RLPO principal conductor Vasily Petrenko spoke to Classic FM's Jane Jones backstage at the Royal Albert Hall about extending the partnership between the orchestra and the UK's favourite classical music radio station.

Classic FM and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic have extended their award-winning partnership by a further five years - and principal conductor Vasily Petrenko is delighted.

Speaking to Classic FM's Jane Jones at Classic FM Live, he said: "It’s a privilege for us and a great pleasure to work together with Classic FM and to have an audience not just in Philharmonic Hall but across Great Britain and around the world able to enjoy our music."

Petrenko later conducted the RLPO at Classic FM Live, where the partnership announcement was made on stage. Their 175th anniversary performance included the premiere of the new Nigel Hess piece A Celebration Overture. Petrenko describes the piece as “pure joy".

Classic FM launched its ground-breaking partnership with the RLPO in 2001. The tie-up was the first of its kind for the UK’s biggest classical music brand, and established the RLPO as Classic FM’s Orchestra in the North West of England.

Sam Jackson, managing editor of Classic FM, said: "For the past 14 years, we have been very proud to call the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Classic FM’s Orchestra in the North West of England. Together, we have worked to reach new audiences for classical music and it has been particularly exciting to do so with Vasily Petrenko at the helm of this great ensemble from a great music city. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to championing classical music across the north-west of England and beyond as we extend this fruitful partnership.”

Michael Eakin, chief executive of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, said: “We’re proud of our partnership with Classic FM which continues to make a very real contribution in helping us to build new audiences in Liverpool. Their support has gone hand-in-hand with a genuine interest in the cultural life of our city which they share with their 5.3 million listeners across the UK.”